Debt counseling has helped many people climb out of debt, but is it the best solution for you? Here is some basic information to help you decide.
Most debt and credit counseling services are nonprofit organizations that are sponsored by most creditors, although there are a few that are privately owned. Before a debt counseling agency can help you, you must first have a source of income. After you have consulted a debt counseling agency, it will inform your creditors that you are taking steps to repay your debts. The agency will then work with you to create a debt-payment schedule that fits into your current budget. The credit counselors will then ask your creditors to deduct a small amount of your payment to pay for the agency’s services. Some agencies may even be able to get the interest on your balance waived, but most will not.
There are some downsides, however. If you are unable to make your monthly payments, you could get stuck with late fees. If you want to avoid this altogether, you may consider taking your debt-reduction plan into your own hands. This way, you can reduce your debt faster without paying for services.
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