Welcome to DebtCounselingService.org

Welcome to DebtCounselingService.org, a website dedicated to providing complimentary debt education and resources to people who are feeling overwhelmed by financial issues. As professionals with years of experience working with people with financial difficulty, we understand it is difficult initially to overcome the anxiety related to debt problems. Through education and exploring options for relief, it is possible for these people to overcome fears and to start thinking through what they need to do to start the process of resolving their financial issues.

This site includes easy-to-understand resources about how to stay out of debt trouble; the types of debt relief available; how to avoid debt relief swindles; and how to find the right debt relief professional to assist you through guide you through the process of resolving your debt issues. Additionally, though this site you can receive a free referral to consumer credit counseling as well as referrals to legitimate and reputable debt relief agencies.

Concerns about Debt and Debt Relief Companies

If you find yourself concerned about debt issues, realize you are not alone. Since the financial crisis in 2008, many people have found themselves having difficulty meeting their financial obligations as a result of predatory loans, exotic home loans, high medical bills, and unemployment. The news is full of stories about rising bankruptcy rates and foreclosures. Many of these cases could have been prevented if the persons involved recognized the signs of escalating debt problems and sought consumer credit counseling or the services of a reputable debt relief agency.

Many people have sought debt relief assistance through responding to telephone or internet solicitations from companies purporting to offer debt relief only to find themselves in more financial issues due to questionable business standards. As a result, the Federal Trade Commission has increased monitoring of the debt relief industry and prosecution of those companies practicing illegal or unethical practices. Both consumer credit counseling agencies and debt relief companies have professional organizations which provide credentialing and oversight that serve to promote the best practices in the industry. As a complimentary service for those who visit this site, DebtCounselingService.org provides referrals to established reputable credit counseling services and debt relief agencies.

Signs of Potential Debt Issues

Debt issues can slowly build and then suddenly seem to be insurmountable. While it is normal to feel anxious when debt problems begin, denying the existence of financial problems leads to serious consequences. When you recognize the initial signs of debt problems and take actions early, you are likely to be surprised that you can resolve many issues without incurring life altering consequences.

Initial signs that you might be experiencing debt problems include:

• Difficulty saving money for emergencies;
• Not knowing how much debt you have;
• Living from paycheck to paycheck;
• Using credit cards to pay for everyday expenses, such as groceries, because you do not have cash available;
• Writing checks the day before a deposit clears your checking account;
• Paying housing payments and utility bills late;
• Using credit cards to pay other credit card bills.

When you start to notice these signs, it is time to sit down and evaluate your financial situation. DebtCounselingService.org has resources to assist in budgeting and reducing debt. In the event you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by confronting your debt issues or uncomfortable dealing with your creditors, take advantage of our free referral services to access the services of reputable credit counseling agencies and debt relief companies.

Options for Debt Relief

There is a complete continuum of debt relief options available ranging from

• learning how to budget and prioritizing your debts;
• seeking the assistance of a consumer credit counseling agency and setting up a debt management plan;
• seeking the services of a debt relief agency to negotiate a settlement with your creditors for payment of your debt;
• contacting an attorney and filing for either Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.

DebtCounselingService.org has in depth articles explaining each of these options so you can decide which option best suits your financial situation. Additionally, these resources inform you what to look for when you need to seek professional assistance. For your convenience, DebtCounselingService.org can provide you with a free referral to a local pre-screened credit counseling services and reputable debt relief professionals and companies in your area.

How to Avoid Debt Problems

For people who want to avoid debt issues and maintain a high credit score, DebtCounselingService.org offers free information about budgeting, what determines your credit score, achieving and maintaining a high credit score, and learning how to differentiate between "good" debt and "bad" debt. By reading these articles and using these strategies, you can reduce the likelihood you will experience debt issues.

Given the high unemployment rates that show no signs of abating and the uncertain economic environment, people who have handled their finances responsibility and have "done everything right" find themselves experiencing debt problems. Studies show that a sizable proportion of bankruptcies are related to unexpected substantial medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. In the event you find yourself experiencing difficulty meeting your financial obligations, explore the resources offered by DebtCounselingService.org to develop a plan to address your debt issues. If you find you need assistance developing a strategy to deal with unexpected debt issues, take advantage of our free referral services for pre-screened reputable local debt relief professionals.

Where to Find Assistance

For those willing to spend time doing some research, it is possible to find local consumer credit counseling and debt relief agencies using internet searches, the telephone book, and referrals from friends and family. When utilizing these resources, it is important to check the accreditation status of the credit counseling agency or debt relief you are considering as well as checking for consumer complaints on the internet and for actions taken by the Federal Trade Commission. This will help you avoid issues with organizations who do not follow the industry standards for best practices.

If you do not have the time or the confidence to screen debt counseling professionals on your own, take advantage of our free referral services to professionals in your area that meet these standards.