What to Look for in a Credit Counselor
Many indebted consumers try credit counseling in an attempt to get on top of their debt. Although credit counseling is not a silver bullet, it can sometimes help consumers who need a little bit of time to whittle away at their financial obligations
But not all credit counselors are the same. In fact, there are some real scam artists out there, and we want to give people a heads up about what to look for when trying to find a legitimate credit counseling agency.
Understand What a Credit Counselor Does
Before hiring someone, you should first understand what services a credit counselor can provide. Generally, a solid credit counselor can:
- Help you come up with a budget
- Negotiate with your creditors to get interest rates reduced
- Ask a creditor to waive late fees or penalties
- Pay your creditors each month after receiving a check from you
A credit counselor cannot get a creditor to forgive your debt or even reduce the amount of principal you owe. If you see a counselor advertising that they can make “debt disappear” for pennies on the dollar, then you should turn and run in the other direction.
Find a Nonprofit Credit Counselor
A nonprofit credit counselor will typically charge a fee, but they do not operate to make a profit. Instead, they operate to help inform and assist the public. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you choose a non-profit credit counselor over a for-profit entity.
You can find a nonprofit counselor in the following places:
- Colleges or university
- Credit unions
- Housing authorities
- Military bases
- Branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service
Once you find a credit counseling agency, ask it to send you any free information about the services it provides. They should be willing to send this information without requesting personal information from you.
Research the Credit Counselor
To check whether they are legitimate, you can look at the Better Business Bureau or for complaints online. Look to see what people are saying about the services. A history of complaints—particularly complaints about feeling ripped off—are huge red flags that you should pay attention to.
Ask about Fees
Very few credit counselors provide services for free. Before signing up, ask what fees they charge. You should also get a fee agreement in writing and read it carefully. If you have questions, ask them now.
You should also comparison shop. If there are several credit counseling agencies in your area, ask for fee information from all of them. You can then choose the option that is most in line with your budget.
Nowack & Olson is a Leading South Florida Bankruptcy Firm
Credit counseling cannot solve all problems, especially when consumers are struggling with a lack of income coming in the home. If your financial condition is dire, then filing a consumer bankruptcy might be more ideal. At Nowack & Olson, our bankruptcy attorneys have filed countless Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies for clients, and we understand the process inside and out.
For more information, please contact one of our attorneys by calling 866-907-2970 or submit our online contact form.
Resource:
consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0153-choosing-credit-counselor
