9 Tips for Finding Trustworthy Debt Help You Can Afford

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Are you carrying a load of debt — maybe even staggering under its weight?

Debt — especially credit card debt — is expensive. So, 2020 is an excellent time to begin climbing out of the hole.

If you plan to go it alone, check out “8 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Debt ASAP.” But if you need help, know that trustworthy credit-counseling agencies specialize in helping consumers tackle debts.

These agencies offer help with paying off debts, and establishing and maintaining good credit. This may involve creating what’s known as a debt-management plan, a personalized roadmap for paying off all your debts via one monthly payment.

Through a debt-management plan, you may get the privilege of having fees waived and interest rates reduced.

When searching for help managing debts, stop by our Solutions Center. There, you can find professional assistance with:

As you weigh your options, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Check for nonprofit status

It’s easy to stumble into the hands of a bad “adviser” — including debt-settlement companies that may leave clients worse off.

To be safe, get financial counseling from a nonprofit agency. Here are several resources for finding a legitimate one:

  • Money Talks News’ Solutions Center: Find a reputable expert to help you with credit card debt, student loan debt and tax debt. These are partners that Money Talks News has hand-picked to help readers.
  • National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): The NFCC’s agency locator can point you to nearby nonprofit agencies that provide financial reviews, counseling and similar services.
  • Other sources of help: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says, “Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs.”

2. Look for free information

You should be able to learn all the details you need about an agency and its debt-management plans for free. Don’t surrender any personal details to get information about a company or its fees.

Also, trustworthy nonprofits typically offer free public classes and workshops on financial subjects.

3. Understand the costs

Don’t trust a company that gives you the runaround when you inquire about the cost of its services.

Fees for services such as a debt-management plan should be reasonable, according to the NFCC. For set-up fees, that generally means $50 or less. For monthly fees, that means around $25.

In addition, many nonprofit credit-counseling services provide free advice about credit, debt and budgeting.

4. Expect a thorough interview

An agency should take the time to get the details of your financial picture, including income and debts.

Be prepared to bring copies of bills, and credit card and bank statements. Some clients bring along bags of bills and statements they’ve been afraid to open.

5. Demand a complete plan

If you sign up for a debt-management plan, make sure it includes all of your debts, not just some. Also, be certain that you’ll be able to receive regular reports on your accounts.

6. Steer clear of debt-only services

Stay away from businesses that only offer debt services. Trustworthy agencies offer various types of help. In addition to debt-management plans, they may include:

  • Budget counseling, to help with managing money
  • Credit and debt counseling, to explain and help improve your credit score, dispute credit report errors, and analyze and prioritize debt payments
  • Other services, including counseling for bankruptcy, student loans, housing, and getting a mortgage or reverse mortgage

7. Expect professionalism

Back away if you feel pressured or hear unrealistic promises. Be suspicious of “counselors” who push products, come on like salespeople or offer a one-size-fits-all solution.

8. Don’t fall for debt-reduction claims

Credit counselors can negotiate with your creditors to reduce your debt payments, such as by lowering your interest rate or spreading payments over a longer time. But they can’t reduce the total amount of debt you owe.

So, avoid companies offering “debt reduction” plans or otherwise promising to reduce your total debt.

9. Steer clear of any minimum-debt requirements

You should be able to get help from a legitimate company whether your debts are large or small. If a company says it requires a minimum amount of debt to help you, you’re in the wrong place.

What is your strategy for debt in 2020? Comment below or on our Facebook page.

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