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Consumer credit counseling has grown significantly in the past couple of decades, due mostly to the many people in this country who have accumulated a high amount of debt. Yes, some individuals and families have accumulated such debt and are in a tough financial situation because of unforeseen events, medical expenses, divorce or death, but the majority of the debt in this country is credit card debt. This debt has accumulated so quickly that consumers are not able to meet their minimum payments, which usually only cover the high interest rates applying very little if anything to the principal balance. Bankruptcy was the only option for many people, until consumer credit counseling companies were established as an alternative. These agencies help individuals with repairing their credit by working with their creditors to resolve the debt, make satisfactory credit card debt settlement arrangements and avoid bankruptcy.

New bankruptcy laws have recently come into effect that require individuals to seek consumer credit counseling first and try to find come to an agreement with creditors short of involving the legal system. Bankruptcy is a drastic step and remains on your credit report for ten years, though you can file every seven years. Of course, this is not recommended. After filing bankruptcy, it is possible to get credit again with a secured loan or secured credit card but this is only a small step toward repairing the damage caused by the bankruptcy. Your credit score is reviewed for many reasons, including renting or buying a home, purchasing a vehicle, obtaining employment, applying for a loan or even opening a bank account.

However, consumer credit counseling is not a free service and this, unfortunately, is a barrier in itself for those individuals too far in debt to afford the service. Consumer counseling works on your behalf to help improve your situation, by reducing interest rates, late charges, over limit fees and monthly payments. The counseling agency can consolidate your monthly payments into one payment paid to the counseling agency which will then make the payment on your behalf. The counseling agencies are there to help you reach financial stability and get back on your feet. You can eliminate your debt and settle debt concerns with the help of experienced credit counselors. They will help educate you on how to stay out of debt while you rebuild your credit and find hope for you financial future.