Selecting A Debt Consolidation Company
| September 9, 2009 | Posted by Roshawn Watson under Uncategorized |
I have been away but wanted to share this guest post by Robin Williams. It is about how to select a debt consolidation company. Remember, debt consolidation is not the answer to debt. Getting a handle on the psychological problems (out of control spending) and life circumstances (i.e. job loss) is the real answer. There are many situations where one may consider consolidating his debts. For this reason, it is important that you have the necessary tools to make a wise decision in choosing a company. Read this informative post, and feel free to leave comments, visit their site, and write questions for the author.
Author: Robin Williams
There are thousands of debt consolidation companies that are competing for your business, but selecting a dependable non profit debt consolidation company can truly become an intimidating task. While exploring non profit debt consolidation companies, you must take some important factors into consideration.
A lot of debt consolidation companies claim they are non profit, but in reality they earn in millions. These companies apply the “non profit” tag simply to attract consumers. Consumers believe that these debt consolidation companies are working for their best interests. Other debt consolidation companies apply the “non profit” tag to infringe telemarketing regulations from which charitable institutions are granted relief. Request for evidence of non-profit 501(c)(3) status prior to doing business with any such company.
Some debt consolidation companies mention religious connections in their names or on their official websites. Some agencies indisputably have connections with a religion, however, some agencies are simply making use of the name in order to make you rely on them. You must not allow a religious connection or membership to affect your choice – select the agency that is appropriate for you.
Fees
Not every non profit debt consolidation company comes to you free of cost and the genuine non profit agencies must have minimum monthly fees and establishment fees. Some of them make publicity for voluntary fees but subsequently compel you for paying the total fee even though it’s quite costly for you. If an agency has exorbitant fees, is ambiguous regarding their fees, or compels you to pay a voluntary charge, which is not within your means, you should go for another agency. Be careful about the fact that with numerous agencies, the payment for the first month would probably be directed to the debt consolidation agency and not to your creditors.
You fell into debt in no time, but it would require a lot of time to come out of debt. Don’t rely on an agency that assures that you would become debt free within one or two months. Similarly, you must ensure that the non profit debt consolidation agency is giving time for you. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), which is a non-profit community organization, gives at least one hour on the telephone or personally on a discussion to determine whether you require consolidation. If an agency offers you a strategy within a short time period, then it has not given sufficient time analyzing your expenditures. Utilize a debt consolidation agency that gives a lot of time to investigate your finances.
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) utilizes a Reliability Report to maintain documents on businesses in order to ensure that consumers can select the most reliable agencies. The BBB keeps details about products and services together with a history of grievances and accolades. Companies get an acceptable or unacceptable record on the basis of how they manage customer-related matters. Prior to making a decision on a company, check it with the BBB and only pick an agency with an acceptable rating.
The Better Business Bureau is one of the smartest means to check the trustworthiness of a debt consolidation company over the Internet. Nevertheless, be cautious when you’re typing. Just missing one letter such as “a” in “bureau” can take you to fraudulent sites. Take the help of their official website – BBB.org.
It might be difficult to select a non profit debt consolidation company when there is a plethora of choices. However, with some perseverance and plenty of research, you can select an agency that is suitable for you. You can have a lasting smile since you’re one of those debt-free people.
Copyright 2012, Roshawn Watson, Pharm.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.
You're absolutely right. There are hundreds of de… You're absolutely right. There are hundreds of debt consolidation companies to choose from. The option is good, as long as you carefully research the company you're considering.