How to Choose a Credit Counseling Service

If you're having trouble managing your debt and making ends meet you are certainly not alone. There are many companies and organizations that offer credit counseling services to help you combat your financial woes, but it can be difficult to choose the right service. If you keep a few guidelines in mind while researching these companies you can find one that best fits your needs United Credit Education Services.

Although you can look to government agencies and online directories to start collecting the names of credit counseling organizations, it may also be fruitful to ask friends and family members for their recommendations. Once you have a list of agencies you should research their accreditation and reputation with your state's Attorney General, local consumer protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against them. You can also check with the United States Trustee Program for a list of agencies that have been approved.

You will then want to interview each company to determine whether they provide reputable services and if they are a good match for your situation and needs. For example, is the company nonprofit? How long have they been in business? What do they charge for their services? The agency should offer free educational materials in addition to any services they charge for Uces. Find out how qualified their counselors are, and whether they are trained by a third party. You may also want to ask how they offer their services, i.e. in local offices, over the phone or through the Internet.

Once you've spoken with a few different credit counseling agencies you should be able to pick one that fits your needs and is best qualified to help with your situation, whether you just need help creating a workable budget or you need someone to direct you to the best solution for managing your debt.