How Consolidated Credit Counseling Can Help You Keep on Top of Your Financial Problems

Consolidated credit counseling is there to help you with your debts. They can provide advice for debt relief, help you get organized, manage your finances and offer you a new debt repayment plan with lower interest rates and THAT can help you with your monthly finances.

How Much Does It Cost?

Counseling is either free, or costs a small fee. These organizations are non-profit. They exist solely to help folks who are in a jam, just like you. There may be a one-time fee to use their services, but it will be nothing to break the bank. The exact price depends on the organization.

But beware! There are fake consolidated credit counseling organizations out there. Lots of them can be found online. These are private companies that promise debt relief. They aren't legit, so before you sign up with anybody, check them out. You can find out about them from the Better Business Bureau, or do an Internet search on their name. Often, you can tell who they are by the high fees they charge for their services.

Getting Started

The first thing you'll have to do is submit to them all your financial records. You'll have to provide information on all your debts, who you owe and how much. This may be a bit of a hassle, but they'll need all the documents in order to help you.

Initially, you'll sit down and talk with them about what you'd like done with your debts. For most folks, this means lower interest rates and more reasonable terms. You'll get an agent who'll help you with each step along the way. Tell them about your future financial goals, and they can help you get out of debt.

Their Basic Services

With most consolidated credit counseling, this is what they'll do:

- Consolidate your debts. This is the main goal. They'll put all your debs in one place where they'll be easy to pay off. Instead of a stack of bills each month, you'll have just one to pay. This means one deadline, so you won't miss it and pay any more late fees. With all your debts organized into one easy payment, you'll have an easier time paying them off.

- Lower your interest rates. They can negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. This is routine procedure for them, so they know what they're doing. They'll get you a lower monthly payment so that you won't go broke paying off your debts each month.

- Help with budgeting and finances. Most offer services to help you budget, organize your finances and keep on top of things. This can be just as valuable as having a consolidated debt with low interest. They'll help you attend to tiny details, and see the big picture.

Different organizations offer different options, so shop around for one that's best for you. Consolidated credit counseling can help you get out of debt, and make your monthly payments more reasonable.