One that might actually be able to help me reduce my consumer debt. (I already know about spending less, at least in theory…)
Do I look for one that charges a flat fee? Charges a % of what I would save? Doesn’t charge anything? Does it matter if it’s online or in my town?
I must admit that I don’t really know what to look for. I have heard that there are some Not Good Options out there, though, and would obviously like to avoid them if at all possible. Help?
Thanks!
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This is more of an advice/opinion thing than a factual question.
Moving thread from General Questions to In My Humble Opinion.
I have always heard good things about Consumer Credit Counceling Service. They are a non-profit with locations all over the US (I assume you are in the US).
I worked for CCCS about fifteen years ago, and can vouch for it being (at least then) a genuine free, charitable service which seemed to do a good job. It gave out advice and negotiated with creditors to set up payment plan if that was the right solution (sometimes bankruptcy was advised). I did have ethical qualms about their funding coming at least somewhat from the banks themselves - but they seemed quite open about this, and I suppose it’s just a way for the banks to recoup what might otherwise be a complete loss on debts.
I did work in a UK branch though - the US CCCS may be a hive of corruption and villainy for all I know.