[EAST PAULDING MOM]

I am considering a Consumer Credit Counseling service.

Anyone out there tried one or recommend one or wish to comment on their experiences?

If it's too personal, I understand. PM's are welcome.

[EAST PAULDING MOM]

Dang! I did it again....wrong forum.

Pubby could you move it for me please? Thanks

[lacey]

I thought that I would bring this back to the top in case someone that has gotten on lately could help you.
It is always nice to hear from different people before making certain choices.
Hope that I was able to help you in some way.

[Smiles2u]

HI, I know I did hear a few news reports a few months back that there is one you probably don't want to use, they had some bad business practices, but I'm sorry that I don't recall which one that was. You might try reviewing the clarkhoward.com website, as he's big on this and probably has some info out there...you could also call and talk to his staff and see if they can recommend one, they are probably the experts to give that sort of advice as I know he talks about it all the time. Good luck to you.

[solittle]

I used comsumer credit counseling years ago in college. It was great for me and helped me get out of debt faster.

[Loves2Crop]

I've heard AmeriDebt was a scam.

CCCS is reputable, but beware that creditors will look at it the same as a bankruptcy.

I highly recommend getting Dave Ramsey's Financial Freedom (I think that's the name) book. Very, very good and will help you get out of debt. My husband and I are just now starting the program and we are very excited about it. Actually, Donna Ray who posts here does a class based on these principals. Maybe you could PM her and get more info.

[lacey]

CCCS is reputable, but beware that creditors will look at it the same as a bankruptcy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have also heard the same comment.

[gulfcoastgirl]

I used Genus. It worked out well for me. Really cleared the credit problem up quiclky

[Blue Eyed Mom]

I am familiar with credit counseling. I work in collections and we deal with them every day. Consumer Credit Counseling is probably your best bet. Most of the times they will have credit card companies lower your interest rate, and help you get a plan that you can afford each month. Make sure you ask them if they charge a fee each month to do so. As far as credit reporting, it is reported as credit counseling, that is totally different from bankruptcy. Now...STAY away from companies like Ameridebt and places like that, what they try to do is have you send in money each money and they settle your accounts instead of making monthly pmts, and unfort. we sue accts like that each day because it takes so long to get accts settled and also, another reminder, if you settle an account, which means, you and the creditor agree on a lump sum less than what your acct balance is, you will recieve a 10-99 form at the end of the year and you are responsible for the taxes on anything over 600.00 on a forgiven balance. Just thought I would let you know, Good Luck!

[drosser]

I know several people who have used CCCS and it helped them get out of debt, BUT it reflected negatively on their credit report. Creditors do look upon credit counseling as derogatory. It's not the same as bankruptcy but almost as bad.

My sister-in-law is using a company that has worked out some type of agreement with her creditors. She has been using them for two years and it has worked great! She has one more year to go and she will have all her charge cards paid off. Believe it or not, she found them on the internet. Her credit report shows that she has had some late payments but now shows that everything is being paid on time, as agreed.