Ameen Kamadia asked:


Many people see the advertisements for consumer credit counseling (CCC)and wonder if it can really help them get out of debt and avoid situations such as foreclosure. Consumer credit counseling (CCC) may not directly help avoid a foreclosure, but there are some advantages to contacting an agency.

A credit counseling agency (CCC) can help individuals who are in financial trouble by teaching them how to budget their money and have experience communicating with lenders. Because of the agency experience and knowledge in the field, sometimes credit counselors can help debtors find solutions that they might not have otherwise realized. Many times a credit counselor can help minimize penalties and negotiate lower payments with lenders. They can also help to settle your debt for less than what is due on some occasions.

Consumer credit counseling (CCC) agencies can help you get your finances on track, but it if considering this option, it is extremely important to find the right agency. There are several important things to look for as many people are falling for scams daily. Believe it or not, there are some agencies out there who are strictly in business for a profit and some who even try to scam their clients. A non-profit agency may be less likely to be running scams, but this is not a guarantee in and of itself.

Look for an agency that gives a full account of what charges and fees you can expect up front. And if you know someone who has used an agency, look for recommendations. Sometimes the best way to find out if something is what it seems is to ask someone who as already been there. Also, many agencies may be recommended or certified by a third party. Consider these agencies first above others and ask questions about what to expect. Doing the research can keep you out of trouble.

Many counseling agencies work by asking that you make a monthly payment to them. They then distribute the money as they see fit to debtors. It is important to keep in mind that if you choose to use a consumer credit counseling agency and to make regular payments to them, you are still liable for the debt you have incurred.

What this means in application is that even if you make your payment to the agency, the agency could fall behind in making your payments, or in the worst case scenario, they might not make them at all. Even if this is the case, you are still responsible for making those payments. To avoid these types of scams, check with the Better Business Bureau before trusting a consumer credit counseling (CCC) agency. And even then, it would be a wise idea to check your credit report on a monthly basis to make sure there is nothing there that you are not already aware of.

While consumer credit counseling agencies (CCC) may be helpful and a suitable solution for those who are not money-minded, many of the services rendered through one of these agencies can be done just easily on your own if you are savvy enough to do the research and stay on top of things. Communication with lenders is the key concern in avoiding poor credit situations and foreclosure.



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