Credit counseling before bankruptcy
One of the few things about the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, which took effect this week, that actually seemed like a good idea was the notion of mandatory counseling for bankruptcy filers. While that idea has its problems, such as the fact that many filers are people who lost jobs, and not reckless gamblers who can't manage money, there are some good points. It's a fact that most... Read credit counseling article
Not all credit-counseling agencies honest
In the world of television commercials, switching toothpaste brands will improve your love life. Gourmet dog food will transform your cantankerous mutt into an obedient show dog. And with just a phone call, you can free yourself from a mountain of crushing debt.
Real life is much more complicated, particularly where your finances are concerned. Getting out of debt is hard. And if you si... Read credit counseling article
Credit Repair Counseling Agency or Credit Repair Service
Over one million people file for personal bankruptcy every year. Consumer debt is a huge problem in America today. As a result, many people don't know how they got in debt and don't know where to turn for help. Many people go to credit counseling agencies for assistance.
A credit counseling agency is defined as a company that advises you on managing your money and debt and helps you develop a budget as well as offers free workshops. Some credit agencies or credit repair companies may advise you on managing your money, restore your debt and may develop a budget (spending plan) for you.
When choosing any agency to assist with repairing your credit ask what services are provided based on what your needs are. If you are only concerned with restoring your credit then search for those types of companies. If you are looking for a full service company then look for credit counseling agencies or credit repair service companies.
However, I would use caution when hiring a credit counseling agency or credit repair service. Here are some red flags when considering working with a credit repair counseling agency or a credit repair company:
1. If a company provides guarantees that they can increase your credit score by a certain amount of points don't use them. They are no guarantees because information can be removed from your credit report and your credit score will increase but it depends on your credit score, the type of credit that was delinquent, your debt-to-income ratio and many other factors.
2. Check out the companies' website and check to see how long the company has been in business.
3. Check to see what fees are being charged. I charge my customers a one-time flat fee of less than $200. If you have to pay a registration or initial fee and then a monthly fee of X dollars that defeats the whole purpose of getting out of debt.
4. If you are already working with a credit repair counseling agency or credit repair company ask to see sample letters that will be sent to your creditors. If a company refuses to show you (which most probably will) then you have no idea what was stated in the letter. I give all of my clients companies of the letters I write to repair their credit.
5. Don't do business with a company that says they will use rapid credit scoring to repair your credit. This method jams the credit reporting agency system by sending many letters about the same issue for inaccurate and accurate information. The system gets confused and removes the items mentioned in the letter from the person's credit report. However, the credit reporting agencies do audits of their systems and eventually the items will be put back on your credit report.
6. Ask the company what is the process they use to restore your credit, if the company does not tell you then don't use them.
If you would like more information feel free to visit my website or email me
Most people don't realize exactly how important a good credit score is these days. Everyone needs a good credit score. It's critical. The credit score is the single largest component bank and other lending institutions look at when extending credit. The ability to borrow and use other people's money is absolutely essential. Less than 1% of the U.S. population could sustain the lifestyle they live without borrowing money. In other words a person's credit score is their lifeline. It's sad but true that banks make life-changing decisions based on a number. The following are 8 consequences of having a poor credit score
1) Health insurance costs more
2) Auto insurance costs more
3) Have to pay a higher deposit for an apartment
4) Must pay a mandatory deposit for cable
5) Must pay a mandatory deposit for electricity
6) Must pay a mandatory deposit for hot water
7) Must pay higher interest rates for financing a vehicle (If your credit score will allow you to finance such a large purchase)
8) Must pay higher interest rate to finance a home (If your credit score will allow you to finance such a large purchase)
So if a person has a lower credit score that means they are more inclined to be a high risk driver? Or they are more prone to being physically injured? Well, nobody said all the rules make logical sense. That's just the way the rules are and we all got to live by them. It's pretty weird how it works, but when a person has poor credit it actually costs a lot more to live.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Raj Shah is a recognized authority on helping people find legal and ethical ways to increase their credit score regardless of their current credit rating. His web site, http://www.FixMyCreditReportNow.com, provides a wealth of informative content on how to raise your credit score by a minimum of 125 points guaranteed.
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