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Consolidate And Live Debt Free
Are your credit cards in charge of your life? Are you living payday to payday with no end in sight? Making large payments but not making much of a dent on your principal balance? It may be time to consolidate and live debt free. Debt free...

Debt consolidation – Options for Reducing Credit Card Costs
Americans are using credit cards more than at any time in history, and credit card companies are reaping record profits. One of the reasons that the credit card industry is so profitable is that so many of us use our credit cards unwisely. If you...

Guide to Debt Consolidation Loans
Here is a useful guide to Debt Consolidation Loans. A Debt consolidation loan is a loan used to repay several other loans. A Debt Consolidation Loan is a low cost loan secured on your home. It frees up the spare capital (equity) in your home to...

Is It Safe To Consolidate Debt Online?
Some people are motivated to consolidate debt online because they know they can save a lot of money by taking advantage of low interest rates. Others are panicking to find a quick and easy solution to help them deal with a mountain of debt. ...

Know Your Debt Consolidation Options
Nobody likes being in debt or the additional stress it adds to their life. Additionally, most individuals have some form of debt that is weighing heavily on them and they simply want to get rid of it. If you are in this situation then you might...

 
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Debt Consolidation Services - 3 Things To Watch Out For With Debt Consolidation Companies

Debt consolidation services can provide a valuable service by lowering your interest rate with creditors, enabling you to pay off your unsecured loans and bills in a short period. However, there are companies that would rather take your money than help you. To avoid such scams, watch out for the following.

Low Monthly Payment Claims

While debt consolidation companies can lower your interest rate which might lower your payments, they cannot negotiate lower minimum payments. Creditors no longer accept smaller payments since 2004, not even for "hardship" cases.

One trick companies use is to lure customers in with a low quote, only to jack up the required payment in a month's time. By that time you have already paid out fees, which aren't refundable.

Upfront Fees

Another shady practice is to charge large upfront fees when a company is claiming non-profit status. Legitimate companies will either charge a small monthly fee between $14 to $69, depending on the number of accounts. The other fee structure is to charge a reasonable fee for each account handled; typically for-profit companies use this structure.

If you are being asked to pay thousands, especially with a cashier's check or money order, look for another program.

Offering Debt Negotiation Programs

You


should also be suspicious of companies that pressure you to use other programs, such as debt negotiations. First of all, debt negotiations or settlements usually will not improve your credit situation. Secondly, you will be charge high fees for something you can do on your own. And finally, companies who specialize in debt consolidation have no incentive to see you flounder with your finances, unlike those offering other services.

When you are looking for a debt consolidation program, ask questions about the program, fees, and amount of time to repay your bills. Take advantage of the internet and research several different agencies.

Since debt and bill consolidation varies with the number of accounts involved, you should expect a phone consultation before you receive any quotes. With your quote you should receive detailed answers, including pay off dates for each account and exact fees. And if you feel uncomfortable with the agency, feel free to walk away. A consultation is not a commitment on your part.

About the author:

See my recommended Debt Consolidation Companies online.  Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.