Is your debt getting out of hand? You should ask for help sooner rather than later.
You should opt for consumer credit counseling the minute you realize that you are unable to pay your bills on time, or are unable to pay the monthly minimums on your credit cards. There is no point in reaching the stage where debt collectors start showing up on your doorstep every morning to extract their dues.
Credit counseling can give you some ideas of how to manage the debt. It may also bring some financial discipline in your life. However, not all credit counselors are reputable. Therefore, it is important to choose the right counseling service.
You should be careful of organizations that charge you more than the usual $10 up-front fee. Steer clear of services that offer to settle your debts at little or no money, as well, because such services are most definitely illegitimate.
A good idea is to check whether the firm is registered with either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.
You should also make sure that the payments made to the credit counseling firm are transferred...