If your thinking of going with a credit counselor probably the most important question that comes to mind is, how to find a good credit counselor. There are so many counselors that are out there and after a while, you'll begin to see that each one of them has something different to offer. And some of them don't always accomplish the same thing.
If you are going to use consumer credit counseling, you need to be sure the person you hire to be in charge of your accounts is someone you can trust.
What's the Problem? Some consumer credit counselors do not do a good job of exploring your needs and meeting your goals. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission and the IRS has gone after numerous organizations in the past for not being upfront about fees charged or misrepresenting their true status as a for profit organization and not a nonprofit. Some offer questionable advice - even advice that could get the borrower into further turmoil.
There are good counselors out there in the market, not only are they good but many of them are considered to be at the top in their niche. So how do you find one of these good guys?
The United States Trustee's office lists approved counselors for consumers to use. The counselors on this list are the only ones that you can use if you have to file for bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice website also has a list of approved counselors.
When you talk to these counselors it's important to ask questions, ask what their fees are, ask to see it in writing or on paper. Ask if they are a for profit organization or a non-profit organization. The important thing to remember is that you are hiring them so you want to find out more about them.
The session you have with them could last as long as an hour or even more, and there might be a fee involved which is common. Ask them what their fee is before you begin and if it seems too high then move on to a different one.
Talk to several counselors and find out what they can offer you. If anyone offers you, what you believe is something that is too good to be true, it probably is.
Those counselors who know what they are doing will be able to help you budget so you can get through all of this and, they can help you pay off your debt fast and in some cases even get some of your debt reduced.
If you are going to use consumer credit counseling, you need to be sure the person you hire to be in charge of your accounts is someone you can trust.
What's the Problem? Some consumer credit counselors do not do a good job of exploring your needs and meeting your goals. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission and the IRS has gone after numerous organizations in the past for not being upfront about fees charged or misrepresenting their true status as a for profit organization and not a nonprofit. Some offer questionable advice - even advice that could get the borrower into further turmoil.
There are good counselors out there in the market, not only are they good but many of them are considered to be at the top in their niche. So how do you find one of these good guys?
The United States Trustee's office lists approved counselors for consumers to use. The counselors on this list are the only ones that you can use if you have to file for bankruptcy. The United States Department of Justice website also has a list of approved counselors.
When you talk to these counselors it's important to ask questions, ask what their fees are, ask to see it in writing or on paper. Ask if they are a for profit organization or a non-profit organization. The important thing to remember is that you are hiring them so you want to find out more about them.
The session you have with them could last as long as an hour or even more, and there might be a fee involved which is common. Ask them what their fee is before you begin and if it seems too high then move on to a different one.
Talk to several counselors and find out what they can offer you. If anyone offers you, what you believe is something that is too good to be true, it probably is.
Those counselors who know what they are doing will be able to help you budget so you can get through all of this and, they can help you pay off your debt fast and in some cases even get some of your debt reduced.
About the Author:
Pat Randolph How To Find A Reputable Credit Counselor and What Is Credit Counseling Services.
No comments:
Post a Comment