Saturday, January 24, 2009

Considering Credit Counseling?

By Rob Kosberg

Although repairing your own credit is highly recommended, it is sometimes beyond what you believe to be our capability. It may be too emotionally laden and/or you may just not be able to buckle down and make the necessary money management changes without professional help.

If you choose to take the professional route, you also need to be very thorough in you investigations of the third party options available to you. The public is bombarded with paper media and online information about credit repair. Beware of a lot of this information. Many of these almost unbelievable claims are just that "unbelievable."

If you are going with the third party option, you will need to conduct a serious investigation of the agencies you select for consideration. There is some basic information that you are going to require prior to selecting an agency to meet your needs. Shop and compare.

For example, if you contact an agency simply for initial information about their services and costs, and they ask for your information before they will provide answers to your questions. If you are not given the answer to your request for information, stay away from such an agency.

Information about services provided, cost structure and time frames should be provided to you without any knowledge on the company's part regarding your financial situation.

When you find an agency that responds to your satisfaction during a first contact you can then ask further questions. You're going to want to find out how the process may affect your credit report, debt management services, additional money management help. You also need to know how the agency will keep you informed about their activities.

One of the most important pieces of information you will need to know is about any FEES CHARGED by the agency. Some may require large sums of money upfront along with large monthly fees. How could this work for you if you already can't pay your debts. Make sure you can handle any fees charged even if the agency says it is not for profit.

Using credit agencies requires effort on your part, but you should be able to find a reputable agency to partner with you, and have your interest at the forefront. - 16732

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