By David Pilley on July 18, 2011
.jpg.aspx) When I researched about debt consolidation in Minnesota, I kept coming back to the same place: Consumer Credit of Minnesota. This non-profit organization’s stated purpose is to help people solve their debt problems through restructuring payment plans, debt consolidation, and debt management programs. They offer help to thousands of families each year, and they claim to return over $40 million to unsecured creditors each year.
Consumer Credit of Minnesota is associated with affiliate Consumer Credit of Des Moines. Based in the Twin Cities metro area, CCM has been in business since 2004, and it has been a BBB-accredited business since 2005. The BBB has given Consumer Credit of Minnesota an A+ rating, and there have been absolutely zero consumer complaints within the past twelve months. The organization started off giving credit counseling to just the citizens of Iowa and Minnesota, but it has since become a nationwide online service, becoming one of the largest credit counseling services in the Midwest. Benefits of the organization’s consolidation and repayment plans may include reduced interest rates, elimination of late fees, elimination of collection calls, and reduction in minimum payments.
The organization’s website offers a wealth of information. In the “Questions Answered” section, you can find that CCM has over 24 years of experience with counseling and debt management. The organization keeps your personal information secured, and it does not report any of your information to credit bureaus, as this is the job of your creditors to do. It also clearly states that only unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills, can be included in repayment plans, though counselors can offer advice on your mortgage and car loans.
I found the “Financial Calculator” and “Credit Resources” sections to be very helpful for potential consumers. You can use the Financial Calculator to assess current credit card debt and determine a monthly payment amount over a specific period of time. Under Credit Resources, you can find the names of some bankruptcy lawyers in Minnesota, as well as websites and mailing addresses of the three main credit bureaus if you need to get a copy of your credit report or if you need to report possible fraud. There are also links to some great educational sites. Consumerdebit.com provides a wide range of information, from maintaining a checking account to DMV contact information. Another link is to the JumpStart Coalition, an educational resource that helps provide life-long financial decision-making skills to youth. Finally, there are government links, such as the FTC, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the IRS.
If you are in Minnesota and looking for help with your debt issues, Consumer Credit of Minnesota may be a great place to start. The organization is in excellent standing with the Better Business Bureau, and with no recent consumer complaints, you might find yourself also not having any complaints with the organization.
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