If you type “debt consolidation” into the search box for any search engine, you will be greeted with pages of debt consolidation companies offering to fix your debt problems for you. Don’t assume a company is reputable because it pays for an ad or shows up on the first page.
Never give personal identifiable information or sign anything until you have done your research on the debt consolidation company. There are always companies who want your business only to take advantage of your needs. As with other businesses, both good and bad exist.
Check consumer information and protection sites such as the Better Business Bureau. If you find the company listed on such a site, read all there is to say about them. You may find them to be a solid company with good reviews or they may be fraudulent or high cost. Don’t think that if the company does not appear on the site they are automatically cleared for your business. Maybe they haven’t been reported yet. This is why you need to have other avenues for researching.
A good debt consolidation company will not ask for higher interest rates than those you are already paying and they won’t ask for large amounts of money in fees in order to “process” your loan. The best debt consolidation companies have a decent working relationship with most creditors and will provide credit counseling for you as part of the service they provide. You should have your questions answered without being put off or charged for time.
Non-profits are probably the best debt consolidation companies to sort through, first. A reputable non-profit will get your interest lowered and possibly even get one or more of them to agree to a lump sum payment for less than you owe. Do your research when it comes to non-profits,too. As we all know, the outside does not always reflect what goes on inside. Make sure you are getting the best service available.
A good place to look for advice and information is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. The NFCC gives accreditation to debt consolidation services based on a set of guidelines that are ethically sound. They may be able to direct you to a reputable debt consolidation company in your area.
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