Christian debt counseling will get you on the correct path to financial freedom.
Perhaps, in considering your financial situation you have made the decision to use a debt counseling service. A lot of people assume that going with a christian service is the way to go because it means they will be fair, legitimate, and perhaps even free or low cost.
Unfortunately, this is frequently not the case. In fact, many companies that have set out to scam consumers and take advantage of their vulnerability strategically use the word “Christian” in their title in hopes that you will make just such an assumption. They prey on your faith and your desperate financial situation, and their sole intent is to squeeze as much money out of you as possible.
Some companies make promises and don’t deliver because they are just plain bad companies. They have lazy staff, they don’t communicate well, etc. However, some companies are illegal scamming companies. The debt relief industry seems to attract these scammers because of the high emotional toll being deeply in debt plays on people. It is so hard to have bills that you just can’t pay, have people calling you up all hours of the day and telling they’re going to sue you if you don’t pay them and you’re just trying to figure out how to keep the lights on and buy groceries. Just be aware that these kinds of companies are out there and you can avoid them.
Be careful in choosing a debt relief company. First, you need to understand that they can’t do anything for you that you can’t do yourself (like negotiating down your rates or payoff amount). Second, even though they promise to stop hassling phone calls, you are the one ultimately responsible for the debt and therefor the creditors are still going to call you (you can then refer your creditors to the company you have given power to act in your behalf to). Third, anybody can promise anything. Several debt settlement companies promise no hassle, no more heartache, and that you will be out of debt in a few years. These things are entirely within your control and nobody can change these things but you. They also promise things like, negotiating your debt down with your creditors and getting your rates down. These things are up to your creditor, not them. When you go to choose a debt settlement company, go with someone who is rated well by the Better Business Bureau, or get a referral from someone you know. Do not sign any contracts that hold you to a long term agreement, and DO NOT give them electronic access to your bank account so you can stop at anytime if they don’t fulfill their end of the bargain. And definitely don’t give them large sums of money up front. It doesn’t take $1000 to set up any account.
In the end, just protect yourself. Be aware, and put the things in place so that you don’t end up a victim, but can choose a great debt settlement company and become debt free in a few years.
C. Arnold is an expert at budgeting and debt consolidation. To find out more about Christian Credit Debt Counseling.