Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly Version

Also on the Web National Foundation for Credit Counseling

(Undated-AP) -- The bankruptcy bill making its way through Congress makes it harder for people to wipe out their debts.

It also requires people to participate in a counseling program before filing for bankruptcy protection.

There are numerous questions that consumers need to ask as they decide which credit counseling service is best for them.

Here are some of them:

• Is the credit-counseling organization not-for-profit? How is it funded? Is it accredited by any outside agencies?
  
• What training do counselors receive? Are they certified?
  
• What fees, if any, will I be charged? There are many free counseling programs.
  
• Will the counselors work with all my creditors, regardless of whether they financially support the organization?
  
• Consumers might also want to find out if they can be counseled over the phone, or if they prefer, in person.
  
• They'll also want to ask how their credit rating will be affected by counseling.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)