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Follow on Google News | Credit Couseling vs. Debt SettlementCredit card issuers encourage consumers to seek counseling rather than debt settlement for one simple reason. They get every cent from consumers over time, and do so through a soft collection method they like to call 'Credit Counseling.
Also expanding is the number of credit counseling services that promise aid to families overwhelmed by credit card debt. For many consumers, unfortunately, this kind of 'help' is making matters worse: extending the length of time it takes to pay off the debt without ever reducing the principal. And according to the experts at Total Debt Relief, Inc. Freehold NJ the promise of counseling offers false hope to consumers who forego better, more intelligent alternatives and only delay the inevitable financial crisis that often leads to bankruptcy. "Credit card issuers encourage consumers to seek counseling rather than debt settlement for one simple reason," explains Christopher Kessler, founder of Total Debt Relief, Inc. and a former owner of a NJ collection agency "Credit counseling organizations receive a fair share from card companies. They also get every cent from consumers over time, and do so through a soft collection method they like to call 'Credit Counseling.' But it's not so great for debtors, who get an extended payment period without ever lowering the principal. In many cases, 36 payments become 60 payments, which can extend the misery for cardholders and not improve their personal finances. When it's all said and done, credit counseling is often no better than just making minimum monthly payments both can lead to the same place: a Catch-22 treadmill from which you can't get off and can't get ahead." A significant difference between counseling and debt settlement is that settlement companies work for the consumer, not for creditors, and do so with the primary purpose of reducing the outstanding balance. Credit Counseling or Debt Management Counselors, on the other hand, operate like a kind of collection agency for credit card companies. "They may sound friendly," says Kessler, "but their goal is to collect the entire principal." With a good debt settlement plan, the principal is actually reduced, oftentimes as much as 40% - 50%. Consumers can erase the debt in as little as 12 to 18 months and, most importantly, can start building a solid financial future without the scar of bankruptcy. Crucial to debt settlement is the oversight of an attorney to guarantee full legal protection for consumers. With most credit counseling, the only party with an attorney is the credit card company itself. Kessler explains: "Ask someone who's achieved a good debt settlement, and they'll tell you an attorney-driven plan saved them thousands, helped stop aggressive collectors and got them on the road to financial recovery in three years, or less. Obviously, debt settlement isn't for everyone; but for the vast majority of consumers overwhelmed with debt, it is superior to credit counseling. Results are better, consumers can pay substantially less than they owe, monthly payments are usually less and consumer rights are fully protected." About Total Debt Relief, Inc. Freehold NJ Total Debt Relief, Inc. is an organization dedicated to assisting the growing number of consumers suffering from unmanageable debt. Our organization’ SOURCE: Total Debt Relief, Inc. www.tdrelief.com (800) 627-9667 # # # Total Debt Relief (TDR) is an organization dedicated to assisting the growing number of consumers suffering from unmanageable debt. End
Page Updated Last on: Apr 21, 2010
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