subject: Debt Relief Counseling - Useful Directions For Consolidating And Eliminating Debt [print this page] It is an undoubted fact that credit card holders are hiring services for debt relief counseling at a very fast rate. However, a lot of them also make mistakes as they do not follow the process properly. Debt relief counseling is a sequential process and every step has to be taken in the right manner. For instance the process starts with the search for a settlement firm. The user has to define the correct parameters which will be used for searching.
Searching for authentic companies
The most important direction to look for a dependable firm is to have a look at its authenticity. All the firms which are registered with the government have an assurance of legitimacy. Companies which are demanding an upfront payment should be avoided immediately. Legitimate companies do not demand any sums in advance as there is no reason to do so. The customer has to make payments after he sees that the firm is working on the settlement in the desired manner.
Time factor
The time margin is ignored by most of the customers who think that the only considerable parameter is the percentage being eliminated. This is not true as time plays a very important role in two areas. The time span in which the user will get the reduction is important. It is not worth waiting for sixty percent elimination for a period of two years. The time factor is also important as debt relief counseling is not an option which will be used always. It is a short term facility which has been introduced for overall financial improvement.
Both loan takers and loan givers are benefitting for this option but the major advantage is available to the borrowers. It is obvious that there is nothing better than spending but not paying. This is exactly what the banks in the United States have experienced. Their customers have made many purchases using their credit cards. However, they were not able to make any payments when a lot of them lost their jobs. Thus as paying the bank was not possible for a lot of people so the were provided the option to get debt relief counseling.
Negative factors involved
Although the banks too taste the bitter taste of recession, they are not providing any advance to the customers in case of credit rating. This rating is used to decide the customers who will be eligible for financial assistance in the form of loans and credit card limits. The loan takers who do not pay the bank and use debt relief counseling have a low credit rating.
If you are over $10,000 in unsecured debt it would be wise to utilize a debt relief network instead of going directly to a debt settlement company. Using a debt relief network guarantees that the debt settlement company you choose has been certified and has established success in negotiating settlements. They are free to use and a good starting point to begin your debt relief process.