Why Choosing Consumer Debt Solutions Can Be a Challenge
When you’re burdened with a hefty load of unsecured debt, and begin researching consumer debt solutions, the options are daunting. You’re already under a lot of stress and likely have creditors calling and threatening you. You’re desperate and need a solution to consolidate credit now, because time is running out.
Being under a lot of pressure can cloud your perspective, and the result can be hastily selecting consumer debt solutions that do not resolve your financial problems long-term. For example, some people turn to opening a new credit card and transfer all of the balances onto the new account. If they face another financial hardship, they’re tempted to use the old accounts. In the end, they’re incurring even more debt.
Other people turn to debt settlement, where a settlement firm negotiates with your creditors to have you make a lump sum pay-off that’s less than the full amount you owe. While on the surface this may seem like an appealing choice among the consumer credit solutions, the consequences can be very damaging to your credit report. And your creditors may choose not to participate in a debt settlement.
One of the most extreme consumer debt solutions is filing for bankruptcy. This can also be detrimental, because a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for 10 years and prevent you from getting additional credit if needed. It may also impact your ability to get a job, since some companies check candidates’ credit reports and will not consider anyone with a bankruptcy.
Ask ACCC About Consumer Debt Solutions
If you are confused about all of the consumer debt solutions, turn to American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC). We can help you sort through all of the options and pay off debt. Our skilled credit counselors can help you understand the pros and cons of the various consumer debt solutions.
ACCC offers a range of services including:
- Credit counseling – If you need credit counseling advice on budgeting or any other aspect of money management, we can help.
- Setting up debt management plans – We work with your creditors to establish a payback plan within your financial means. Monthly payments and interest rates are typically lower, which gives you breathing room as you’re regaining financial strength. Talk to us to find out more about why this is the best way to consolidate debt.
- Consumer bankruptcy counseling – We are approved by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for the United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide pre- and post-bankruptcy counseling.
- Counseling for homebuyers – We have a variety of resources on our website to help first-time homebuyers prepare for one of the biggest purchasing decisions of their lives. In addition, we are one of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s approved credit counseling agencies for foreclosure counseling (Massachusetts residents only).
