Finding a Credit Counseling Agency
Finding a credit counseling agency can seem difficult
Searching for a reputable credit counseling agency and putting your debt and finances in order can seem tedious, but there are ways to ease the overall process. A credit counseling agency will evaluate your finances and come up with a plan for helping you get out of debt as well so to avoid financial turmoil in the future. A credit counseling agency also does a number of other things. Here’s a list of what a reputable credit counseling agency should do for you:
- Review your budget – The credit counseling agency will make sure that the budget is realistic. The credit counseling agency will suggest improvements or cuts. If you don’t have a budget, don’t worry. The credit counseling agency will make one for you.
- Assess the state of your finances – After taking a look at your finances, a credit counseling agency will give you a true picture of where you are financially. They’ll let you know where you stand.
- Figure out how you can keep up with your debts – The credit counseling agency will adjust your budget so you’ll have more cash flow. This is meant to pay off your debts each month. The credit counseling agency might also suggest you have a debt management plan to lower your monthly payments. A credit counseling agency will only suggest bankruptcy as a last resort.
- Help you set financial goals and gives you a financial education – Financial education might include seminars and workshops on money management.
It’s important to be able to tell a good credit counseling agency from a bad one. A good credit counseling agency is legitimately there to help you gain control of your debt. A bad credit counseling agency is just out to make money off of you. Here’s how you can tell the difference between a good credit counseling agency and a bad credit counseling agency.
A bad credit counseling agency will charge a lot of money. A bad credit counseling agency will charge excessive fees, push you into debt management plans you don’t need (just so the credit counseling agency can charge the fee), and offer no financial education or goal setting assistance. If a credit counseling agency promises something that seems too good to be true, it usually is. Also avoid a credit counseling agency found by late-night sensational TV ads and the like. Many reputable credit counseling agencies get their business through word of mouth and referrals.
It’s also good to know a few questions to ask in order to find out if a credit counseling agency is a reputable.
Questions to ask a credit counseling agency
Are you a federally approved, nonprofit, tax exempt credit counseling agency? A nonprofit credit counseling agency will charge the least for their services and give you the most in return. Some credit counseling agencies are for profit. Make sure you get proof that a credit counseling agency is a nonprofit credit counseling agency by asking for an IRS approval of nonprofit status letter. Don’t use a credit counseling agency that refuses to provide this letter.
Do you have a license to offer credit counseling services? Some states don’t require a credit counseling agency to be licensed but most do. Find out of your state requires licensing by calling your state’s attorney general’s office. If your state issues licenses get in touch with the licensing agency to confirm that your credit counseling agency is licensed.
What services do you offer? A list should readily be provided for you.
How do you charge for your services? A good credit counseling agency will charge little to nothing for their services. If you choose to participate in a debt management plan you’ll be charged a monthly fee for that. A bad credit counseling agency will charge upfront fees and monthly fees. Watch for a credit counseling agency that charge a lot of small fees, or if they ask for contributions.
Will I be assigned a specific credit counselor to work with? You should work with one counselor when you work with a credit counseling agency.
How do you pay your credit counselors? A good credit counseling agency will pay their staff a salary or hourly. A bad credit counseling agency will pay their staff on commission.
Can I see a copy of the contract I have to sign to work with you? Never work with an agency that doesn’t provide a contract. The contract should list what services the credit counseling agency is providing, a timeline for said services and any fees you have to pay. It should also include anything the credit counseling agency is guaranteeing you as well as your credit counselor’s name.
How will you keep my personal and financial information private? It is important that the credit counseling agency explain to you how they keep your information secure.
These are a few helpful tips for dealing with a credit counseling agency. If you feel uneasy about the credit counseling agency you’re working with ask the questions mentioned in the article. A credit counseling agency should be willing to provide financial education as a part of their services as well as set a budget or manage your current one.
Credit Education
