Free Non Profit Debt Consolidation - Are They Really Free Or Will I Pay Hidden Charges?

By Henry D Wilkins

In a country where the average debt per credit card is over $4000 and close to a quarter of Americans admitted to maxing out at least one credit card, it makes sense that people are looking for easy answers to ease their burden of debt. A non profit debt consolidation company can seem like the answer to a prayer.

Many Americans have several credit cards, all with substantial balances and high interest rates and monthly payments. A non profit debt consolidation company negotiates with each creditor to reduce interest rates and monthly payments. After getting the best deal possible for the consumer, the non profit debt consolidation company totals the monthly bills, so that the consumer only has to write one check to the non profit debt consolidation company. The company then distributes the payments to the different creditors.

The good non profit debt consolidation corporations also offer monetary analysis and help with budgeting so the shopper doesn't find him or herself right back in the hole. Sadly , though , as with any other kind of business, there are good firms and bad ones. The coolest ones will help you to get and stay clear of debt.

The bad ones will pocket your monthly payments to fill their own coffers. Your understandably outraged creditors won't see a cent of the money, or if they do, they will receive far less than the agreed upon amount. The creditors will then take out their anger on your with harassing phone calls, negative reports to credit agencies, etc.

The Federal Trade Commission website offers excellent information on separating the wolves from the lambs. In general be wary of any company that uses high pressure sales techniques or charges exorbitant "up front" fees or donations.

Debt consolidation is not for everyone. Before starting you on a debt consolidation plan, the company should offer you credit counseling to get a full picture of your income, spending habits, financial strengths and weaknesses, etc. Any company that automatically wants to place you on a debt consolidation plan is suspect. Ask the company upfront if they will keep a percentage of your monthly payment and what that percentage is for. Ideally all the money you pay monthly should go to your creditors.

Eventually , because the business publicizes itself as non profit doesn't actually mean it is fair. Many illegitimate "non profits" charge preposterous "donations" to use their services. Getting in with the incorrect debt consolidation company can cost your credit record and your assurance. Do your analysis scrupulously to ensure the company you are working with has your own interests at heart. - 31377

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