| Living paycheck to paycheck? Worried about debt collectors? Can't seem to develop a workable budget, let alone save money for retirement? If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider the services of a
Credit Counseling Agency. Many Credit Counseling Agency are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But beware - just because an agency says it is "nonprofit" doesn't guarantee that its services are free or affordable, or that its services are legitimate. In fact, some
Credit Counseling Agency charge high fees, some of which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make "voluntary" contributions that cause them to fall deeper into debt. Most
Credit Counseling Agency offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
Reputable Credit Counseling Agency. Advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and usually offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions. A reputable
Credit Counseling Agency should send you free information about itself and the services it provides without requiring you to provide any details about your situation. If a firm doesn't do that, consider it a red flag and go elsewhere for help.
Once you've developed a list of potential
Credit Counseling Agency. Check them out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if consumers have filed complaints about them. (If they don't have complaints about them, it's not a guarantee that they're legitimate.) Then, it's time for you to interview the final "candidates." If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a
Credit Counseling Agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan. A DMP alone is
Credit Counseling Agency. And DMPs are not for everyone. Consider signing on for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. |
