| Even though debt consolidation can save your | | | | for a company to work with. |
| financial status, as well as your personal | | | | |
| relationships you still need to be aware of | | | | Make sure you go to your local Better |
| the growing trend to consolidate debt. | | | | Business Bureau before you begin working with |
| Financial planning is always key in any | | | | a company. You'll want to know if they have |
| healthy bank account, but beware of what some | | | | a good reputation in your area. You may find |
| of these firms offer. Many have advertised | | | | a company that has a good rating, but this |
| all over the Internet and TV, but some of | | | | may also mean very little. If a complaint is |
| these are now being sued by different | | | | lodged against a company and then it is |
| attorney generals, the IRS, and even the FTC. | | | | resolved, there is a good chance that it will |
| The reason for these suits is the fact that | | | | not be recorded against their permanent |
| they are not really non-profits. | | | | record. The Better Business Bureau has no |
| | | | legal authority to act against these |
| The FTC and five different states have sued | | | | companies or help you if you get in a bind. |
| one of the worst offenders in the debt | | | | |
| consolidation game. The company has filed | | | | Be very wary of any debt consolidation |
| for bankruptcy, but has not really gone out | | | | company that is located or registered in |
| of business since they merely have broken up | | | | Maryland or Florida. These states have no |
| into a few different companies. This means | | | | official regulation against debt |
| you still need to be aware of companies that | | | | consolidation companies in these states, so |
| used to be part of a large company or have | | | | there is a chance that you may find a company |
| recently changed names. | | | | that is not up to the high standards that you |
| | | | would like. |
| You might hear a variety of names given to | | | | |
| such "debt consolidation companies" this are | | | | A good way to check for the best company is |
| because of the negative press that many of | | | | to look online and read reviews that have |
| these companies have received. They are | | | | been left by customers. If you find customer |
| trying to change this word to something that | | | | reviews you will be hearing directly from the |
| has a better connotation. You may hear the | | | | people served as to the quality of your |
| phrases "debt negotiation" or "debt | | | | potential debt consolidation company. |
| settlement" used instead when you are looking | | | | |