Choosing a Debt Management Program
Warning: DO NOT Begin any Debt
Management Program to help you become debt free, UNLESS the
Company You Choose Meets these Six Criteria:
In fact, if these six criteria are not met, don't even get your
hopes up...
1. The company has been in business for over one year.
If 9 out of 10 new businesses fail within one year, why would
you want your financial future dependent upon the success of a
brand-new business?
There's been an explosion of debt management, debt settlement,
debt negotiation and credit counseling companies in the past 1-2
years. Check to see when the company you're looking at began
operations. BEWARE of brand new companies that will ask for your
business today, yet will be out of business by this time next
year.
2. The company's Reliability Report with the Better Business
Bureau is both listed and free of unresolved complaints.
Check here and watch out for companies with a long list of
complaints: www.bbb.org Look at how long the company has been in
business and contrast that against the number of complaints the
company has had. It's very rare for a company to be in business
for very long without getting any complaints, although some have
done it. Pay close attention, however, and RUN from any company
who's only been in business for a short time yet has a list of
complaints with the BBB.
If a company does have complaints, be sure they are resolved.
Ask the company about the complaint and trust your gut when you
hear their response. Is it genuine and understandable or do they
sound defensive like they are covering something up?
3. The company requires complete information from current
statements BEFORE ever giving you a quote.
The Debt Consultant / Counselor / Specialist requires you to
provide all current statements for your debt accounts before
quoting you a monthly payment amount, length of program or
estimate of how much you can reduce your debt.
Beware of anyone who gives you a quote without thoroughly
researching your account statuses, creditor names, balance
transfer, cash advance and large purchase activities, minimum
payment amounts and interest rates FIRST. This is the surest
sign of a company who is only out for your initial fees and
either has no intention or ability to service your accounts
after you sign up.
4. The company is working for you, not your creditors.
In whose best interest is the company looking out for? Better
make sure you know! If you ask a bankruptcy attorney what your
best option is, what do you think you'll hear? Of course:
bankruptcy. But is it really best for you, or best for the
attorney who gets paid a healthy fee and never suffers the
consequences of the bankruptcy filings that you must live with
for the rest of your life?
What about the Mortgage Banker or the Credit Counselor? Think
they work for you? Think again...
5. The company is focused on helping you find the right
solution for your situation, not forcing you into the only
solution they provide.
Is it possible for a company who only provides a single solution
to provide you with unbiased guidance in making such an
important financial decision? Maybe. But is it likely? No way.
There's a trend in financial services that a few companies are
finally catching on to, and that is focusing on a client's needs
and meeting those needs, instead of trying to ""put a square
block into a round hole.""
Many companies specialize in a single solution and they are
indeed the best at providing such a service, but how do you know
that's the solution that's best for you? Who do you go to for
guidance in deciding what's best for your situation? Look for a
company who can provide any solution you may need. Find a
company whose focus is finding your best solution, instead of
fitting ""their solution"" onto you.
6. The company has real results, a solid, proven track record
and plenty of actual clients who are raving fans recommending
their services.
Take some time to read testimonials, if they are offered at all.
Ask yourself if they are genuine. Listen if you can. Look for a
company who can show you examples of what they do, proof of the
results they claim and plenty of people to refer to who have
experienced the company's services.
Jesse Niesen is the COO of STARTOVERTODAY.COM, a
Nationwide Financial Solutions Company solving financial, debt
and credit problems for clients nationwide. Jesse has led STARTOVERTODAY.COM in
helping thousands of people resolve over $20,000,000 of
unsecured debt since the summer of 2002 - without any complaints
to the BBB. His team of Financial Strategist offer debt
management consultations to help you make your best decision
for immediate debt
relief and long-term financial success. They offer all
options available to you without bias, including debt
consolidation, debt
reduction, debt
elimination,
credit counseling, bankruptcy,
debt
settlement and more! Call toll-free 1-800-251-1991 or visit
www.startovertoday.com
to become DEBT FREE
and to have your financial problems solved today!