Before you consider a credit counseling company you will want to evaluate your own credit discipline.  Do you have what  it takes contact your creditors and work out a plan to replay them?   Do you have what  it takes to stay on a workable budget and pay down your debts?  Well, unless you are able to handle these questions with a strong yes, then it may be time for you to consider a credit counseling service.  Credit counselors will negotiate your debt, consolidate your bills and work with you to get on a budget that will allow you to get your life back on track.  Remember, just because a credit counseling service says it is "non-profit" does not mean that their services are free and some organizations charge high or hidden fees so be careful of which credit counseling company you select to work with.

Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. While it is not always possible it may be best if you find an organization that offers in-person credit counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions and housing authorities operate nonprofit credit counseling programs or you can look to one of the many credit counseling services that StarReviews has listed. Some other very good sources for finding a reputable credit counseling services are friends and family  along with your local bank or consumer protection agency.

Reputable credit counseling services can advise you on budgeting your money and managing your debts and most will offer advice along with material to better education you on personal financial management.  Reputable credit counseling companies have certified counselors that are trains in specific areas consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting.   Each plan put in place by a credit counselor must be personalized to your needs, requirements and your own personal financial situation.  Make sure that you are comfortable with your counselor and that you don’t feel rushed during initial or followup conversations either by phone or in person.

Financial difficulties can come from lack of enough money coming in or too much money going out.  If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling company may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan.  A debt management plan alone is not credit counseling and they are not for everyone.  In a debt management plan, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling company, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful debt management plan requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you’re participating in the plan.

StarReviews Top 3 Debt Consolidation Sites

1) Care One

2) Credit.com

3) CuraDebt

Compare All Debt Consolidation Sites

So while many credit counseling companies can help you setup a plan to get your financial house in order and get you out of debt over time, you need to be able to follow a budget in order to stay out of debt in the future.  A debt management plan is the end of the road when it comes to getting out of debt and something that you may need to consider if your debts are overwhelming you and not allowing you to live your life.  If that is the case, it maybe time for you to seek our a reputable credit counseling company to address your financial issues.