Comments on: What is a good debt counseling agency?

By: scottFL007

scottFL007 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:43:07 +0000

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) has offices in every state, and they are usually trustworthy. Each regional organization is independent, so it is possible that you might find one that isn’t up to par. The one I know about is CCCS of Central Florida, and they have internet and phone counseling available so you wouldn’t need to be in the area. If that method is ok for you, I can attest to the honesty of that organization.

By: yars232c

yars232c — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:02:32 +0000

In my opinion, none. They are all setup through the credit card companies and there is no negotiation for you – they know in advance what the credit cards companies will do. They put you on a plan, and if you faulter, you have to start all over again. I read on account where a woman couldn’t keep up with the payments five times and was ending up paying more than what she would have without it.

The purpose of debt counseling is to convince you to pay your debt, and the credit card companies control that.

If you really are in trouble, consider bankruptcy or talk to your credit card companies to cancel and reduce your payments like they would have anyway without paying a fee to an agency.

Whatever you do, just remember one fact: Debt agencies are there for the profit of the Credit Card companies, not for you or what’s in your best interest.

By: tonalc1

tonalc1 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:52:52 +0000

Any agency can become non-profit. That doesn’t mean it’s any more reliable or trustworthy.

See this site:

Here’s a consumer fact sheet on credit repair (and how you can do it yourself) from the FTC.

By: shydiggs

shydiggs — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:34:30 +0000

consumer credit counseling (thats what it is called)… there is one in every state… i work in collections lol you have to be careful… some say credit counseling but they are settlement companies and a lot of creditors will not work with them.