Archive for August, 2010
Consumer Credit Counseling – Does it Work?
Natalia Kobseva asked:
Consumer credit counseling: let us discuss these debt relief programs and also discuss on whether or not they or do not work; whether or not they are or are not effective; and whether or not there are suitable alternatives to consumer credit counseling.
First and foremost, this type of program is more than the name implies. It is foolish and foolhardy to accept this is only a matter of “counseling”. Because this is not so. Not so at all. For if we can expect this to only be counseling, then I, my friend have a quite nice bridge in the city of Brooklyn that is for sale on eBay. Do you understand this metaphor?
For with consumer credit counseling, these people take action. They make plans. They examine. They make a formula and strategy for the people in debt to become debt free. And isn’t this really more than simply to counsel? I say a mighty and emphatic “Yes we can!”
If one finds themselves behind the 9 ball when it comes to owing money to banks and credit card companies, in debt we shall say, then one is truly sorrowful. But if one can resurrect one’s finances and pull one’s self out of the valley of debt despair, then one has truly achieved something magnificent and worth crowing about. And this is a feather in our hat and our robe.
So let us consider debt consolidation. The consolidating of debts is quite useful for the purpose of paying off debt and becoming a slave no longer to debt.
Martin
Consumer credit counseling: let us discuss these debt relief programs and also discuss on whether or not they or do not work; whether or not they are or are not effective; and whether or not there are suitable alternatives to consumer credit counseling.
First and foremost, this type of program is more than the name implies. It is foolish and foolhardy to accept this is only a matter of “counseling”. Because this is not so. Not so at all. For if we can expect this to only be counseling, then I, my friend have a quite nice bridge in the city of Brooklyn that is for sale on eBay. Do you understand this metaphor?
For with consumer credit counseling, these people take action. They make plans. They examine. They make a formula and strategy for the people in debt to become debt free. And isn’t this really more than simply to counsel? I say a mighty and emphatic “Yes we can!”
If one finds themselves behind the 9 ball when it comes to owing money to banks and credit card companies, in debt we shall say, then one is truly sorrowful. But if one can resurrect one’s finances and pull one’s self out of the valley of debt despair, then one has truly achieved something magnificent and worth crowing about. And this is a feather in our hat and our robe.
So let us consider debt consolidation. The consolidating of debts is quite useful for the purpose of paying off debt and becoming a slave no longer to debt.
Martin
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
baddebtconsolidation asked:
www.instantbaddebtconsolidation.com -Get the help you deserve right now right here
Emma
Credit Counselors May Offer Sound Debt Consolidation Information
John Campbell asked:
Each month you seem to sink deeper into debt. Balancing your checkbook has become a nightmare and it’s getting more difficult to pay your bills with each passing week. You would like to consolidate your debts but have no idea where to begin or what debt consolidation plans are right for you.
If what you just read sounds like something you’ve been thinking recently, you really need to consider utilizing the services of a reputable consumer credit counseling agency.
The best agencies hire professionally certified and trained credit counselors who can sit down with you and pore over your finances in detail. The goal of any reputable agency is to educate and empower you with the financial knowledge to budget your money, pay your bills on time and reduce your debt. These agencies can also provide you with a wealth of information on debt consolidation plans that may fit your own specific needs.
You will want some assurance that the advice and information you’re being given by an agency is sound. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends you check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB), any local consumer protection agencies or your state Attorney General for any complaints on file against credit counseling agencies you are considering working with. Avoid any agencies that have complaints against them on file.
A lack of complaints is no guarantee of satisfaction or affordable service, however. Some agencies may try to charge you a hefty fee for the information and services they provide. Even utilizing the services of a so-called nonprofit credit counseling organization will not provide you with any guarantee of reduced rates or free services.
Before you decide to work with any credit counseling agency you need to find out the various fees they may charge for their services. As a general rule of thumb, you should stay away from any agencies that want to charge you for information. The best agencies will give you free information with no strings attached and will put any promises, guarantees or service quotes in writing.
Credit counseling agencies can be an exceptional resource you can use to help work through financial difficulties and debts that are becoming too overwhelming. As long as you keep in mind what to look for and what to look out for in an agency, you’ll be taking the first step towards getting back on track financially.
Troy
Each month you seem to sink deeper into debt. Balancing your checkbook has become a nightmare and it’s getting more difficult to pay your bills with each passing week. You would like to consolidate your debts but have no idea where to begin or what debt consolidation plans are right for you.
If what you just read sounds like something you’ve been thinking recently, you really need to consider utilizing the services of a reputable consumer credit counseling agency.
The best agencies hire professionally certified and trained credit counselors who can sit down with you and pore over your finances in detail. The goal of any reputable agency is to educate and empower you with the financial knowledge to budget your money, pay your bills on time and reduce your debt. These agencies can also provide you with a wealth of information on debt consolidation plans that may fit your own specific needs.
You will want some assurance that the advice and information you’re being given by an agency is sound. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends you check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB), any local consumer protection agencies or your state Attorney General for any complaints on file against credit counseling agencies you are considering working with. Avoid any agencies that have complaints against them on file.
A lack of complaints is no guarantee of satisfaction or affordable service, however. Some agencies may try to charge you a hefty fee for the information and services they provide. Even utilizing the services of a so-called nonprofit credit counseling organization will not provide you with any guarantee of reduced rates or free services.
Before you decide to work with any credit counseling agency you need to find out the various fees they may charge for their services. As a general rule of thumb, you should stay away from any agencies that want to charge you for information. The best agencies will give you free information with no strings attached and will put any promises, guarantees or service quotes in writing.
Credit counseling agencies can be an exceptional resource you can use to help work through financial difficulties and debts that are becoming too overwhelming. As long as you keep in mind what to look for and what to look out for in an agency, you’ll be taking the first step towards getting back on track financially.
Troy
Consumer Credit Counseling Services In Colorado Providing Debt Relief Help
Ann Richter asked:
People in Colorado are lucky in that they have a plethora of consumer credit counseling services available to them as an aid to getting their finances back on track. These services are needed now more than ever before. Credit card use – and abuse – is on the rise as people are depending more and more heavily on the cards in their possession.
Where once a credit card was used only in an emergency, or to finance a big or important purchase such as a set of living room furniture or a diamond engagement ring, today’s consumers are using their credit cards for their everyday living expenses such as a latte at Starbuck’s or a box set of “Get Smart” DVDs. It’s no wonder that so many people are finding themselves in financial trouble as they accumulate more and more debt.
Help Is Available
That’s where consumer credit counseling services come into the picture. Once consumers find out exactly what these companies can do for their financial problems, they are welcomed with open arms. People need someone to walk them through a solution to their problems. Many households are able to only pay the minimum balance due on their cards, and the high interest rates eat up most of that, leaving very little to go toward the principal. And, with the spending habits so many Americans have gotten themselves into, that minimum payment is almost like paying nothing at all.
Credit counseling services offer free consultation to harried Colorado consumers. Most will decide that debt consolidation is the solution for them, and with good reason. This option saves them money while at the same time, combining all of their credit card payments into one monthly payment that is almost always lower that the sum total of the bill amounts that they have been paying previously.
Colorado counselors can help their clients create a budget that is suitable for their household and their circumstances, teach them how to more efficiently manage their money, and prove to them that with a little diligence and care, they can take the reins and be in full control of their finances now and in the future.
If for some reason you are nervous about going into the offices of the credit counselors and discussing your personal business with a relative stranger, you have the privilege of telephone counseling. This is preferred by many people, especially busy business people, who are happy to discuss their finances on their lunch hour via the phone, instead of having to keep an after work appointment.
Colorado consumer credit counseling services have a goal to help the people of their state to learn about money management and how to best resolve their credit card woes. Financial difficulties have become a thing of the past for many families who have taken advantage of the marvelous services available to them.
Roberta
People in Colorado are lucky in that they have a plethora of consumer credit counseling services available to them as an aid to getting their finances back on track. These services are needed now more than ever before. Credit card use – and abuse – is on the rise as people are depending more and more heavily on the cards in their possession.
Where once a credit card was used only in an emergency, or to finance a big or important purchase such as a set of living room furniture or a diamond engagement ring, today’s consumers are using their credit cards for their everyday living expenses such as a latte at Starbuck’s or a box set of “Get Smart” DVDs. It’s no wonder that so many people are finding themselves in financial trouble as they accumulate more and more debt.
Help Is Available
That’s where consumer credit counseling services come into the picture. Once consumers find out exactly what these companies can do for their financial problems, they are welcomed with open arms. People need someone to walk them through a solution to their problems. Many households are able to only pay the minimum balance due on their cards, and the high interest rates eat up most of that, leaving very little to go toward the principal. And, with the spending habits so many Americans have gotten themselves into, that minimum payment is almost like paying nothing at all.
Credit counseling services offer free consultation to harried Colorado consumers. Most will decide that debt consolidation is the solution for them, and with good reason. This option saves them money while at the same time, combining all of their credit card payments into one monthly payment that is almost always lower that the sum total of the bill amounts that they have been paying previously.
Colorado counselors can help their clients create a budget that is suitable for their household and their circumstances, teach them how to more efficiently manage their money, and prove to them that with a little diligence and care, they can take the reins and be in full control of their finances now and in the future.
If for some reason you are nervous about going into the offices of the credit counselors and discussing your personal business with a relative stranger, you have the privilege of telephone counseling. This is preferred by many people, especially busy business people, who are happy to discuss their finances on their lunch hour via the phone, instead of having to keep an after work appointment.
Colorado consumer credit counseling services have a goal to help the people of their state to learn about money management and how to best resolve their credit card woes. Financial difficulties have become a thing of the past for many families who have taken advantage of the marvelous services available to them.
Roberta
Consumer Credit Counseling – Definition and History
Orlando De Jesus asked:
The first thing we need to cover is what consumer credit counseling is. In general, it is a process offering education to consumers about how to avoid incurring debts that cannot be repaid. The process itself actually entails more than educations, and usually credit counseling often involves negotiating with creditors to establish settlements on existing debts. The concept of consumer counseling was established in the 1980′s as was proposed created as an alternative to bankruptcy for consumers who could not meet their monthly obligations.
In the early 1990′s counseling began to get a bad rap in the U.S. At the time credit agencies were springing up all over the place, and some of them actually worked more for creditors rather than consumers. This led to an antitrust lawsuit against the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC, and the need for better legislation led to some of the associations that manage debt negotiations today. It also led the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to file lawsuits against several counseling agencies.
This bad reputation is what makes some people cringe at the thought of counseling today. However the reputation is mostly undeserved. In the world of counseling today, the various associations that regulate debt negotiations have led to better debt settlement agencies. That is why we have reviewed 3 different agencies and will provide you with the pros and cons.
Consumer Counseling Programs: Consumer credit counseling programs provide a viable, and better, alternative to bankruptcy. But, and yes there is a but, the FTC still recommends that you research the company who you use for credit counseling services.
Jessie
The first thing we need to cover is what consumer credit counseling is. In general, it is a process offering education to consumers about how to avoid incurring debts that cannot be repaid. The process itself actually entails more than educations, and usually credit counseling often involves negotiating with creditors to establish settlements on existing debts. The concept of consumer counseling was established in the 1980′s as was proposed created as an alternative to bankruptcy for consumers who could not meet their monthly obligations.
In the early 1990′s counseling began to get a bad rap in the U.S. At the time credit agencies were springing up all over the place, and some of them actually worked more for creditors rather than consumers. This led to an antitrust lawsuit against the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC, and the need for better legislation led to some of the associations that manage debt negotiations today. It also led the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to file lawsuits against several counseling agencies.
This bad reputation is what makes some people cringe at the thought of counseling today. However the reputation is mostly undeserved. In the world of counseling today, the various associations that regulate debt negotiations have led to better debt settlement agencies. That is why we have reviewed 3 different agencies and will provide you with the pros and cons.
Consumer Counseling Programs: Consumer credit counseling programs provide a viable, and better, alternative to bankruptcy. But, and yes there is a but, the FTC still recommends that you research the company who you use for credit counseling services.
Jessie
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
Neil D'Silva asked:
What are the functions of Consumer Credit Counseling Services?
Contrary to what most people think, or want to think, about consumer credit counseling services, these services are not just about mere counseling for your financial credit problems. They are much more than that. The following is a list of all the services that the consumer credit counselors will provide to you:- Of course, the first service is counseling itself. They will listen to your financial problem carefully. When you are speaking all these things out, you are yourself realizing the extent of the problem you are in. Anyways, the credit counseling services will try their best to counsel you verbally about your financial problems at the outset. The next step is to train you in financial management. The credit counseling services will sit with you and discuss how you can better manage your finances. They will prepare a budget for you and your family so that you can make the best use o the income you are getting and efficiently manage the payments you need to make. Most importantly, they will tell you of schemes in detail, such as the debt consolidating and debt refinancing plans by which you can solve all your credit problems. Debt consolidation means clumping all your individuals into a single loan which you can pay with greater ease. While, debt refinancing means getting your existing loan renewed through another lender at a cheaper rate of interest. The consumer credit counseling service will coach you in these plans, and will help you implement them too.
Why choose Consumer Credit Counseling Services?
It is very difficult for people who are deep in debt to manage their finances properly. Sometimes, these people might have the financial capacity to come out of their debts, but because they are not managing their loans properly, they are not able to solve the situation. This is where the consumer credit counseling services help. They will actually sit and discuss the problem with you and will tell you of ways by which you can be debt-free.
Most people when they approach consumer credit counseling services, they do not even know what debt consolidation or debt refinancing means. Even if they know about them, they have most likely a very hazy idea about it. It is the job of the counselor to make people aware of these viable solutions to their problems.
Credit counselors also become important when a person is to file for bankruptcy. In fact, the American law has made it compulsory for people to enroll into the programs of the credit counselors before their bankruptcy so that they can seek knowledge of how to avoid this sticky scenario the next time round.
Thus the consumer credit counseling services are not all out there to make a fast buck. Most of them have genuine intentions and a noble way of doing business.
Which Consumer Credit Counseling Services to avoid?
Many credit counseling services are nothing but scams, and you need to avoid them like the plague. Avoid all companies that are not registered with the government. Their programs have no value at all in the courts. Do not go for any consumer credit counseling services who want to push a particular policy of theirs. You must make sure that they are understanding your problem first, and working with you to find a solution for it.
Christian
What are the functions of Consumer Credit Counseling Services?
Contrary to what most people think, or want to think, about consumer credit counseling services, these services are not just about mere counseling for your financial credit problems. They are much more than that. The following is a list of all the services that the consumer credit counselors will provide to you:- Of course, the first service is counseling itself. They will listen to your financial problem carefully. When you are speaking all these things out, you are yourself realizing the extent of the problem you are in. Anyways, the credit counseling services will try their best to counsel you verbally about your financial problems at the outset. The next step is to train you in financial management. The credit counseling services will sit with you and discuss how you can better manage your finances. They will prepare a budget for you and your family so that you can make the best use o the income you are getting and efficiently manage the payments you need to make. Most importantly, they will tell you of schemes in detail, such as the debt consolidating and debt refinancing plans by which you can solve all your credit problems. Debt consolidation means clumping all your individuals into a single loan which you can pay with greater ease. While, debt refinancing means getting your existing loan renewed through another lender at a cheaper rate of interest. The consumer credit counseling service will coach you in these plans, and will help you implement them too.
Why choose Consumer Credit Counseling Services?
It is very difficult for people who are deep in debt to manage their finances properly. Sometimes, these people might have the financial capacity to come out of their debts, but because they are not managing their loans properly, they are not able to solve the situation. This is where the consumer credit counseling services help. They will actually sit and discuss the problem with you and will tell you of ways by which you can be debt-free.
Most people when they approach consumer credit counseling services, they do not even know what debt consolidation or debt refinancing means. Even if they know about them, they have most likely a very hazy idea about it. It is the job of the counselor to make people aware of these viable solutions to their problems.
Credit counselors also become important when a person is to file for bankruptcy. In fact, the American law has made it compulsory for people to enroll into the programs of the credit counselors before their bankruptcy so that they can seek knowledge of how to avoid this sticky scenario the next time round.
Thus the consumer credit counseling services are not all out there to make a fast buck. Most of them have genuine intentions and a noble way of doing business.
Which Consumer Credit Counseling Services to avoid?
Many credit counseling services are nothing but scams, and you need to avoid them like the plague. Avoid all companies that are not registered with the government. Their programs have no value at all in the courts. Do not go for any consumer credit counseling services who want to push a particular policy of theirs. You must make sure that they are understanding your problem first, and working with you to find a solution for it.
Christian
A Dummies Guide On Non-Profit Consumer Credit Counseling Agency
Ras Reed asked:
One of the many allegations leveled against several consumer credit counseling agencies is that they charge high fees. The high fees drive lots of people away from the service. But instead of running away from this wonderful service, I urge you to consider the non profit consumer credit counseling agencies or companies. As you might have known through the name, this is an agency that helps people get out of their debt problem without necessarily making profit in the process. These organizations are able to charge low fees that can only cover their monthly operational cost because they have major sponsors who them lots of money. So, their main concern is to help people like you who may not have enough to pay the high fees being charged by other agencies or companies.
Most of the non profit consumer credit counseling are religious in nature. They are mainly sponsored by the Christian community. Please don’t misunderstand these agencies. They are not out to get you into their fold. They are not out to drive their tenets of faith into your throat. You are only provided with the service without being forced to join their faith.
One of the services provided by non profit consumer credit counseling agencies includes information. This information comes in the form of educating you on how to get out of your debt problem. You will be taught how to manage the little funds you have in a way that does not make you borrow more money to make ends meet.
Another service provided by non profit consumer credit counseling agencies is renegotiating a better term of repayment on your behalf. You will be helped to get a lower interest rate on your debt and also a better period of payment.
The internet is one place you should check to get lots of reputable non profit consumer credit agencies. However, I must warn you to be very careful. It is not every non-profit organization that know how to handle consumer credit counseling. Be rue to read and understand what they have on their website before signing any paper with them. Also, be wary of companies or agencies that ask you to pay some money upfront.
Francis
One of the many allegations leveled against several consumer credit counseling agencies is that they charge high fees. The high fees drive lots of people away from the service. But instead of running away from this wonderful service, I urge you to consider the non profit consumer credit counseling agencies or companies. As you might have known through the name, this is an agency that helps people get out of their debt problem without necessarily making profit in the process. These organizations are able to charge low fees that can only cover their monthly operational cost because they have major sponsors who them lots of money. So, their main concern is to help people like you who may not have enough to pay the high fees being charged by other agencies or companies.
Most of the non profit consumer credit counseling are religious in nature. They are mainly sponsored by the Christian community. Please don’t misunderstand these agencies. They are not out to get you into their fold. They are not out to drive their tenets of faith into your throat. You are only provided with the service without being forced to join their faith.
One of the services provided by non profit consumer credit counseling agencies includes information. This information comes in the form of educating you on how to get out of your debt problem. You will be taught how to manage the little funds you have in a way that does not make you borrow more money to make ends meet.
Another service provided by non profit consumer credit counseling agencies is renegotiating a better term of repayment on your behalf. You will be helped to get a lower interest rate on your debt and also a better period of payment.
The internet is one place you should check to get lots of reputable non profit consumer credit agencies. However, I must warn you to be very careful. It is not every non-profit organization that know how to handle consumer credit counseling. Be rue to read and understand what they have on their website before signing any paper with them. Also, be wary of companies or agencies that ask you to pay some money upfront.
Francis
Debt Relief with Consumer Credit Counseling Center
Georgiana D'onofrio asked:
If you are facing debt problems or know someone who is undergoing this tough situation, then we recommend you consult a consumer credit counseling center, which is an agency or organization that will give you advice to find a solution to your financial problems. In case you are facing severe debt, consumer counseling credit service can make the arrangements to get you out of trouble.
Consumer credit counseling CCCS is aimed to ease the worries and the hard job it implies dealing with creditors through their financial counselling services, programs and advice. CCCS will propose you different alternatives according to your particular case and how to take action about it. You may even be encouraged to put any of your properties on sale if the amount of your debt would demand so.
One of their most demanded services is debt management that involves that they will take in charge of paying your debts. But, this does not mean that you will not paying anything at all, what it means is that they will cancel your debts before they are due, or on the contrary, to avoid the legal actions of your creditors. You will still have to pay the debt, but in more favouring terms. You are still committed to a creditor, which is the agency that gets committed to “your” creditor that will give you the benefit of paying your debt in monthly low fees.
In addition to this, legally the lender should not contact your regarding to the financial debt you had with him/her, since the consumer credit counselling agency is the one who is going to cancel the debt. With this you can turn the page and continue with your life with less worries and stress.
Agencies of consumer credit counseling Seattle and consumer credit counseling Dallas are among the best in the country and you can prove it checking the reviews on the available on the Internet, so if you live in these two locations: Lucky you! But, you can always get consumer credit counselling online, so you can get their services as well, even if you do not live in another place.
One final tip: As looking for any service, you always have to do a previous research to find out which agency deserves your trust to put in its hands the financial well-being of you and your family. Most consumer credit counselling agencies charge an affordable up front fee. Do not trust companies that offer you free counselling or charge you a very cheap fee of $75 to $90. And also find out if the agency is registered in the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agency or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Dale
If you are facing debt problems or know someone who is undergoing this tough situation, then we recommend you consult a consumer credit counseling center, which is an agency or organization that will give you advice to find a solution to your financial problems. In case you are facing severe debt, consumer counseling credit service can make the arrangements to get you out of trouble.
Consumer credit counseling CCCS is aimed to ease the worries and the hard job it implies dealing with creditors through their financial counselling services, programs and advice. CCCS will propose you different alternatives according to your particular case and how to take action about it. You may even be encouraged to put any of your properties on sale if the amount of your debt would demand so.
One of their most demanded services is debt management that involves that they will take in charge of paying your debts. But, this does not mean that you will not paying anything at all, what it means is that they will cancel your debts before they are due, or on the contrary, to avoid the legal actions of your creditors. You will still have to pay the debt, but in more favouring terms. You are still committed to a creditor, which is the agency that gets committed to “your” creditor that will give you the benefit of paying your debt in monthly low fees.
In addition to this, legally the lender should not contact your regarding to the financial debt you had with him/her, since the consumer credit counselling agency is the one who is going to cancel the debt. With this you can turn the page and continue with your life with less worries and stress.
Agencies of consumer credit counseling Seattle and consumer credit counseling Dallas are among the best in the country and you can prove it checking the reviews on the available on the Internet, so if you live in these two locations: Lucky you! But, you can always get consumer credit counselling online, so you can get their services as well, even if you do not live in another place.
One final tip: As looking for any service, you always have to do a previous research to find out which agency deserves your trust to put in its hands the financial well-being of you and your family. Most consumer credit counselling agencies charge an affordable up front fee. Do not trust companies that offer you free counselling or charge you a very cheap fee of $75 to $90. And also find out if the agency is registered in the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agency or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Dale
Career Connections & Prosperity Center Media (AM)
GoodwillNWNC asked:
The Career Connections & Prosperity Center held its grand opening and open house on May 21, 2008. The Center, a United Way of Forsyth County breakthrough initiative led by Goodwill Industries in partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Family Services Ways to Work Program, Center for Homeownership and Experiment in Self-Reliance, helps families and individuals move toward greater economic stability, higher earnings and home ownership. Services offered include job readiness and placement services, help resolving credit issues, assistance with obtaining low-interest car loans, matched savings programs for homeownership, income tax filing services and personalized finance plans. There are also classes in computer skills, GED, and English as a Second Language (ESL). For more information, please visit www.goodwillnwnc.org
Georgia
Debt Relief & Management Tips : How to Consolidate Business Debt
eHow asked:
Contact financial companies to work out a payment plan when attempting to consolidate business debt. Learn more about consolidating business debt with tips from a consumer credit counselor in this free video on business finance management. Expert: Maria Enomoto Contact: www.gotdebt.org Bio: Maria Enomoto works as a credit counselor for Consumer Credit Counseling services in San Jose, California. Filmmaker: Bing Hu
Jessica