“Dear Steve,
Can you give me your honest, most expert opinion as to whom is the best out there for Credit Counseling and/or Debt Management?
Lee”
The Answer:
Dear Lee,
Believe it or not, that’s a really hard question to answer. The problem is that a technically adept provider does not mean best overall for the consumer.
I’ve seen some well respected credit counseling groups spend more time turning people away from bankruptcy and plopping them in a debt management plan so they make money. So even though they might be best in one regard, technically competent, they lack in balanced and fair solutions that address the consumers situation.
I don’t think there is one “best” group. It’s really a crapshoot and it depends on a number of factors from the mood of the credit counselor that day, marching orders from the head people at the credit counseling agency, market demands, pressure from creditors, etc.
And since all non-profit credit counseling groups get the same set of instructions from the creditors, nothing is negotiated, they are on fairly similar ground as far as interest rate reductions, payment calculation, etc.
At the end of the day I think the best any consumer can do is to shop for a credit counseling group just like they would the best doctor or dentist.
I prefer for consumers in a perfect world to talk to both a couple of credit counseling and/or debt management companies and also to meet with a bankruptcy attorney face-to-face to get the facts from two different solution providers if they are unsure which way to go. That way, each individual can make a decision about which path seems to make the best sense for them and which solution provider treats them with kindness, compassion, and professionalism.
I hope that helps. It’s the “best” I can do.
If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.