The concept of debt consolidation counseling has been around for over a decade. However, only over the past few years with the economy quickly spiraling downward and families living on credits has it become a viable option for so many people. If this is something you are considering, be sure you understand all your options first.
Once you decide you might want to research your options in this regard, you’re probably already behind on payments and in serious trouble. Maybe you have even tried to contact your lenders and credit card companies to discuss your problem and ask for the payment and interest options and they probably ignored your pleas.
There are professional debt consolidation services out there that can help. Some are non-profit organizations that do nothing much other than to provide your forms and telephone scripts so that you can deal more effectively with your lenders. Some even offer free credit counseling services although if you’re at the point of being in severe trouble, you’re well past the point that credit counseling will help solve your current problem.
Many organizations calls themselves ‘credit consolidation services’ but their services vary greatly from one to another. There are also many scammers out there who promise to help but end up causing you more problems than you had before. Don’t sign anything and don’t hand over personal information until you at least check the local Better Business Bureau for past reports of questionable activities.
Next, make certain they are viable businesses. All companies need to register their business with the state they are in. These businesses are listed on each state’s website. If you don’t find a company listed there, it’s because they don’t want to be found and tracked. It’s simple to have a website, use a fake address and a non-traceable cell phone number. Just because someone has a website doesn’t mean they have a legitimate business.
Your goal in hiring a firm to help manage your debts is to reduce your monthly payments to a manageable sum, while retaining control over your income. These services aren’t free, but they should usually be based on a sum of your new monthly debt. If they are asking you for long-term membership fees, down payments, or anything like that, run.
When they get agreement from one of your creditors to restructure your loan, ask for proof. Too many companies do nothing at all, then tell you your new payment. Once you start paying that lower amount, you could be shocked at what happens next, and even worse, the company you hired won’t return calls or emails because they got what they wanted ‘ your initial deposit.
Find a reliable debt consolidation company to help. Be sure to get proof for each new deal they negotiate with a creditor and pay each bill yourself each month. Don’t just take their word for it; you want to see your new interest rate and monthly payment for each company on your new consolidation program.
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