The Painful World

Consumers credit counseling is offered by many institutions and foundations. If you’re having trouble paying your bill on time consumers credit counseling may be what you need.

There are several online resources listing legitimate sources for credit counseling services so be careful you are dealing with a reputable group.

1. Credit counseling agencies keep all the information you share private.

2. Don’t feel like you're alone or that you have failed. There are many reasons people have trouble paying their bills on time. Over borrowing, loss of employment, illness and many other events of life can get people into difficult times.

3. Many of these agencies are able to talk with your creditors on your behalf and make arrangements you couldn’t get on your own. Things like a reduced interest rate, a reduction of monthly payment, and even some will have a consolidation program allowing you to make only one payment a month.

4. Before you go for your first visit its important to have information about your entire financial picture available. Make sure to have proof of current income, account numbers, amount owed, and monthly payment amounts for each bill you have should also be readily available for the counselor.

5. Its important to also be completely honest with the credit counseling agencies that will be working to help you get back on track.

Be Patient building solid credit and recovering from difficult times takes time. It won't happen overnight, so don't expect it to.