Debt Problems

How much does turning my debt over to a debt relief company and paying it off that way effect my credit score?

How much also does it effect trying to get a mortgage?

Public Comments

1. You won't be able to purchase a house (probably) while in debt counseling. I went through Consumer Credit Counseling Services - it's a nationwide company, long term & very reliable. It cost me $25 per month, plust the adjusted payments I made to my creditors.
2. It doesn't really do any thing for your credit score. That's a dun deal. It mainly keeps you out of trouble with law suites. Law suites that would be on your credit report without it. That part would effect the consumer report employers seek. If you are sued and don't pay, then that would effect the score. You would need to get that score to take it away by paying. If the score you have shows a risk of foreclosure, paying after foreclosure would be like lying that you never foreclose, which is not good for a credit reporting company that tells banks your OK and then later foreclose because it was some slick secret of debtors with good credit scores.
3. Going with a debt management company is a setp above filing bankruptcy. If you aren't looking to buy a house in the next 5 to 8 years, then you should be ok. Your best bet is to try to pay off the debt on your own, but if you can't then this is the next step. Before you go with a debt management company, read the plan below for the best way to pay off credit cards. If you can follow this plan, your credit will improve while you pay off the cards... There is NO QUICK way to get debt free...but the ARE ways to make it manageable and pay it off in a reasonable period of time. This is the best formula to pay off debt, and give you room to consolidate it later. - First, take all your cards and lock them up. Cut them up if you think you'll spend on them. - Then call each of your cards and find out what your minumum payments and interest rates are. (While your calling, ask if they can reduce your interest. it can't hurt and they hear it every day so don't feel embarassed) - Set the cards up in order of highest interest to lowest. (In the event that all the cards are at the same interest rate, set them up from lowest balance to highest balance) - Set up your payments so you pay the minimum payments on all of your cards, BUT, pay extra on the card with the high interest rate/balance. (As much as you can reasonably afford...keep groceries and living costs in mind...don't short yourself too much, but try to pay the minimum plus half...And remember, one night out less per week can really add up) -If you get a bonus, or extra on taxes...put SOME if not all of it towards the high interest card ONLY. The goal is to pay off the high interest card as fast as possible, and then work on the others. Keep this in mind as well, most cards will not let you max them out with balance tranfers. This means that if you get a 1500.00 card, you may only be able to transfer 1000.00 of it to the balance. Once you pay off the high interest card, move to the next highest. Add the minimum you were paying on the old card to the minumum you have already been paying. If you are past due on any, then I reccomend calling the card with the highest interest, setting up a plan to pay it to good standing...keeping up on the minimum monthly payments on the others....then after the first one is caught up....work on any others that are still behind... Take it one step at a time and remember this...if you are getting collection calls, answer and ask how to send in a Cease and Desist. It is a request you mail or fax that forbids the card companies to call you. They can only mail you letters.
4. Hi, I used "Credit Solution" to settle my debt and improve my credit score .They managed to reduce my debt up to 58%.It's legitimate.I came across this company on NBC News Special Edition.Check it out here: http://urltea.com/31vc