Understanding the Process of Credit Counseling

Many of us have seen the advertisements on television. "Get out of debt fast!" "We can solve all your credit problems with only one call!" These sound really great but you know that, realistically, one call is not going to solve your credit problems.

If it were so fast and easy to get out of debt the credit card companies and these agencies advertising on television would be out of business very soon. Credit counselors can help you to understand your credit problems and to devise a plan to help you to manage your debt. They do this by providing services to you for a fee or for free if it is a non-profit organization. Some agencies will provide a free debt analysis to determine the best way in which they can service your needs. The following is a guide to help you understand how credit counseling works and if credit counseling is right for you.

The first step you should take is to decide if you do have a debt problem. For some it may be obvious, but for others they may not recognize the problem until they are faced with a collection agency. If you are only making minimum payments on your credit cards, or taking cash advances to pay bills, then you may need to seek advise from a credit counselor.

When you contact a credit-counseling agency, ask questions. Ask about the company and what programs they offer. Contact the Better Business Bureau to find out the facts about their history. Make sure to ask about all fees and charges; you are trying to get out of debt, not obtain more!

After you have chosen a credit counseling agency usually they will take a look expenses, income and debts. Most require you to participate in a debt management seminar, some longer than others to educate yourself about money management and budgeting as well as information on credit and finances. Some agencies charge a fee to attend the class, for others it is free.

You should know that even while you are seeking credit counseling, the company in which you owe money could continue to try and collect by any means necessary. However, most credit companies will see that you are trying to get your debt under control and work with you to solve your debt problems without bankruptcy.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt relief, consolidation and credit counseling information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

---

Bounced Checks - Straight Talk On Dealing With Bad Checks (NSF)

A check can be considered bad if it is bogus... Read More

Identity Theft ? Guard Your Childrens Social Security Numbers

Identity theft is a growing concern among Americans, and rates... Read More

Minimum Credit Card Payments to Rise

For years, major credit card companies have allowed cardholders to... Read More

Preventing Credit Card Mess

Credit card debts problem is extremely common today. It is... Read More

Big Brother Knows Whats in Your Credit Report - How About You?

Whether you are aware of it or not, credit bureaus... Read More

To Repair Credit Is No longer Satisfactory - Learn How To Earn A Millionaires Credit In 30 Days...

To repair your bad credit does not necessarily mean that... Read More

Building Good Business Credit After Bad Credit

Can you establish good business credit if you have bad... Read More

Credit Cards: What is the Universal Default Clause?

Most people who carry major credit cards are well aware... Read More

How A Prepaid Debit Card Can Help You Rebuild Your Credit

Consumers today are up to their eyeballs in debt. And... Read More

Credit Problems? Heres How to Manage Your Creditors

If you find that creditors are calling you almost daily... Read More

What Are The Most Common Credit Card Mistakes?

Now in a world with so many easy to get... Read More

How Your Credit History Can Affect Your Life

Your credit history is an important aspect of your life.... Read More

What is Credit Counselling?

Ever wondered what is Credit Counselling? There are occasions when... Read More

What You Should Know About Credit Counseling

Credit counseling is a free service that many people with... Read More

Make Sure Your Credit Report Is Correct to Improve Your Interest Rates And Lower Insurance Premiums

Did you know that you could make sure to get... Read More

Dealing With and Repairing Bad Credit

Bad credit can be a burden for otherwise good credit.... Read More

Low Interest Credit Cards Have Many Advantages

When credit cards are used wisely they can be very... Read More

Credit Traps Snag Consumers

Nearly 20 years ago I worked for a small consumer... Read More

Do you Know the Benefits of Checking your Credit Report?

Do you know why you should check your credit report?Of... Read More

The FICO Score Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about credit scores out there. There... Read More

Practical Suggestions for Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by... Read More

What is a Bad Credit History?

A bad credit history can sometimes seem like a curse...... Read More

5 Ways To Raise Credit Score

It's not as hard as you think to raise credit... Read More

Different Types of Credit Cards and Features - Part 1

Just as there are too many credit card companies to... Read More

What You Didnt Know About Your Credit Card Numbers

Have you ever really looked at your credit card and... Read More

A Debt Mentality

While working through my own debt situation, and helping others... Read More

Tackling Bad Credit

The first time I heard the term credit history was... Read More

Getting Married? What Are The Finance and Credit Implications?

There is a big difference between looking after your own... Read More

Credit Repair Scam - How To Avoid Being A Statistic?

A good credit history is critically important for the consumer.... Read More

Cash Advance ? How Does It Work?

If you want a cash advance or a payday/paycheck loan,... Read More

Opting For A Credit Card? Check Out Certain Terms

You've just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your... Read More

Credit Damage: Getting Compensated for Your Loss

Until recently lawyers for victims of credit damage had little... Read More

Harassment of People in Debt by Creditors

HarassmentHarassment of people in debt by creditors or their agents... Read More