Debt Consolidation Companies – Stay Away From These

Aug 9
08:22

2011

Melissa Kellet

Melissa Kellet

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Debt consolidation companies can often take the pressure off of consumers who are plagued by credit card or other unsecured debt. As with any industry it has its scofflaws; here is how to spot them.

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While debt consolidation companies cannot be found in every strip mall,Debt Consolidation Companies – Stay Away From These Articles they are out there. If you are interested in checking some out because of overwhelming credit card debt, go online. The nice thing about searching online is you will get an overview of each company so you can start weeding out those you should avoid. Use the warnings below to tighten your scrutiny. As with any industry, there are a few bad apples out there that you want to stay away from.As you are probably aware, many consumers have had to resort to some extreme actions to get onerous debt off their backs. Bankruptcy, for instance. Part of the problem has been the recessionary nature of these economic times. Of course, the financial market has always been plagued by those who cannot manage debt responsibly. Whatever your situation, debt consolidation is a good way to get your monthly obligations reduced or more manageable. Just be careful, choosing the wrong debt consolidation firm could just dig your financial hole that much deeper.Stay Away from Companies that Charge Huge FeesCompanies that charge huge fees are playing on your vulnerability to line their pockets in an excessive manner. Of course, these firms should receive some recompense for the service they offer, but some venture into loan shark waters with their high set-up and maintenance charges.Realize that you are in debt rather deeply, but do not let that loss of face or embarrassment lead you into a financial situation worse than when you started. The minute a counselor says something to the effect that no one will be able to help you except their firm, it is time to ease out the door or hang up the phone.Stay Away from Companies that Charge for Initial ConsultationsNo above-board debt consolidation firm should charge you for an initial consultation. The up-front fee is akin to a house remodeler charging you for an estimate of the cost to add a new sun porch. Do not go there. Once you get hooked up with a firm such as this, you can bet any maintenance or miscellaneous fees are going to be unjustifiably high.Stay Away from Companies that Charge High Monthly FeesAgain, the firms do provide some solid services by negotiating with your creditors. They should receive payment as they try to lower payments, void fees, lower interest rates, and change payment dates, but they should not be taking you for a wild taxi ride with the fare meter clicking away.Look for TheseThe top-of-the-line debt consolidation firms in the U.S. have a solid Web presence that will give you all the information a prudent shopper would need. With some, the entire process can be completed online. Of course, that indicates that their overhead is a great deal smaller than a brick-and-mortar company which should translate into savings for you.Also, be certain that the firm sets up an escrow account solely for you and to which you are allowed scrutiny. You will not be able to draw off the account but you should be allowed to see how the account is being used. This will also help you keep tabs on fees and miscellaneous charges.Good LuckFollowing these few rules should help you ease into a comfortable relationship with your consolidator. With a decent company your anxiety level should drop, the creditor calls should stop, and you could have your debt disappear in a few years or sooner without irreparable damage being done to your credit scores. Shop carefully when choosing a firm and keep your eyes open after you have engaged one.