How to Choose Non-Profit Credit Counseling

When you’re buried in debt and you need non-profit credit counseling, the last thing that you need is to be swindled. If a non-profit credit counseling company takes advantage of you, you’re wasting money that could be better used to get out of your credit bind while simultaneously getting further behind on your bills. Just because it’s a non-profit credit counseling company doesn’t mean it is accredited.

There are a few other things you should look for when you’re choosing a non-profit credit counseling company. Any authentic non-profit credit counseling company will not charge you for a consultation as this is a free service. They make a profit through the debt repayment plans and loans they offer. Good non-profit credit counseling services will not make automatic recommendations. They will only do so if it is a good step for you to take under the circumstances of your specific financial situation.

Select a non-profit credit counseling company that has a history of being in the business for at least a decade. Ideal companies are those that have been in business for more than 30 years. This will help you make sure that it’s not a non-profit credit counseling company that will either vanish without a trace or not really be able to assist you with your financial predicament.

Finally, you should find a non-profit credit counseling company that retains a current license by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is also a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The most highly recommended agencies are also certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Any company that meets all of these guidelines should be regarded as legitimate. If you’re uncertain, don’t be afraid to ask questions of the counselor before discussing any of your personal details. If they don’t know or won’t answer, you should look for another company.