Credit counseling are usually non-profit organizations that advise you on managing your money and debts. They usually offer free educational materials and workshops. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.

Note: Credit counselors may help you organize a “debt management plan” for all your debts. Under a debt management plan you make a single payment to the credit counseling organization each month or pay period. The credit counseling organization then makes monthly payments to your creditors.

Under debt management plans, credit counselors usually do not negotiate any reduction in the amounts you owe – instead, they can lower your overall monthly payment. They may do so by getting the creditor to increase the time period over which you can repay a loan.  They may also get creditors to lower the interest rates. Although most credit counseling organizations are non-profits, they may charge fees for their services that they take out of the payments you make to them.

vs DEBT SETTLEMENT OPTION

With the option of debt settlement, your debt settlement company negotiates with the lender to agree upon a settlement balance often less than what is owed, to repay the debt. This form of relief is less harmful to your credit score than bankruptcy and can offer some immediate relief from financial pressure drastically lowering your monthly payments.

Which debt relief option is best for you? For many, the answer is debt settlement. But is that the best option for relieving credit card debt? It’s important to review all your options and make the best decision based on your financial reality. Getting a Free Debt Analysis of your financial situation is important in understand which option might be best for you.