Paying off everything we owe on our own is the preferable way to handle debt. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. Our circumstances often change, making it impossible to even make our minimum monthly payments.
Paying off everything we owe on our own is the preferable way to handle debt. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. Our circumstances often change, making it impossible to even make our minimum monthly payments.
Consolidating debt is an option for people who can’t make payments. You could do this alone by putting all you debt on a low interest credit card or get a home equity loan. There are also credit counseling services available as an option.
How Does Credit Counseling Work?
With credit counseling, you work with the creditors for a lower interest or payments. Late and over-the limit fees are often forgiven. The client sends just one single payment monthly to the credit counseling agency to be distributed to the creditors.
The pros
A credit card counselor can usually negotiate a lower rate or payment if you can’t. You will be able to pay off your debt faster with the money you save. You can also plan a budget to repay your debt and also still have some money left for other things if the counselor helps you.
The Cons
One problem with credit counseling is that it sometimes does not result in a monthly payment that the client can afford. Creditors are o
nly willing to negotiate so far, and if you owe a lot of money you may not be able to afford the best deal they will give you. If that is the case, you’ll have to either find another means of paying your debt or consider bankruptcy.
Credit counseling services charge fees that are added to your monthly amount. If they don’t do this they will usually obtain the money from your debtors as a part of your payment.
There is some debate as to how going through credit counseling affects your credit. It is noted on your credit report. In most cases, you can’t get new credit until you complete the program. But it could also affect you after your debts are paid off. Many lenders consider credit counseling as being similar to Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Check out a prospective counseling agency first. Just because they deal in credit counseling, it doesn’t mean that they are all honest. The Better Business Bureau can help you with this.
Credit counseling may be able to help you get your debts paid off. But it is important to consider the pros and the cons of entering such a program. Trying to work out a deal with creditors on your own may work, eliminating the need to get a third party involved.
Bankruptcy should be your last resort. Have you thought about debt consolidation and other ways of dealing with your credit card debt or other types of credit? Visit the Debtopedia website at http://www.debtopedia.com for more helpful tips