|
Credit Card and Debt Consolidation
Looking for accurate and honest credit counseling
information? Get the facts from this credit card and
debt consolidation article below.
Credit Counseling Information—What You Should Know
About Consumer Credit Counseling Services
Consumer Credit Counseling services are viewed by
many as a favorable alternative to bankruptcy. Most
of them promise to get consumers completely out of
debt in 5 years or less. These programs can be
helpful if the consumer can make the monthly payment
on time and if the credit counseling company follows
through with the promises it makes to the consumer.
If you are
considering signing up with a credit
counseling service, there are a few
things you should know. Whether or not
they are a non-profit agency, many
credit counseling services charge a
substantial upfront fee that is not
applied to the consumer's debts. This
fee can be hundreds or even thousands of
dollars. Additionally, credit counseling
services usually charge a monthly fee
that is not applied to the consumer's
debts.
Before signing up with
a credit counseling service, read the contract
thoroughly so you'll understand exactly how much the
program will cost you. Also, it is a good idea to
get the monthly payment amount in writing and to
make sure that the payment is an amount you can
afford. It doesn't matter if a credit counseling
service gets your interest rate lowered and
eliminates your fees if they charge you more for
their service than you save. Also, note that credit
counseling doesn't work the same way as debt
consolidation.
If you are having
difficulty coming up with your minimum monthly
payments, then a credit counseling service may not
be right for you. The monthly payments through
credit counseling are usually higher because the
goal is to get you out of debt at an accelerated
rate.
A common complaint
about credit counseling services is that some of
them don't make the consumer's payments on time.
This results not only in late fees but also
results in a damaged credit rating. Most credit
counseling companies report your enrollment with
them to the credit bureaus, which is also bad
for your credit rating.
Many credit
counseling services are actually working more
for your creditors than for you. These companies
get a commission from your creditors, plus they
charge you a monthly fee.
It is
advisable to shop around for the best
program if you believe that a credit
counseling service could help you. Beware of
companies that won't allow you to review the
contract and won't give you the figures in
writing. Also, beware of high pressure sales
tactics. If you feel you are being
pressured, that company is not the right
one. Check the
Better
Business Bureau to see if
a lot of complaints have been made against
the company you are considering.
Taken from:
http://www.woodcox.net
|