Do those credit counseling companies really get you out of debt without paying your entire balances?
146796
I would use caution if using one. Do your homework on the company and check with the bbb (better business bureau).  Honestly, there is nothing that any one of these companies can do that you can't do for yourself.
1025269
From what I've been told those programs do nothing that you can't do yourself by contacting your creditors & working out a deal yourself. Also, it's about the same as filing bankraptcy or worse on your credit score. And they charge you so you have MORE debt!
475994
I have been working in the debt settlement industry for 4 years and yes they really can get you out of debt!! you can e-mail me if you want more info.
1021672
It sounds like you are earnestly trying to do something about a debt situation and I admire that. It sometimes takes much effort to get to where you want to be and sometimes you can't do it by yourself. I can make some recommendations based on experience, as I was once a financial counselor and am currently on a debt management program. Debt management is sometimes the only way that you will be able to show your creditors that you are trying to turn a new leaf. \n\nNow, I haven't heard about Ammend Credit Counseling, but that doesn't mean too much as there are probably hundreds of debt management programs out there. The important thing is to find a reputable one that best suits your needs. In case you are interested in contacting a counselor, make sure you look for these things in a company:\n\n1) A company who is genuinely trying to help consumers. A company who is looking for the consumer's best interests will not only counsel you, but they may take you through a budget, analyze your situation, provide free financial material, etc. In other words they don't just try to enroll you. You should never feel pressured. I went to the website of Ammend Credit Counseling and there didn't seem to be too much on the site about financial health, tips or advice. That doesnt' mean that they don't send you information, but you may want to check to see how concerned they are about their consumers. \n2) A company who is non-profit, certified, and has a good track record with the BBB. A company who is non-profit may ask for a donation but it is purely voluntary. All your payments should go to your creditors. Also there are regulation agencies in place to weed out the "shady" companies, so you should make sure they are certified and a responsible member of the BBB. I am not sure who certifies Ammend Credit, but you should ask. I also checked them on the BBB and they have an average number of complaints (which is expected in this industry, you can never make everyone happy!), but almost all of them have been resolved. Thats the important thing you are looking for. \n3) You also want a company that answers all your questions. You probably have lots of questions, but a caring counselor will walk you through step by step, and explain thoroughly every step of the process. \n\nSo if you are interested in the company I worked for, it is http://www.incharge.org . If you are interested in the company I have an account with, it is http://www.careonecredit.org/ . If you want to find companies in your area accredited by the AICCCA (Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies), then you can go to their website http://www.aiccca.org . Both of the companies I mentioned are registered with the BBB and have outstanding reputations. \n\nThere are plenty out there though, so you should find the one that best suits your needs. I hope that you get to where you want to be and don't ever give up! Patience will heal your credit. There is no quick answer. Good Luck!
685061
Here are some websites that discuss how to get out of debt. Watch out for the "non-profit" credit counseling agencies that are frequently scams. Good luck!
123937
Yes but you pay them off and gain credit history in the process. It is important to have credit history to make big purchases in the future such as a home. Although I am sure alot of people don't use them solely for this purpose. I abuse the purpose I guess sometimes, I buy things I don't really have the money to buy but have enough credit to buy, and I have had credit credit debt in the past. The point being when I finally paid them off it felt great and looked great on my account history. Well until the next time I used them.
940615
They are ripping you off. There are tons of companies that can help the only thing is when people are stressed by debt they end up making wrong decisions.\nso you want to read up on it all so that you'll be able to find a good deal and not fall pray of any con artist.\nhere you'll find tons more info than I could possibly\nwrite myself. It'll take a bit but it's your money and well worth\ntaking your time over it\nhttp://credit-cards.ebookorama.com\nand here http://finance.ebookorama.com \nalso plenty more to read here\nhttp://credit.ebookorama.com\nhttp://credit-repair.ebookorama.com\ngood luck!
258061
There's several Non-Profit debt consolidation groups out there that will do this, but it completely kills your ability to obtain any new credit until the consolidation is totally paid off.  I've been credit card free for almost 8 years now and it feels great to never see a bill in my mailbox.\n\nDo your part to end pointless economic wars on yourself by financial institutions by becoming a balanced-budget person.
555665
You need to be carefull with either types of companies, as they make offers and promises they can't keep.\n\nKeep in mind that most of the things these companies can do, you can easily do yourself.  They charge you a great deal of money.  All you need to do is educate yourself.\n\nRead the links below for information about credit repair/cred counseling scams.  This comes right from the FTC.
1159042
TO be real honest with you. CREDIT REPAIR company are not that good.  The money you give them to help you could be use to pay wha you owe. You would be better off doing it your self.  Please go  to daveramsy.com he has alot of information that can help you and show you how to be debt free
916286
in my opinion no because\na. im not enough credit card debt to worry what would happen if i became injured or other\nb. they all do that with free introductory offers that make it easy to forget you are already enrolled when they start charging you\nc. its another form of insurance and IMHo - at least for me but does not pertain to the general public - insurance is a scam. if i bet myself every time i'll be doing just fine
1180123
I have been going thru CCC (Consumer Credit Counseling) for two years now. I know it's awful having so many bills and so many rude people calling and demanding payment. There was a start up fee and then they just started deducting so much every other week. I'll be finished in November, thank goodness! You should look into it, it definitely takes a weight off your shoulders because you just see the progress ya know? You're not writing checks and balancing who gets how much. Good luck!
196733
Of course they can. They are a collection agency. A collection comes along and takes over where the original credit grantor left off and gave up. They get a portion of what was owed on the original debt like 25% or so. Sometimes they purchase your debt from the original creditor for pennies on the dollar! Remember, the collection agency isnt your friend no matter how nice they are. They're in it for you money; as much as they can. Sometimes they will offer a "paid in full" for a lump sum of just half of what was owed. Make no mistake. Even doing that they still make money although they wont let you know that. You need to arm yourself with credit knowledge. Start by going to annualcreditreport.com and getting your free annual credit reports. Learn as much as you can by yahooing or googling about such info. If your debt is old, it might be better to not even mess with the collection agency. By law, a negative (unapaid) item in your credit report has to be removed after 7 years. Hope I helped some. Good luck.
833164
Try Consumer Credit Counselling Service (0800 1381111), National Debtline (0808 8084000) or Citizens Advice (www.adviceguide.org for advice or to find local bureau). They all give free advice and can negotiate on your behalf with creditors.\n\n"Debt management companies" are profit-making organisations who WILL charge you, so avoid them.
323991
Yes, if they are still effecting your credit rating. The better your credit rating - the more they will want to loan you. I get automatically accepted for loans and credit cards. I've never had debts - always pay of my credit card, bought my car for cash. My credit card company offered me a loan at 5.9% last month. I could probably borrow that and invest it in the markets and make money! Give the impression you're loaded and they'll offer you more - if you're broke - you don't stand a chance of a loan for the price of a sandwich. With on line banking now - you can move money around your accounts and give them a great turnover and put virtually everything on a credit card. I was offered a new credit card that doesn't incur any interest for up to 12 weeks after the purchase. Stupid interest rate of 19% - but 12 weeks interest free credit can be handy.
763544
Credit repair services are a hoax.  Avoid them.\n\nCredit counseling services, however, aren't about your FICO, but about debt reduction. Some of these have a bad reputation, too, so only use them as a last resort and read all of the fine print.\n\nThe only way to improve your credit is to start rebuilding it over time. Get a low-fee secured credit card. Pay it off monthly, and let time heal your credit.
831889
How bad is it? Do you need a band-aid or a surgeon?\n\nHave you called consumer credit counseling?