Watch Out For Bad Apples Who Offer Consumer Debt Counseling

Summary: Some people may wonder about the point of having a non-profit organization such as those that provide credit counsling. After all, everyone wants something, it is hard to believe that organization exist in order just to help people. If you are skeptical about the altruistic motives behind a company that is set up to help consumers with credit card debt settlement through methods such as consumer debt counseling, it might be useful to be informed of the benefits offered the...

Some people may wonder about the point of having a non-profit organization such as those that provide credit counsling. After all, everyone wants something, it is hard to believe that organization exist in order just to help people. If you are skeptical about the altruistic motives behind a company that is set up to help consumers with credit card debt settlement through methods such as consumer debt counseling, it might be useful to be informed of the benefits offered these companies for holding the non-profit title. First of all, having the non-profit lable exempts these companies from federal taxes, even though they exist in order to help people settle credit card debt. In addition, they are usually exempt from several state taxes, which means that they save thousands of dollars every year just by being non-profit. The label also means that many of these companies are eligible to receive governmental grants and private grants as well each year. Creditors will also tend to look upon non-profit organizations positively as this status is mandatory in order to initiate Fair Share contributions. Finally, non-profit status will also allow companies to avoid consumer protection laws in some states, which increases their ability to make profits. It should come as no surprise that major credit counseling companies proudly display their status as non-profits for all to see. Many of these companies, however, use this label as a way to trick potential customers in and accomplish their real goal, which of course is maximizing their profits. Although this is true of several credit agencies, it is not the case for all and there is legitimate help out there for consumers who are seeking to reduce their debt through these services. One of the first things to look for when determining whether such a company is legit is to find out if it is accredited through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. The Better Business Bureau is of course another way to determine the kind of services the company offers, and if they have done so in a consistently honest way. Good credit counseling agencies are a necessity for debtors, and individuals must keep this in mind. The agencies help debtors to create debt management plans and to get their financial house in order before disaster strikes. They also carry clout with creditors and can therefore help to lower payments and interest rates, as well as eliminating late fees and finance charges. Many companies will also help debtors by calling off collection agencies and other organizations that try to get the money out of the debtor. Remember when you are looking for a company that can help with debt management that you have to be very careful in what you settle for.