Free Credit Counseling - Understand the Fine Print Before Using Debt Relief

For the consumer who is head over heels in debt

, the search for free credit counseling can be a tough proposition. What seems to be free on the surface can be far from it. There are many legitimate classes and counseling services, and the smart consumer has to weed through the many that pretend to be free but aren't.

Usually when a person starts to look for credit counseling, they are already in financial trouble, and can't afford another fee on top of what already exists. They hear the word free, and take it at face value, but once entered into programs, they find either a donation will be asked for or required to continue. Or, the company adds a fee on top of monthly payment plans they set up. The consumer is then entwined with a service that is costing them when they didn't expect it.

Credit counseling can be of great benefit, and can help educate the consumer toward debt relief and better spending habits. But the consumer has to do considerable research to find free credit counseling that is actually free, and that will provide the information necessary to get on a path to financial recovery.

There's plenty of consumer information and protection around these days, and falling for television ads that promise free services generally are very unreliable. If the company can afford to advertise, it is because they are making profits to do so. Even some of the so-called Christian counseling services or other organizational ones, are hardly free. Signing up for classes through a learning institution is a safe bet, but all others should be investigated for authenticity.

Financial crisis is a reason to seek help but it must be done with consideration to what will be received and what it will cost. For instance, many consumers opt for an approach through consolidation of debts, and for a few it works. But for many, it ends up being a failure because it is such a long term situation with collateral against home or other property. It may be that other debt solutions are more appropriate. Programs such as debt settlement and debt management may be far more appropriate for a consumer than simple free counseling will offer. Before entering into any debt relief type of situation, it is best to do major research and know exactly what each one means and will accomplish.

Free Credit Counseling - Understand the Fine Print Before Using Debt Relief

By: Chester Fraizer

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