There are both reputable and nonreputable sources of help, so be careful. If you see an advertisement that says, “You can erase your bad credit history!” don’t “bite.” You cannot erase history. But you can get back on track, with the help of an accredited counseling agency
Check the yellow pages of your telephone book under “Credit and Debt Counseling Services.” Make sure the agency you deal with is accredited and preferably a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). To find the NFCC-accredited agency nearest you, call 1-800-388-2227 or visit their web site at www.nfcc.org. These are typically called Consumer Credit Counseling Service offices, and they work with creditors on your behalf to negotiate restructured payments. They also examine your income, your expenses, and help you establish a spending plan that is right for you.
Author: Margaret VanGinkel, vangin@iastate.edu
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