Where to Obtain Free Credit Counseling Services
Free Credit Counseling Services
These days it is hard to get something for nothing. It seems that nothing is free anymore. However, one thing that you can get for no cost is free credit counseling services if you choose the right organization. You are going to need to go with a non profit credit counseling agency because these are the ones who provide their services to consumers at no cost. These non profits operate on donations, grants and the like. They do not take payment for their services.
The most famous of the non profit credit counseling organizations is Consumer Credit Counseling, which you may see abbreviated as CCC. This agency has locations all over the country and is a legitimate, well respected place to go for counseling and help. You will need to call an office near you for an appointment, this non profit is usually pretty booked. Before your appointment gather all your bills and proof of your income. While the services usually only apply to credit card bills, your rent/mortgage and utility bills can be helpful when figuring out what you can afford each month.
There are also Christian based credit counseling non profit agencies who offer their services free of charge. These agencies thrive on donations from the public, church attendees and grants. They work in the same way as Consumer Credit Counseling in that they add up all your debt, compare it with your income and help you work out a plan that suits you. Both Christan agencies and CCC will negotiate with your credit card companies to try and reduce payments which saves you money. They also consolidate the amount of your debt then divide it into monthly payments that you can afford.
Free credit counseling services are the way to go if you want to avoid paying more money to a company that you may not completely trust with your finances. While there are fee-based companies who are perfectly legitimate there are a handful who are not. The important thing when working with any credit counselor is to be honest about your debt and what you can afford to pay each month, then make your payment which the counselor will distribute among the companies you owe. It may take awhile, but if you stay the course you will eventually enjoy the satisfaction of freedom from debt.
