Can you recommend a Non Profit Debt Consolidation agency???
338466
Perhaps instead of a debt consolidation your in need of a credit repair company, as these old debts have been charged-off already.?
1163936
Definitely keep your federal loans separate from your private loans. A Federal Consolidation Loan can only be comprised of *federal* loans, so if you get a letter from a company offering to consolidate private + federal, don't take the bait! You could end up with a Private Consolidation Loan with lousy terms and none of the security of the Federal Consolidation Loan program.\n\nIndeed, students of all sorts (including students who haven't even graduated) are getting tons of fliers about consolidation.  Some are from legitimate companies and some, unfortunately, are not.  When picking a consolidation lender, it's good to pay attention to the interest rate offered -- but this, by far, is not the only indication of a good lender. In fact, some of the companies offering rock-bottom rates are the questionable ones that you want to avoid!  Instead, ask yourself the following:\n\n* How long has the company been in business?  This is a good indication of the longevity of the corporation. Student loan companies come and go and, when they go, they have to sell your loans to someone. If this occurs, you won't get a say in the matter and could end up with a less-than-ideal lender.  In some cases, when these sales are made, students aren't properly notified of the sale, which has led to some students missing payments... which can, in turn, lead to delinquency and default.\n\n* What is the company's website like?  Not only is a strong, detailed website a sign of a good lender, but it can also be critical in helping you keep track of your due dates, look up information during tax season, and apply for deferments.  This is also a good way to spot a "scam"-type company.  If you log onto the website and the first thing you see if an application form asking for your social security number, RUN.  A good company will give you ample opportunity to learn about the terms and conditions of their loan before you apply.\n\n*What is the lender's reputation? What's their customer service center like?  Now, to be fair, now may not be the best time to call up each company to gauge their customer service.  During the last week in June, all of those companies will be swamped with calls from borrowers consolidating last minute.  If you have a chance, talk to your friends, family, and financial aid office to see who they recommend.\n\nFor federal consolidation, Sallie Mae and Citibank are the #1 and #2 consolidation lenders (respectively) in existence right now -- and for good reason. Their loan processes are streamlined, the websites give you everything you need to manage your loans from disbursement to repayment, and they are leaders in their industry.  I would highly recommend consolidating with either of these comapnies.  In fact, I won't name anyone else because I don't think the others hold a candle to these two.  But if you're curious what's out there, you can check out FinAid.org's list of the largest consolidation lenders: http://www.finaid.org/loans/biglenders.phtml\n\nSallie Mae also offers private consolidation, so you could direct all your private loan volume their way, too, and they might be able to bill you on a single bill for all your loans. Although I generally recommend Sallie Mae above the others, I acknowledge that, unlike with Federal consolidation, private consolidation interest rates will vary -- so it might be worth shopping around.  Other lenders who offer private consolidation include...\nKey Bank: http://www.key.com/html/H-1.39.b.html\nEducation Finance Partners: http://www.educationfinancepartners.com/loans_privateconsolidationloan.html\nNelnet: http://www.consolidation.nelnet.net/PvtDescription.asp\nNextStudent: http://www.nextstudent.com/private-consolidation-loans/private-consolidation.asp\nSunTrust: http://www.suntrusteducation.com/debtcons/privcons.asp\nWells Fargo: https://www.wellsfargo.com/student/loans/repayment/consolidation/consolidator.jhtml\n\nFinally, if you
259603
there are many excellent credit counseling agencies.  I know this one helped a friend of mine.  She thinks they were great, and was able to manage her debt, and improve her credit rating within 5 years, and that was after nearly declaring bankruptcy.
159997
You would want to get in with a company that is non profit as you stated in your question.  Other companies charge you a fee for doing this for you, as much as 50.00 a month.  Consolidated Credit Counselors is a company I used before the only problem I had with them is the agreement they have with the issuing banks it to make payments that is 5% of what you owe.  That was too high for me so I had no other choice but to do a bankruptcy.  In time your credit rating will improve.  But by taking action and just not walking away will definately improve your credit rating.
465727
First, you need to obtain all three of your credit reports from Equifax, Ecperian, and Trans Union. There is a fourth, somewhat smaller bureau called Innovis (Minneapolis, Minnesota). It would do good to ask for a report from them as well. Set a goal as to the time frame you want to "clear" your credit. Judging from your credit reports, assess which negative reports will be "falling off"(7-10 years, depending on the case), and which ones you need to pay. Before you pay anything, try to do what is called a "debt validation", . This is when you can write letters to creditors requesting proof of what you owe. If they can prove you owe it, then write certified letters to the company(s), and negotiate how much you will actually pay. If not, then request via certified mail that they remove negative listings from your credit report. DO NOT CALL THEM, and if they call you, simply say "no comment", and hang up the phone. MAKE SURE you get any promises in writing, including the promise that they will promptly report to all 3 credit bureaus that you have satisfied your debts. Budget yourself. Save whatever you can, and pay off debt in lump sums. This is a long process, so be patient. It is well worth your time. I have said this time and time again, but this is a great website. It helped me greatly when I was getting my credit together: www.creditinfocenter.com    This site also has some templates for the letter I was just talking about. This stuff works, and you will be using the same steps all these debt consolidation companies use, and get results. The only difference is is that you will be saving yourself some money.
687981
Go to the United Way for advice. i did and they helped me out tremendously. And they are non-profit!\n;)
441735
There is this "debt diet" program on oprah.com that offers a guideline for people who are in debt.  If you are really serious about getting rid of your debt, I suggest giving that a try.  Best of luck.
1187360
As a former financial counselor, I can let you know of what to look for in a debt management company prior to enrolling. I also am enrolled in debt management, so I know what helps. Make sure you find a company with the following:\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.\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.\n3) A company that answers all your questions. You probably have lots of questions, but a counselor who is knowledgable AND certified will be able to walk you through step by step, and explain thoroughly every step of the process. \n\nIf you are interested in the company I worked for, it is http://www.incharge.org . They have a great relationship with the Defense Department as soldiers that are in financial trouble are often referred to them. If you are interested in the company I have an account with, it is http://www.careonecredit.org/ . Both of these companies 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!
518337
First, cancel your debt consolidation contract (if you can).  Many of these companies will simply let your accounts lapse just so they can try to settle the debt.  \n\nSecond, get out of debt yourself.  Otherwise, you've never changed your behavior which got you in debt in the first place.\n\nFinally, go buy a book called 'Total Money Makeover'.  This book will teach you how to eliminate your debt.  You can also consider a class (taught by the same person that wrote the book) called 'Financial Peace University' (see www.daveramsey.com).  My wife and I took this class in 2004 and are now debt free (except our house).  The average family taking this 13 course pays off $5,800 and savings $1,200.  \n\nContact me if you want specific help.  My wife and I now teach this class and have seen many people eliminate a ton of debt.  \n\nScott.....
479053
The best way to consolidate your credit cards is through www.debtscape.org   I have been using it for 4 years now and I have less than a year to go and I started out with over $30,000 in debt! \n\nYou can tell them I sent you\n\nTraci Sorgi\n\nPS never close your accounts after they are paid, you will have to establish credit all over again, and it will be hard to do this with NO credit!
1121280
Hey here's a whole blog filled with tons of useful information regarding federal loan consolidation and student loans. All kinds of info there, hope it helps:) http://federal-loan-consolidate.blogspot.com/
923225
You are correct when you say it is better to work with the original creditors.  My husband and I went with a service that settles you debt, well the settle it you had to wait for the debt to go into collections.  The service was not good even though we did settle all of our bills and don't owe anything, but our credit looks like crap because everything states "Settled for less than the amount owed".  No one looks to highly on that.  Also, there are some companies out there that if they find you are with a debt management company they will not work with you at all and tell you that you have to pay the amount in full for instance if you have a RaidoShack CC they will not work with you if you are with a debt management company.  We went with Consumer Debt Intervention (don't ever use them!) and a little FYI if you have to pay a debt management company then they are a bad company save your money and pay the creditors.  Another FYI if you do settle your debts anything settled over $600 you have to pay taxes on, so watch out because that is considered extra income!
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.
700924
Consolidation is a good idea.....as long as you take this warning.\n\nOver the past few years, many people have gone to consolidation and home equity loans to try and cure their credit problems.  They take all their bills and combine them into one bill, which generally is going to be mean a lower monthly payment, but will take longer to pay off.  OK, so far so good.\n\nThe problem is that these people turn around and charge thing on their "now empty" credit cards.  The result is they are now twice the amount in debt.  They end up filing for bankruptcy.\n\nOver the past two years the vast majority of people who filed BK did it for that reason.  \n\nSo as long as you understand this trap, you will do ok.  Consolidate your loan, but STOP further credit spending.  Get rid of the credit cards and try to use all of your disposable income to get this new loan paid off.  \n\nOtherwise, start looking for a bankruptcy lawyer.
1152692
It sounds like you are earnestly trying to do something about your 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 speak from experience about the DMP because not only was I once a counselor but I too have within the last year made a commitment to pay off my debt through a DMP. 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\nIn 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.\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.\n3) 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\nMy overall experience is a smooth one and it probably has something to do with the fact that I saw how the DMP worked behind the scenes. I think the most difficult concept that people seem to understand, is that the DMP isn't a substitute for someone else taking care of your accounts. A debt management company tries to negotiate the best interest rates for your accounts, but ultimately YOU have to stay on top of them, religiously monitoring you statements and making sure the creditors are getting their payments. They are still your accounts. As far as my debt goes, in about 18 months, I have gone from $14000 debt, to about $8500. That's a big leap for me, and it's only going to get better as the payments get larger when accounts begin to close. It's a great system and more people need to take advantage of the great opportunity creditors have given consumers through the DMP. My credit score wasn't bad to begin with but it has increased from 695 to 723. \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/ . Both of these companies 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!
968176
You've recognized you have a problem and that is always the first step.  There are certain debt management companies who have been cited for fraud.  Be careful who you choose.  Look for any complaints filed with the BBB before paying for the services of debt management company.  Debt management services can be expensive and may not produce the results you need.\n\nTry the suggestions given at www.MoneyExposed.com.  If you are committed to reducing your debt, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to do it.
1006999
By law, approved consolidators cannot charge a fee.\n\nHere is a list on them which will do bad credit loans: http://lendersrated.com/studentloans.htm...\n\nHope it helps you...\nkarateross