What to look for in online debt management services |
By Ryan Levin on December 15, 2011
.jpg.aspx) Looking for a debt management program is a strong first step to take when you’re trying to get out of debt, and the internet can provide some very useful resources. When you’re looking for online debt management resources, though, you’ll find a lot of different information; the options could be confusing if you don’t know where to start, and to top things off, there are some scam artists lying in wait among the reputable sites, just waiting for you to deliver your information right into their hands. Here, we’ll talk about what separates the trustworthy from the untrustworthy, and how you can find an online debt management program that can help you in your quest to get out of debt.
When you’re looking at online debt management resources, pay attention first to the kind of services that debt management programs claim to offer. Even though companies want to show off their services in the best light, claims should still be reasonable—offering you the chance to become debt free in three months or promising you can reduce your debt by 50% without ever looking at your personal financial situation is a sure sign of a phony program.
At the very least, a credible debt management website should offer in-person consultations and have low enrollment fees. Even though many companies offer phone and internet consultations, you can and should request an in-person meeting for a thorough analysis of your finances and immediate responses to your questions.
The last thing you should look for in an online debt management program is accreditation: proof that a respected organization has decided that the company you’re looking at is trustworthy. The most important accreditation organization is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or the NFCC. It’s also a great place to start your search for debt management options. The US Justice Department also has a list of reputable credit counselors and debtor education programs. You can search by region on either of these two websites to find a service near you. A lack of this official accreditation or even so-called “self-accreditation” should raise a big red flag—skip it unless it’s vouched for by a reputable organization.
Be smart and safe when you use the internet, and it will be kind to you. Now that you know what separates the real debt management programs from the scams, you can take that step and start walking down the path toward financial freedom.
References:
http://www.debtmanagement.net/debt-management/finding-debt-management-online/NFCC.org
http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/de_approved.htm |
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