How to Find a Good Credit Counselor
Don't just rely on an Internet search to find a credit counselor if you really need one. Do your homework on any firm you talk to first and make certain that they're legitimate. Here are some steps to finding a suitable credit counselor to meet your needs.
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Instructions
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Talk to an agency that evaluates credit counseling firms, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Credit Counseling Agencies (see links in Resources below). If any firm you talk to is not a member of one of these two organizations, there is a good chance that they are bogus.
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Check your organization further with the Better Business Bureau (see Resources). The firm should pass muster with them as well before you proceed. Look into the organization's history and see what kinds of complaints they have received. If they have a long history of dissatisfied customers, don't give them any money or sign anything with them.
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Steer clear of firms that say that they can remove legitimate adverse information from your credit report in a short time. Also beware of any company that won't discuss its fees with you. If the initial fee is much more than $45 or $50, then you're probably getting ripped off. Run from any organization that tells you to stop paying your creditors.
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Watch out for companies claiming to be debt settlement firms. These companies simply offer to negotiate with your creditors, then disappear with any money you give them. Real credit counseling companies will actually counsel you and give you budget and credit training and set up a payment plan.
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