How to Find Legitimate Credit Counseling Services

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"How To Find Legitimate Credit Counseling Services"

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Article: "How To Find Legitimate Credit Counseling Agencies"
By Andre Plessis

Legitimate credit counseling services, are usually those agencies associated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, typically have housing counselors that can help you evaluate your options. You can find a housing counseling agency approved by the Housing and Urban Development Department by calling (800) 569-4287.

If you are considering consumer credit counseling services you should consider those who:

	The credit counseling agency should be non-profit.
	The credit counseling agency should have been in business for at least ten years.
	The credit counseling agency should be accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) or the International Standards Organization (ISO).

The counselors at the credit counseling agency should be certified by an independent organization.

Take the time to check them out to make sure they are legitimate and reputable.

	National Association of Attorneys General - The NAAG Web site lists contact information for each state's office of the Attorney General (AG). Call your state Attorney General and ask if any complaints have been filed or legal actions taken against the agency.
	Better Business Bureau - Find your local Better Business Bureau on the BBB's Web site and call to ask how many complaints have been filed against the agency you're considering and how many of them are still unresolved. Some complaints are to be expected, but most should be resolved.
	GuideStar - This online resource provides information on over one million non-profit organizations, including credit counseling agencies.

Look for the following information before signing up with a credit counseling agency:

	Reasonable fees (not more than $50/month for a debt management plan).
	A fee of not more than $50 to $100 to establish your account and negotiate with your creditors.
	The agency's willingness to waive the fees if you simply can't afford them.
	A written budget based on your personal financial situation.
	A reasonable amount of time for your initial appointment. At least an hour is needed.
	A written plan to help you get out of debt.
	An agreement between you and the agency.

If the agency you're considering is not willing to answer or does not spend the time to give satisfactory responses to your questions, find a different agency.

To Your Success,

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Andre Plessis

Andre Plessis
"The Mortgage Guru"
"A Mortgage Professional whose primary goal is to provide the expertise, guidance and skills necessary to obtain the best mortgage to meet your personal needs".
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