Can anyone recommend a good credit counseling service?

Question

I don't want to file bankruptcy, but find myself drowning ! I need to buy a house in the next few years and want my credit rating to come up. I need help!

Answer 1

CCCS

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Answer 2

A good Counseling Service will levy a nominal fee of just about $14 each month. If they ask for a heavy fee up front, then they may be more likely to cheat you. Beware of the likely scams.

Also remember that using with a credit counseling service can harm your credit report to some extent. But the benefits are more than the drawbacks. Trying to show that you are sincerely trying to pay off your debts is much better than to explain a bankruptcy or a credit report filled with charge-offs.
http://debts-to-wealth.com/category/Credit-Counseling.html

Answer 3

You don't want credit counseling, believe me. I went through this and the company kicked my a**. If they don't pay on time, you get screwed. The best thing to do is to do the work yourself. You can get it done in a day, save thousands of dollars, and help your credit score all at the same time.

First off, this is what you do. If you can, transfer all balances to one or two cards, do that and make the biggest payments that you can to each card. Also, call those card companies and ask if they will give you a lower rate to transfer the balances and to work with you on monthly payments.

If it's too late for this because you are maxed out, call up the cards that are maxed or close to the max point, and let them know you are having trouble. Ask if they can put a freeze on the card and work out payment plans with you. Often, the company will lower your interest rates if you just ask. Another thing to ask is if they will settle the account for three payments and how much those payments will be.

If this is too late and you have already been sent to collections, then call the collection companies and ask them how much they would settle for. Often, they will take 60-70% less then what you owe in order to get some money. Legally, they can only take three payments post dated from your checking account, thus another reason they will settle for less.

Just work on one card at a time. When everything is paid off, pull your credit reports and "dispute" credit collections with each company. Basically, you can easily have credit companies removed from your account by saying "These accounts are not mine." In 30 days, the item will be removed from your credit report bringing your score up as much as 200 points.

Lastly, by doing this, items will only stay on your report for seven years versus 13 years if you file bankruptcy. The more items you dispute, the more stuff will be removed or changed on your account. Also, if you want a house, get it. Don't worry about your credit. You'll get a jacked up rate when you buy it, but after a year of good payments, you can refinance for a better interest rate and cut your payments in half.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Here's the Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) site: http://www.nfcc.org/ They are a non-profit company offering free credit counseling.

Answer 5

You may qualify for debt consolidation where you pay some monthly and take advantage of settlements. Check out the free evaluation form at www.totaldebtsolutionsllc.com They helped me and can help you too; they also do credit repair after the fact to raise your score. Good luck.

Answer 6

creditinfocenter.com - do it yourself for free