Has anyone ever dealt with (CCCS)credit counseling services?How bad is it for your credit?

Question

I know these types of debt consolidation plans aren't very good for your credit but my credit is completely shot and I have a fair amount of debt.Just how bad does it look on my credit?What about after the debts are all paid off?Are they trustworthy and legitimate?Do they do as they promise?What was your experience with them?Are there plans reasonable so quality of life doesn't drop too badly?

How can I find out thier contact number in my area to meet them in person?I would prefer to work with them that way.

My credit report is full of charge offs and late payments,2 judgements and a bankruptcy from 2001.I've been a financial disaster for many years but have finally "grown up" and am ready to truly tackle and repair this mess.Many of my "bad" marks will be off in the next 2-3 years.I have a current car loan but no mortgage or active credit cards.I have several bounced checks in chex systems as well.I'm hoping to have a good enough rating to obtain a mortgage at a halfway decent interest rate within in the 3-4 years.

Answer 1

Any company that you pay to help you with your credit problems is only making your problem worse. There are free credit counseling services that really do help but they negatively affect your credit. Since it is ruined anyway, it shouldn't matter.

If you want to handle it yourself you need to stop charging things on your cards, contact the companies involved and tell them if they lower your interest rate you will work with them to pay the cards off. Let them know if they continue with the high rates that you will feel no obligation to throw good money after bad.

You really didn't give us enough information to help you. I don't know if there is a mortgage involved but if there is pay your mortgage and utilities before you pay anything else. Would have more information if I had more detail.

Answer 2

Well, here is the catch: CCC will increase your credit score, however, creditors will report that the account is in credit counseling.

Lenders, treat a CCC the same as a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and you have to meet the seasoning requirements for it.

This is standard with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which are the major investors of loans in the market.

Answer 3

Can you talk to the companies and make your payments lower directly and tell them you're considering a CCS? Some are willing to work with you.

I don't know how they work but I'd make sure the one you choose is reputable. It won't hurt your credit as bad as not paying these debts back and it can show that you did pay these debts even through hardships which can be a positive factor on your credit report.

It's either that or let them get to collection status and dispute them off or try to anyway or let them ride for 7 years.

Answer 4

I went to a credit counseling service in my area and got all my bills together and made my payments as i was supposed to-- my credit wasnt horrible at the point i just had to much to keep up with--funny thing was i still had the credit card people calling me--THE SERVICE DID NOT MAKE THE PAYMENTS LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TOO--and the few that they did pay it wasnt even the minimum payment and i tried explaining it to the collections people and they obviosly didnt care and after being sued by a card i just ended up filing bankrupcy---dont know how often you can file for it in your state you said you already did in 2001 if i were you i wouldnt even screw around with counceling services talk to an attorney and see if you can file again---i know thats prolly not the answer you wanted to hear buti lost alot of money dealing with those people---Good Luck !!!!! :)

Answer 5

Actually, the CC CS is not derogatory to your credit. While they do negotiate with your creditors, it does not look bad on your credit rating because your creditors agree to it.

In many cases they erase your delinquent payments and restructure your payments. This does not look bad on your credit report. It allows you to repay all of your debts in one payment, which is typically lower than what you would usually pay due to wiping out your your interest payments. It is not like bankruptcy and does not show unfavorable payments on your credit report as long as you make your scheduled payments.

Taking advantage of the CCCS will not hurt your credit and will help you in your payment structure. It will lower your payments because of the absense of interest and help you to pay off your debts sooner.