Debt Relief Information

Questions to Ask a Credit Counseling Service about Debt Relief


Debt relief is a topic on a lot of consumers' minds these days, and with good reason. American credit card debt in 2001 was $692 billion, triple the amount from 1989. In that same time period, the average credit card increase for a middle-class family was 75%. The amounts were even higher for low-income families and senior citizens. At one time, such a high amount of credit card debt would seem frivolous as buyers spent money they didn't have on luxury items such as electronics or jewelry. Today, however, in less stable economic times and a poor job market, more people are turning to credit cards as a way to extend their income. More and more debt is being rung up for everyday items such as groceries and medical bills. How can people get real help with debt relief?

Credit counseling services were originally established by credit card companies who wanted to get at least some of their money back before a client decided to declare bankruptcy. While that may seem shady to some people, for others it is a legitimate way to pay the debt they owe.

When seeking debt relief, however, be wary and be an informed consumer. Do your research before signing on with any one service. Here are some questions to ask:

* How much does it cost? Many less-than-reputable services charge hundreds of dollars to start up, money that doesn't go to any of your creditors.

* Does the service notify credit bureaus about your enrollment in their program? Some do and some don't. Creditors may still elect to put a bad mark on your credit report, but the agency you are looking at for debt relief shouldn't.

* What services are offered? Do they offer a range of solutions from trouble-shooting before finances are a big problem to debt management. Beware of companies promising too quick a solution or promising to "fix" your credit report.

* What are the benefits of belonging to one particular group over another? For example, some services offer newsletters and budgeting tips, all to help you become more stable when your debt is paid off.

* Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? If that is not advertised, check them out with BBB first.

With time, patience and diligence, you can become debt free.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt consolidation, credit counseling, repair and free debt relief information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.


MORE RESOURCES:

BBC News

Progress seen in debt relief for poor countries
Pakistan Dawn, Pakistan - Sep 4, 2008
By Masood Haider UNITED NATIONS, Sept 4: A new UN report finds significant progress in providing debt relief to the world’s poorest countries. ...
DEVELOPMENT: UN Warns of Faltering Goals on Aid, Trade IPS
Poverty-reduction aid lags, study finds Los Angeles Times
Rich countries reneging on aid promises for poor: UN Reuters South Africa
Business Standard - UN News Centre
all 185 news articles


Handloom weavers may get debt relief
Business Standard, India - Sep 2, 2008
After the debt waiver scheme for farmers, the Union government is hoping to extend a similar scheme for handloom weavers. The Union textiles ministry, ...


Bankruptcy lawyers can advise clients on debt-court
Reuters - 10 hours ago
The amendment in dispute prohibits debt-relief agencies from giving clients advice about taking on more debt before filing for creditor protection. ...
8th Circuit: Bankruptcy Provision Violates Lawyer Free Speech Rights ABA Journal
all 5 news articles


Gene F. Turnwald: Debt relief might be less than it promises
Lansing State Journal, MI - Sep 2, 2008
I ask you to please keep that in mind when dealing with debt relief companies that guarantee to lower your credit card or loan payments and interest rates. ...


VISIONS OF AN OIL-RICH GHANA - NOT COMPARISONS OF FAILED 4TH
Modern Ghana, Ghana - Sep 4, 2008
Mpaninfuo, the truth of the matter is that none of the political parties you are so enamoured with, had the nous or the imagination, to think of debt relief ...


Online Audio Seminar on Debt Relief Helps Consumers
PR Urgent - Aug 26, 2008
Personal finance publishing company offers online audio seminars to help consumers decide between different debt relief options and how to negotiate debt ...


Business Debt Reduction Sets You Free Of Debts
Search By Headlines (press release), NV - Sep 1, 2008
Debt Relief-Assistance brings a simple online way to deal with any such issue that too without letting it burden your budget. With the help of business debt ...


Consolidate Your Bills and Save Up To 75% Today
WebWire (press release), GA - Sep 1, 2008
http://www.debtconsolidationunion.com ) At DebtConsolidationUnion.com visitors can find excellent information about successful methods of debt relief and ...


Go Debt Relief, Now a Member Lexington Chamber of Commerce
PR.com (press release), NY - Aug 20, 2008
Go Debt Relief is assisting people struggling with their high interest rate credit cards, medical bills, collection accounts and many other types of ...


It's unfair to give lawyers debt relief
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - Aug 23, 2008
Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine, in his support of the forgiveness bill for attorneys engaged in public service (Fence Post, Aug. ...

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