If you’re trying to eliminate debt, you may have started looking into the different options available to you. Credit counseling is a great option to not only help you get rid of debt, but also to provide you with the skills to stay out of debt in the future. Debt consolidation is another viable debt relief option. So, what’s the difference between debt consolidation vs credit counseling? Let’s dig in.
Get the answers about debt consolidation vs credit counseling here.
Debt Consolidation vs Credit Counseling
What to Know About Credit Counseling
Credit counseling can be incredibly helpful if you are trying to get out of debt. If you decide to pursue credit counseling, your credit counselor will help you assess your current financial situation and make a plan to get out of debt. Credit counseling is a great tool for debt relief and future debt prevention. As you look for help with your finances, be sure to choose wisely. Many agencies search for a profit in helping consumers pay off debt.
To protect your interests, here are some things to look for in a credit counseling agency:
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- Look for non-profit organizations
- Have been in business for at least 7 years
- Have a state license
- Charge no minimum fees
- Have certified counselors
- Are a member of one of the trade associations: either Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
At American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), our certified credit counselors will work with you to provide the best, personalized, options for managing your credit card debt. For many consumers, joining a debt management program is the best option to pay off their debt. So where does debt consolidation come into play?
What is Debt Consolidation?
If you have a lot of debt, or owe multiple creditors, debt consolidation may be an option for you. Some people decide to consolidate their debt through a credit counseling agency using a debt management program (DMP). This is typically achieved after going through a credit counseling session and is the outcome of that analysis. In contrast to other debt consolidation counseling agencies, ACCC provides credit counseling services that look at all the options available to you for paying down your debt. This differs from typical debt consolidation which would require a new loan be taken out to pay off all the previous debts. A DMP consolidates your debts without taking on another loan.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
