# Credit counciling

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-counciling/349814>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 25, 2006, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-counciling/349814 "2006-03-25T01:31:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![fireman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@fireman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fireman)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2006, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-counciling/349814/1 "2006-03-25T01:31:46Z")

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Has anyone used one of those credit counciling companies, you know, the ones who contact your creditors and get lower payments, etc? How did it work out?

I’m asking because my son and his wife have had a financial setback and are having some problems. I wanted the straight dope before we contacted one of these agencies.

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2006, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-counciling/349814/2 "2006-03-25T01:42:04Z")

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Most are not legit.

Start here:

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

> **[NFCC Nonprofit Free Credit and Debt Advice](https://www.nfcc.org)**
>
> The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is the most trusted nonprofit financial counseling organization. Get out of debt in 24-60 months.

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**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\
**Post date:** [March 25, 2006, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-counciling/349814/3 "2006-03-25T01:42:56Z")

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Most are propped up by banks and credit card companies as a diversion from bankruptcy. Heck, it is smart business. Some are reliable and can help negotiate payments, settlements, etc.

Of course, BE CAREFUL. Head over to the Better Business Bureaun first. Some have excellent reputations, even if the lenders have propped them up to reduce their losses to people who might otherwise file bankruptcy.