Do Debt Consolidation Services Really Work?
July 29, 2008
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.
Many people who find themselves deep in debt turn to debt consolidation to aid them in getting out from under their debt. This is done by getting a home equity loan, moving all your debt to one credit card with a low interest rate, or taking advantage of the help offered by debt consolidation services.
How do these services work?
Debt consolidation services work together with your creditors to help make your debt more payable by canceling fees that have been charged to your account because of late payments or charging over your credit limit. These agencies can also get credit card companies to lower your interest rates. If you decide to use a debt consolidation service, you will pay them directly and then they forward your payments to the creditors you owe.
Pros
If you’re unable to negotiate lower rates and payments with creditors on your own, a credit counselor can usually do it for you. This will save you money and help you get your debt paid off more quickly. The credit counselor can also help you write a budget to help you stick to the payment plan while still being able to afford all of your other expenses.
Cons
One problem with credit counseling is that it sometimes does not result in a monthly payment that the client can afford. Creditors are only 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.
Another thing about credit counseling is that it isn’t free. Credit counseling agencies may charge monthly fees for their services, adding them on to your monthly payment. If they don’t, they have to get the money to pay their employees somewhere. That “somewhere” is usually from your debtors, as a percentage 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.
And finally, it is imperative to check out any credit counseling agency that you are considering. Just like any other business, there are some that are not trustworthy. The Better Business Bureau is a good source of information on credit counseling agencies.
It is true that credit counseling can be one effective way to get out from under debt, but there are pros and cons to be weighed out. Before you rush into using an outside source for help, why not first try to negotiate an arrangement to rid yourself of debt directly between you and the credit card companies you owe?
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