Looking into debt consolidation?

[BSClay]

Too much debt? Do your homework when seeking help

Choosing the right credit counseling agency is essential if you’re fighting to get out from under a mountain of debt. Follow this advice for making the right selection:

• Go to the professionals. Make sure the credit agency you choose is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Indepen¬dent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. Both of these groups establish professional and training standards that credit-counseling firms must meet when providing services to consumers.

• Go with a local firm. Consider only agencies with offices in your area. That way you can pay them a visit before signing up. You want the people there to see you as a real person, not a voice on the phone and a number on their computer.

• Check their fees. Many credit counseling agencies are nonprofits, but that doesn’t mean they don’t charge for their services. Know that it’s going to cost you up front.

• Look for specifics. Make sure the firm has a variety of services, such as classes on budgeting and managing your money. If they seem intent on just signing you up for its debt management plan, go elsewhere. A good agency will want to help you solve the cause of your debt problem, not just the result of it.

• Don’t expect quick fixes. Be leery of credit-counseling firms that promise to erase your bad credit record quickly. After all, you didn’t get into trouble overnight; you’re certainly not going to get out of it that fast, either.

[centsgirl]

There are a lot of places that will help you with your debt, put it all into one smaller payment instead of many large ones.