http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for consumer credit counseling service Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:13:10 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/consumer+credit+counseling+service http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2006 10:27:09 +0000 consumer credit counselingconsumer credit counseling servicesconsumer credit counseling servicecredit counseling agencycredit card counselingcredit card debtscredit card interest http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling Consumer credit counseling is a big service field in the United States. It is a common problem for many persons in the United States to face a potential credit card debt. To show these persons the right way to act these credit card counseling services are in the scenario.

Every year, more than one million persons in the United States visit credit counselors or credit counseling agencies. They want help to get rid of their credit card debts and regain financial control. But still consumer credit counseling services is a mystery to many; they do not know their working processes and the services which you should get from them when you hire them.

First and foremost thing that you should know is that consumer credit counseling services do not work for you. They work for the lenders. This means that they might have a relationship that will influence their advice. They will suggest loans from a specific lender as they probably get a commission from it.

Here we give you some hints about the working method of consumer credit counseling.

Suppose you visit a consumer credit counseling to get rid of your problem. They will convince the lender to decrease your interest rate- and yes, of course this is good. But the bad news is that you are still paying 90% of monthly payment to combat with credit card interest.

Here are some questions you should ask to your consumer credit counseling service agency.

* The first question you should ask is a money matter, meaning - how much will they charge you for their service. Many consumer credit counseling services even charge more than $100, which will not go to any of your creditors. So be aware and ask your first question about their fees.

* Confirm that the consumer credit service you are to join is registered with a financial institution or not. Most of them don't have any qualification to work with credit problems.

* Enquire about the services offered at your consumer credit counseling agency. Avoid companies which offer you a quick solution to your credit problems.

* Before joining any consumer credit counseling service, read testimonials and reviews of agencies previous or current clients. This step will surely help you to choose the right consumer credit counseling agency. Most of the consumer credit counseling agencies have their official website, where you can find testimonials. If any friend of yours faced any financial problem and ever visited any consumer credit counseling service, don't hesitate to ask them. As they are experienced, they will help and guide you the right way.

* Be sure that the agency you are going to is registered as BBB, Better Business Bureau, which is a quality sign.

With diligence, patience, time and proper credit counseling you can become debt free. Keith George always writes about valuable news and reviews. A related resource is http://ourconsumer-credit-counseling.info/ Further information can be found at http://the-new-economy.info/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-consumer-credit-counseling-achieve-financial-freedom http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-consumer-credit-counseling-achieve-financial-freedom#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:35:00 +0000 consumer credit counselingfinancial freedomaccurate descriptiondebt consolidationpoint of no returnfinancial statementscounselor http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-consumer-credit-counseling-achieve-financial-freedom Debt consolidation consumer credit counseling can be a great way to help you get out of debt and on the road to financial freedom. Let's face it-living life in debt can take a huge toll on you; in order to life the life you've always wanted, you absolutely need good finances. Without your financial life in order, you can never achieve your goals-period.

First of all, realize that numerous people today are in severe debt; you aren't the only one. You can either keep beating yourself up over it, and just get further into debt, or you can learn from your mistakes and change your financial habits.

Among those in debt, debt consolidation consumer credit counseling is generally a very widely used choice. The bad part is, most people don't begin using the service until they've gone past the point of no return, and have had to declare bankruptcy. If you start the service early in the debt process, you can usually dig yourself out.

Of course, always remember that, with credit counseling like anything else, it takes some time. You probably won't wipe out your debt overnight. However, you can learn some great tips and habits that will help you get out of debt in the near future, and get you on the path to achieving wealth.

When you go to your first appointment with the debt consolidation consumer credit counseling firm, be sure you have your financial statements so you can give an accurate description of your situation, and the counselor can help you as much as possible. Ultimately, your goal should be to completely obliterate your debt and become wealthy-not just lower your debt.

The bottom line: debt consolidation consumer credit counseling is not simply a quick fix to get you out of debt immediately, and have you right back in the hole a few months later. It's about establishing a lifetime of good financial habits, so that you won't ever have to worry about money again.

In order to really be able to do the things you've always wanted, you will likely need money. Despite what many tell you, having money is a crucial part of your overall happiness; use the right debt consolidation consumer credit counseling firm to help you get there. For more great personal debt and credit counseling tips, visit http://www.online-loan-consolidation-tips.com, and shatter your debt now. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-in-austin-texas http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-in-austin-texas#comments Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:29:59 +0000 consumer credit counselingcredit counseling servicesconsumer credit counseling serviceswhich means thatpersonal loansfinancial assistance servicescredit score http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-in-austin-texas Consumer credit counseling in Austin, Texas is fundamentally little different from financial assistance services in any other city or state, expect that these credit counseling companies are designed to meet the needs of people living specifically in Austin and its surrounding cities. Austin is the fourth largest city in Texas and is the capitol of this great southern state.

As with many credit counseling companies, consumer credit counseling in Austin offers some free or low cost assistance for your credit issues. Credit problems can be caused by debt, late payments, no payments, or several other core reasons. Consumer credit counseling in Austin is available to help you take that first step to financial freedom.



What is Consumer Credit and Debt?

To understand what consumer credit counseling in Austin is all about, you must first understand what consumer credit is and the debt that can come with it. Consumer debt is incurred when you have spent more money than you can afford on products that will not grow in value. Generally, consumer debt includes things like credit card debt, monthly bills that have not been paid, and personal loans.

This definition can be expanded to include additional products such as home loans, mortgages, and car financing that you are not able to pay and have built up into debt. All these things negatively affect your credit score, which means that any debt you have will cause your credit score to drop. This is when consumer credit counseling Austin becomes a great option.

What is Consumer Credit Counseling?

Now that you have some understanding of consumer credit and debt that accompanies it, the services offered by consumer credit counseling in Austin will be more apparent. If you are in serious debt, which automatically means that your credit has been affected, it is best to seek financial assistance. This assistance could come in many different forms. Some consumer credit counseling services in Austin come through phone sessions, help through the Internet, or face-to-face meetings. No matter how you receive financial counseling, generally you will be taught the same things.

The first thing that these counseling services in Austin will teach you is how to assess all your finances. This includes calculating how much money you are making monthly and comparing that to how much you are spending. If you are spending more than you earn, you are probably already in debt. If so, that leads to the next process you will learn, which is the discipline of budgeting.

Budgeting is a crucial part of debt management, and any consumer credit counseling company in Austin will teach you how to budget properly. These financial counselors will also offer you the best options for reducing your debt and repairing your consumer credit. That is the benefit of seeking financial assistance, so you can rise above your credit and debt problems.

So, if you live in Austin, Texas and you are experiencing financial problems, you can seek the help of consumer credit counseling in Austin and receive the tools and professional knowledge to help you manage your debt effectively. For great debt counseling information, please visit http://www.debt-counseling-assistance.com, a popular web site providing insights on how to address your debt needs, such as with free services =96 http://www.debt-counseling-assistance.com/free_consumer_credit_counseling_s= ervice.shtml. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-a-double-edged-sword http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-a-double-edged-sword#comments Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:27:09 +0000 consumer credit counselingindependent consumer creditdouble edged swordcreditorsdebtscounseling servicecredit rating http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-credit-counseling-a-double-edged-sword
You should opt for consumer credit counseling the minute you realize that you are unable to pay your bills on time, or are unable to pay the monthly minimums on your credit cards. There is no point in reaching the stage where debt collectors start showing up on your doorstep every morning to extract their dues.

Credit counseling can give you some ideas of how to manage the debt. It may also bring some financial discipline in your life. However, not all credit counselors are reputable. Therefore, it is important to choose the right counseling service.

You should be careful of organizations that charge you more than the usual $10 up-front fee. Steer clear of services that offer to settle your debts at little or no money, as well, because such services are most definitely illegitimate.

A good idea is to check whether the firm is registered with either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. You should also make sure that the payments made to the credit counseling firm are transferred to your creditors on time. Late or missing payments reflect badly on your credit rating, and if this their regular practice, you are better off without the services of such an unethical institution.

Credit counseling is often viewed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it helps you manage your debts better. On the other hand, it sabotages your reputation with creditors. It is, however, safe to say that the positive aspects of the service far outweigh the negative. While a few creditors may be wary of lending you money again, most of them will still be willing, once you have cleared the debts with the help of credit counseling. Part of the service of a good counseling service should be to help steer you toward a good credit rating once you have gotten out of debt.

It is important you do your research properly and opt for a service that does not further deteriorate your credit rating. For instance a company that tags you as a credit delinquent should be avoided, while one that simply informs your creditors about your decision to take up credit counseling is a better option.

In most of the cases, credit counseling works, and works well. Unfortunately, if you are too far into debt and nearing bankruptcy, this service will be of no use to you. It is also important to curb your spending urges; otherwise, whatever advantages that accrue from credit counseling will be lost.

Credit counseling works. Don't be afraid to give it a try. You may soon be able to relieve some of the constant worry that often plagues those who are deep in debt. Barbara Anderson writes articles for several Internet magazines, including http://tameg.com, http://www.truckparts.biz, and http://duzat.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-best-solution-for-individual-or-business-debt http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-best-solution-for-individual-or-business-debt#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:27:01 +0000 consumer credit counseling serviceconsumer credit counselingcredit counseling serviceconsumer credit counseling servicesdebt management programdebt consolidation servicesdebt consolidation agencies http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-best-solution-for-individual-or-business-debt Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a non-profit organization providing debt consolidation services and is one of the best consolidation solutions available. It offers far more than debt consolidation services, providing services such as financial and debt counseling, educational programs to improve money management skills and credit repair advice. Of course, counseling at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service is confidential and at no cost. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service is not like many of the debt consolidation agencies in the market today, as they adhere to a strict commitment to quality service, standards and education. It can help find the best solution to consolidate your debt and improve your debt situation.

The professionals at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service will analyze your financial information including your income, expenses, existing debt and general financial situation. By closely assessing your debt situation, they are able to determine the best debt consolidation solution to meet your needs and discuss the plan with you.

The Debt Management Program is one of the more common solutions recommended to clients. This program establishes an effective repayment plan with its goal to payoff your debt and repay creditors, thus avoiding debt collections, judgments, bankruptcy and even more damage to your credit rating. The program is more than a consolidation service with many creditors reducing or even eliminating the interest rate once the debtor enrolls in the program and begins the process. The counselor assisting you with the program negotiates with the creditors on your behalf to make payment arrangements and more feasible payment schedule. There is an enrollment fee of $10.00 as well as a $10.00 monthly fee.

However, Consumer Credit Counseling Services offers services beyond the Debt Management Program. It offers assistance with money management, debt reduction plans you handle, counseling and free educational programs. Everyone may receive debt consolidation advice from Consumer Credit Counseling Service as it seeks to give individuals the education and skills they need to reach a better financial situation.

Debt consolidation is not the can provide quick relief from high-interest debt, for example, credit cards which can have interest rates as high as 25%. It is important to assess your financial situation to determine if you consolidation is the best solution for you and if you will benefit from it. There are options other than professional debt consolidation services, but if debt consolidation is determined to be in your best interest, Consumer Credit Counseling Service can help. Ray Walberg works most often for http://www.creditenio.com , a web page with topics around business debt and credit repair. You can find his work over at http://www.creditenio.com/counselling.html and many different sources for debt counselling knowledge. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-credit-counseling-service http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-credit-counseling-service#comments Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:27:06 +0000 credit counseling servicenon profit servicecredit serviceright serviceconsumer credit counselingnfccgroups http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-the-right-credit-counseling-service credit counseling service.

Profit versus Non-Profit

When looking for a credit counseling service, a person needs to find a non profit service. These organizations are in the business to help people, not to profit off of their misfortunes. They don't normally have fees and if they do, they are small, and there is more one on one attention.

Getting the Credit

If a service is reputable it will be a member of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA), and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). In order to be in these two groups services must have there ISO 9001 certification or Council on Accreditation. These are accreditations that mean that they are complying with all rules of their industry. If a service does not have these or is not a member of these groups, they are probably not the right service for you.

Counselors

The counselors at these services should be certified by groups such as the Associations for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. It is also important that your counselor did not receive a bonus for signing you up for the service. If you wanted a salesperson you would go to a car dealership!

Cost

Most services do not charge, but for those that do, never pay more than fifty dollars for their service. Also make sure that your first month's payment actually goes towards your bills and not the service. This has been the problem with some companies in the past.

Debt Free...when?

Finally, a good credit service will have you debt free in five years (in most circumstances). Make sure you are aware of how they plan on doing that, and request monthly statements showing your progress. Visit Debt Sanity to view our http://www.debtsanity.com online. Also, visit Debt Sanity for more information on http://www.debtsanity.com/debt_counseling_services.shtml. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-credit-counseling-can-help-you-get-out-of-debtexplaining-the-credit-counseling-process http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-credit-counseling-can-help-you-get-out-of-debtexplaining-the-credit-counseling-process#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:27:07 +0000 consumer credit counselorcredit counselinglegitimate creditcredit identitysecured debtunsecured debtfinancial documents http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-credit-counseling-can-help-you-get-out-of-debtexplaining-the-credit-counseling-process
Even for the most sensible of us end up borrowing with the idea that we will have no trouble paying back what we owe. The monthly payments that looked so easy when you took out the loan can soon become overwhelming and you may find yourself unable to keep up the payments. If you find yourself in this situation you should consider credit counseling. This article will explain how credit counseling works and how to find a good credit counseling company to help you manage your debt.

Most people start their search online or in the phone book. Try to avoid any company that claims they can clear your debt entirely or repair your credit history within a short time. Entirely avoid any offer of obtaining a new credit identity as this is obviously a claim of a disreputable organization.

Legitimate credit counseling companies have certain criteria that you have to meet before they will take you as a client of theirs. These criteria usually will include you having some income to work with and unsecured debt that you need help managing. Usually credit counseling companies will not be able to help you manage secured debt such as a mortgage loan or car loan.

For your first meeting with your credit counselor, have available all your financial documents -- loan statements, bank statements, credit card statements, pay statements, and make a list of all your outstanding debts and the amounts of your minimum monthly payment.

The credit counselor will then begin their work by getting in touch with your creditors and trying to negotiate for you repayment amounts that you can live with. Once these amounts have been agreed, the consumer credit counselor will help you develop a budget that you can live with and still pay off your debt.

While you are clearing your debt through the consumer credit counseling service, it is important not to use your credit cards or take on new debt. Remember, this is designed to get your out of debt entirely. Ken Nordstand works almost entirely for http://www.creditenio.com , a website on consumer counceling and settle debt. You can have a look at his publications over at http://www.creditenio.com/ccsettlement.html and different sources for credit card debt settlement news. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-counseling-as-an-alternative-to-bankruptcy http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-counseling-as-an-alternative-to-bankruptcy#comments Fri, 22 Dec 2006 22:27:19 +0000 new bankruptcy lawsconsumer credit counselingavoid bankruptcyfiling bankruptcycredit card debt settlementcredit card debtaccumulated http://www.artwoo.com/article/consumer-counseling-as-an-alternative-to-bankruptcy 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. Greg Hansward frequently publishes newsletters on subjects dealing with consumer counceling and settle debt. With his reports (e.g. http://www.creditenio.com/ccsettlement.html on credit card debt settlement ) he expressed his deep knowledge in the field. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-the-credit-counseling-service http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-the-credit-counseling-service#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:27:09 +0000 credit counseling serviceaadmonfccdebt management plancredit counselorsdmpsdmp http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-the-credit-counseling-service credit counseling service, otherwise known as debt counselling in the United Kingdom, is the service that offers to educate consumers on techniques used to avoid incurring of debts that could not be repaid. People who avail of credit counseling services are usually those who are in grave need of debt relief or those who need to avoid being indebted further.

Credit counseling also entails negotiations with creditors to create a DMP (debt management plan) for the consumer. The DMP helps a debtor to repay a debt by defining the a repayment scheme with the particular creditor. Credit counselors usually work out DMPs that allow consumers to reduce their payments, interest rates, and fees, so that the clients would be able to managed their debts easily. Creditors dictate the terms to be worked on with the DMP and the credit counselors base debt management plan on these terms to determine the reductions in interests and payments to be offered to the clients.

How Credit Counseling Service Began

The first credit counseling services were first offered by grantors who formed the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) in the United States in 1951. The foundation aimed to help prevent bankruptcy among consumers by promoting financial literacy. By 1993 the AICCCA (Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies) was created in response to the need for standardizing ethical conduct and excellence in the industry of credit counseling. The AICCCA, which was the first competitor of NFCC, revolutionized the credit counseling service by introducing a phone delivery system of programs for debt management. While many, particularly the NFCC, were opposed to this system, the system caught later on and became practiced alongside face-to-face or personal counseling. Some years after, the AADMO (American Association of Debt Management Organizations) was formed, and is now the largest among the leading trade organizations.

While many credit counseling service providers are members of trade organizations, agencies are not really required to join an organization. As of now, there are more than 1,000 existing credit counseling agencies in the USA. The credit counseling service has extended to other continents as it is also now growing as an industry in Europe for both profit and non-profit firms and organizations.

Credit Counseling Service Criticisms

The credit counseling service faced much criticism during the late 1980s and the early 1990s. The existence of some creditors in the Board of Directors of NFCC induced suspicions of monopolistic practices. By the early 90's the occurrence of abuse by credit counseling agencies increased, raising questions regarding the industry as a whole. There were also questions raised regarding the means upon which credit counseling agencies receive compensation, which is usually from the distribution of creditors' debt collections; this led to allegations that the credit counseling service is just a means of collection for creditors.

Because of such criticisms mentioned, together with those not mentioned, the industry of credit counseling is expected to face an enduring change because of the scrutiny forwarded by both the consumers and the government regulators regarding how the credit counseling service should be paid. This poses a great threat to the many debt-ridden consumers who are left wanting of new ways to alleviate their situation.

Whether the credit counseling service is questionable or not is still subject to debate. However, many find its cause still very much worthwhile. Perhaps the industry needs more time to define certain things, in order to come up with a sounder system in keeping people from succumbing to debts.

All Rights Reserved. Content may be reprinted as long as links remain intact. For more information on credit counseling service checkout http://123creditcounselingservice.info. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-main-components-of-credit-card-counseling-debt-consolidation-program http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-main-components-of-credit-card-counseling-debt-consolidation-program#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:20:00 +0000 credit card counselingcredit card debtdebt consolidation servicesdebt consolidation programdebt management programcredit counselingcautious http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-main-components-of-credit-card-counseling-debt-consolidation-program credit card counseling debt consolidation? If huge debt amount is haunting you day and night and you just don't know how to get out of it then don't worry there are ways out. One of the ways that you can select is to look out for credit card counseling debt consolidation services. These services help you when huge amount of debts has left you regretting your decision for getting so many credit cards in the first place. What happens during credit card counseling? During credit card counseling, companies organize various sessions that educate you on controlling your finances and work towards to a better debt-free future. You can work along with your counselor to develop and practice an effective debt management program. They teach you how to control your indiscriminate spending and negligent payment habits. They also work towards making you a better, responsible and dutiful consumer.

When should you start credit card counseling?

You must seek a credit counseling program only when you have decided to get rid of all your debts and are prepared to do anything to achieve this goal. In the process, the most important point is that in order to survive for a longer period you must be confident and must not be afraid of appearing ignorant. First and foremost, you must select your credit card debt counseling company carefully and should be cautious of fraud firms that have sprouted all over. After you have chosen the right firm, you must ask them all kind of questions until you understand the problem. Additionally, you must try and do some self research also.

What are the main components of credit card counseling debt consolidation program?

When you sign up with a credit counseling programs you may be asked to fill up a debt consolidation form. Your credit card debt may be a part of this form. Therefore, prior to going ahead you must ensure all possible side effects of this action. One of the main points that you must check is whether in the process of consolidating your debt you will able to use any of your credit cards or not. Under most circumstances your debt consolidation programs will require you to surrender all your cards. Therefore, to get yourself out of this situation you must be ready to do away with all your cards and work towards preventing yourself from piling up huge debts once again. In addition to all the measures you take, when resorting to a credit debt counseling service, you must make it a top priority to get rid of all your unsecured debt also. However, remember you can achieve all this only if you go and sign up with right credit card debt counseling company today. Jeffrey Walteron is writing first and foremost for http://www.creditenio.com , a web page with information about credit consolidation and debt loans. Writing for reports like http://www.creditenio.com/debtconsolidation.html ,the writer established his knowledge on information on consumer debt. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-solving-the-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-solving-the-problem#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:50:02 +0000 annualcreditreportconsumer credit counseling servicefair credit reporting actcredit counseling serviceunfortunatelysaving moneyconsumer credit counseling http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-solving-the-problem
1) Get a credit reports on yourself and check out what is on them. To get yours free go to www.annualcreditreport.com. You are allowed by U.S. law to get a free copy from each of the three major credit companies once every 12 months.

2) Once you have your credit reports, check them for accuracy. If there are any errors or things you disagree with, you are entiltled by the Fair Credit Reporting Act law to dispute anything in the report that is not accurate. Write to the credit reporting company and explain what the problems are. They will then investigate the matter and let you know what happens. If they find the information is not accurate, they will fix that on your credit report.

Unfortunately you can't remove anything negative that is accurate information about you. Only time can do that. But adding more good information does help.

3) If your credit needs repair, start work on it now. Start paying off old unpaid debts and loans, starting with the smallest ones.

4) Start paying more than the minimum payment on your current credit card payments.

5) Do not get into any new debt. This is essential. Make it a priority to get out of debt. Cut up (or lock up) the credit cards, if they are a problem for you. Make it a commitment to become debt free.

6) Live within your means. Make a budget and live by it.

7) Start saving money. If you have poor credit, it is much easier to buy a home or a car with a cash down payment, than without one.

There are many sources of help available. Consumer Credit Counseling Service is one of the best for help repairing credit and getting debt under control. Their website is located at http://www.cccsintl.org.. Consumer Credit Counseling Service provides budget counseling, educational programs, debt management assistance and housing counseling. There are also many local branches of this nonprofit organization, so check for one near your location.

There are many "for profit" organizations that will help you with debt consolidation loans, but beware! They often are very expensive. You can get free reliable help that you can trust from a non-profit organization like Consumer Credit Counseling Service instead of paying hundreds of dollars to one of them. Or, you can educate yourself and do it for free.

Some other good places to go online for more credit and financial advice are listed on my website at http://i-can-buy.com/resources.html.. By Alexis Dey © 2006 Mohave Publishing. http://mohavepublishing.com For ideas on how to buy a house when you can't qualify for a home mortgage loan because of poor credit, look for the exclusive FREE e-book, Buying a Home When You Have Bad Credit," which can found at http://I-can-buy.com.. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-are-more-people-seeking-help-from-consumer-credit-counselors http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-are-more-people-seeking-help-from-consumer-credit-counselors#comments Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:29:57 +0000 consumer credit counselingfiling for bankruptcybankruptcy lawsstore cardsopen a bank accountrenting a househinder http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-are-more-people-seeking-help-from-consumer-credit-counselors consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren't some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own =96 whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can't keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.

For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.

In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.

However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can't even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit. Leroy Calstard frequently pens papers on areas similar to consumer counceling and settle debt. From his detailed writings (such as http://www.creditenio.com/ccsettlement.html on credit card debt settlement ) he improved his capability on the topic. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-good-consolidation-of-debt-agency-that-is-non-profit http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-good-consolidation-of-debt-agency-that-is-non-profit#comments Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:15:30 +0000 certified credit counselordebt management credit counselingcredit counseling servicescredit counseling servicedebt management programdebt management credit counseling corpmanaging your personal finances http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-good-consolidation-of-debt-agency-that-is-non-profit
The Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.(DMCCCorp.com) is an one of the premier non-profit agencies that can help you consolidate your debt. They are known for having some of the highest standards of quality in the consolidation debt industry. Not only will they help you consolidate your debt, they also can teach you the means of managing your personal finances so that you will never fall into the pit of debt again. They also offer credit counseling as well.

Once you contact them and apply for their debt management program, you will be assigned what they call a "Certified Credit Counselor." This person will ask you about everything related to your financial situation - which will likely involve your total amount of debt and your current income. After this, they will work with you on how best to overcome your debt problem by providing you a detailed plan of action. Be sure to ask any questions you might have when you talk with your counselor.

The credit counselor's job is to work with your creditors in reducing your monthly payments, lowering your interest rates and also reduce or even eliminate the late charges. You will have access to an online account at DMCCCorp.com that you can make your one monthly payment which will be dispersed to the proper accounts by the non-profit agency. They also have a multitude of other payment options like Western Union, pay-by-phone, or Moneygram if you can't pay online. Remember that your credit counselor is their to help you.

Here is a list of other non profit agencies specializing in the consolidation of debt that are non-profit:

- Advantage Credit Counseling Service (advantageccs.org) - debt management, bankruptcy, housing, and credit counseling services.

- Alliance Credit Counseling (knowdebt.org) -Nationwide credit counseling-non profit.

- American Consumer Credit Counseling (consumercredit.com) - non profit consolidation of debt agency.

- Big Solutions, Inc. (mybsi.org) - Credit counseling and debt management.

- Christian Credit Counseling Centers (christianccc.org) - Counseling on secured and unsecured debt. Offices in Houston TX, and Tulsa OK.

- Clear Point Financial Solutions (clearpointfinancialsolutions.org)- Non profit, credit counseling, and other financial services. Nationwide.

- Consumer Credit Counseling of Greater Dallas, Inc. (cccs.net) - Non profit, community service, avoid bankruptcy through education and counseling. Branches in- Atlanta, Central Florida, Oregon, Texas, Los Angeles, Nevada, New Jersey, San Francisco, and Michigan.

- CuraDebt (curadebt.com) - non profit consolidation of debt for you and/or business.

- Debt Consolidation Care (debtconsolidationcare.com) - non profit consolidation of debt and debt education.

- Freedom Debt Management (freedomdm.org) - non profit consolidation of debt and credit repair agency.

Keep in mind that this is just a partial list out of the hundreds of non profit consolidation of debt agencies that are out there. This list should give you a good idea of where to start your search for a good consolidation of debt counseling agency.For more Debt Consolidation information and how to get the best information for your debt problems - visit our site DebtConsolidationInfoSite.com]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-credit-counseling-services http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-credit-counseling-services#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2006 03:50:04 +0000 credit counseling serviceunsecured credit cardssecured loanscounseling servicesdebt consolidationcontactlenders http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-credit-counseling-services credit counseling service it is likely that you are already in financial danger. When a counseling service offers easy solutions to your problems, it can be hard not to believe them, especially if you're on the verge of bankruptcy. In this article I will talk about credit counseling services and what you should know about them.

There are a number of good credit counseling services available, and they can greatly help you get back on your feet. However, you have to exercise caution because there are many services that are looking to take advantage of people who are already in a bad situation. Credit counseling services are good to use if you're in a situation where you are not able to make your minimum monthly payments on loans or credit cards. Many people in this situation may already be receiving phone calls from collection agencies.

Credit counseling services typically deal with unsecured credit cards or loans. They do not work with secured loans, and this includes loans such as mortgages. They will look at how much you owe in order to set up a payment plan that suits your needs. They will also set up a budget for you. If you are on the verge of losing your home, they can provide advice for how to contact your lenders to request more time for making your payments.

If the credit counseling service is able to negotiate with your lenders, you will need to set up a budget in order to make your payments. Under these circumstances credit counseling services can be a great resource to help you. However, if they are not able to negotiate with your lenders, and it seems there is nothing you can do to catch up with your payments, it may be time to consider filing for debt consolidation or bankruptcy.

The first thing a credit counseling service will do is analyze your financial situation. They will then attempt to get your lenders to lower the interest rates. They will help you manage your debt, and you may have to pay them money that they will apply towards paying off the loans you have. These services make their money by charging fees for helping clients and helping creditors by setting up payment plans that allow the consumers to make payments. Many lenders will pay fees to credit counseling services who assist them.

When you are looking for a credit counseling service, there are certain things you should look for to make sure they are honest. Any service which charges high fees up front are often more concerned with making money than with helping you manage your debt. You should also be wary of companies that make outrageous promises. Any service that makes such claims is often fraudulent. If they make claims saying that their services will have no effect on your credit rating, this should be a cause for concern.

If the credit counseling service is helping your manage your debt, they should be able to make payments in a timely manner. The best way to choose a credit counseling service is to look for institutions that are listed in the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. If they are not listed, they may be a fly by night operation, something you will want to avoid. While the chances of an accredited institution defrauding you is low, you should still research them to make sure there are no problems.

Being in a financial strain is hard enough as it is. You don't want to use a credit counseling service which will add insult to injury by defrauding you. Joe Kenny writes for the credit card information sites http://www.CardGuide.co.uk and also http://www.creditcards121.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-a-good-credit-counseling-agency http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-a-good-credit-counseling-agency#comments Wed, 06 Dec 2006 08:27:03 +0000 consumer credit counselingcredit counseling agencybetter business bureauindependent consumer credittax exemptionsconsumer protection lawsprivate grants http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-a-good-credit-counseling-agency tax exemptions granted to these non-profit credit counseling agencies. The two tax exemptions combined together can add up to thousands of dollars every year. In addition to tax exemptions, the non-profits status also makes these agencies eligible for several public and private grants. To initiate Fair Share contributions, it is mandatory to have non-profit status. Therefore, the non-profit status helps these credit counseling agencies obtain greater respect of the creditors. That is not all. In few states the non-profit agencies are also unreachable by consumer protection laws.

Due to all these benefits bestowed upon them, it is not surprising to see almost all major credit counseling agencies advertising their non-profit status. However, you must keep in mind that most of these so called non profit agencies are set up only to make profits. The non profit status is only used by them as an easy method to tempt customers. Debtors in need of professional help and advice get carried away by these profit-making non profit credit counseling agencies. Only after they start dealing with these agencies they realize the actual truth related to interests and worth of these agencies. Although there are many non-profit credit counseling agencies set up just for making profits, all of them are not like that. Agencies providing genuine and authentic counseling also exist. National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies provides credit to most of these agencies.

You can enquire about authenticity of a profit credit counseling agency from the local Better Business Bureau. As a debtor, you can get information related to any complaints lodged against the agency at the bureau. You can also get information related to a profit credit counseling agency from online credit forums. Good credit counseling agencies are a boon for all debtors. They help in developing a personalized debt management and budget plans for debtors. To help debtors in reducing their debt, these agencies go a step forward and speak to creditors and make them lower down or remove interest, finance charges and late payment penalties from debt amount. Some of these agencies can even get the debt collectors off the back of poor debtors. Keeping these advantages of good non profit credit counseling agencies, debtors must always be careful in selecting an agency to help them in managing their debts. Remember that if you get involved with an agency established just to make profit, you may end up worse than you are at this moment. Focusing on latest news in consumer counceling, Linden Walhard published first and foremost for http://www.creditenio.com . Writing for publications like http://www.creditenio.com/ccsettlement.html ,the columnist improved his knowledge on issues related to credit card debt settlement. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-counseling-what-does-the-recent-irs-ruling-mean-for-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-counseling-what-does-the-recent-irs-ruling-mean-for-you#comments Thu, 10 Aug 2006 06:27:19 +0000 irs govinternal revenue servicetax exempt statusbetter business bureaugooglecredit counselingirs commissioner http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-counseling-what-does-the-recent-irs-ruling-mean-for-you Internal Revenue Service announced that it revoked tax-exempt status from dozens of "credit counseling" agencies. Why did the IRS need to step in and take action?

"Over a period of years, tax-exempt credit counseling became a big business dominated by bad actors," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. "Our examinations substantiated that these organizations have not been operating for the public good and don't deserve tax-exempt status. They have poisoned an entire sector of the charitable community." From: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=156996,00.html

So, what does this mean for you the consumer, if you need help with credit card debt?

Should you avoid credit counseling entirely? Or should jump right in with one of the remaining companies, assuming they must be offering great service?

Actually, you should do what any consumer should always do when hiring any service company:

-- Shop around: compare fees, program details, and services.

-- Ask lots of questions: learn how the company will handle your account, when payments are due, how long it will take, etc.

-- Get everything in writing up-front: don't agree to anything without seeing it in writing, and don't sign anything without reading it carefully.

-- Check references and Better Business Bureau records: ask to speak with former customers, check out the company's Better Business Bureau rating at www.BBB.org, search for the name of the company on Google or Yahoo and see if there are any comments from customers.

-- Trust your instincts: you can learn a lot just by asking questions and seeing how they are answered, and if a company doesn't "feel" right to you at this point, chances are it won't feel right once you sign up.

Credit counseling can be a valuable service, especially if you are struggling to just to make your credit card payments each month.

You can usually lower your monthly payments, reduce (and sometimes eliminate) your interest rate, combine your payments into one, and if you stick with it, get out of debt much faster.

In the end, you can save lots of money in interest, and get your finances back on track.

So don't let this recent news deter you from getting the help you need, improving your financial situation, and getting yourself completely out of debt! Kris Bickell is the owner of http://www.Debt-Tips.com, a helpful site for consumers struggling with credit card debt. To learn how you can get out of debt out of debt faster and save money, sign up for more debt reduction tips. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-credit-card-debt-consolidation-services-work http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-credit-card-debt-consolidation-services-work#comments Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:30:00 +0000 credit card debtscard debt consolidationdebt consolidation servicedebt consolidation servicescredit card debt consolidationcredit card debt consolidation servicecredit counseling service http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-credit-card-debt-consolidation-services-work Card Debt Consolidation Services can and are a big help. I know because I used them myself to try to get out of some financial trouble I was in. I initially thought about just claiming bankruptcy but we still had one option left and I was going to try it before filing for bankruptcy and ruining my credit for good wasn't much of an option for me. If you can, I highly recommend you at least talk to a Credit Card Debt Consolidation Service before you think about filing for bankruptcy.

One of the best ways to deal with mounting credit card debts is to seek professional advice. In my case I went to Consumer Credit Counseling Service and they were a big help. Most of the consumer credit services offer credit card debt consolidation service which can make it convenient for you to pay off your debts and which also help you make your monthly payments on a easy to follow schedules. The goal of the credit agency is to help you consolidate all of your credit bills into one lower payment and that is what we did.

In addition to helping you consolidate your debt, the credit card debt consolidation service will help you negotiate a lower payment to your creditors. I was pleasantly surprise that they were willing to call all of the people I owed money to and ask them if they were willing to take a lower payment and or balance. In most cases the credit usually dropped the percentage they charge and some even took off late charges.

Learning How To Budget

Another great feature is learning how to budget. In my case, I got into financial trouble because I was trying to run a small business that just kept taking more money away than it was bringing in. However, the budgeting help they provided was very good and very helpful. They will sit down with you and go over your bills. They will help determine what money is coming in and how much is going out. Then they will work on a plan with you so that you don't need their services again.

I believe I mentioned earlier that their service was free but now I believe I remember paying somewhere in the neighborhood of $19 per month. The reason I thought it was free was because their charge is included in the money you send them every month. Believe me, paying $19 per month was well worth it because they saved me $100's per month in lower fees and they were able to help me save my credit.

Thus, the best and most effective means of paying off as well as reducing credit card debts is through the use of counseling services that credit card debt consolidation service companies provide. They will help you become self-sufficient and help put your finances back on track and also help you save your credit. As I mentioned above, if you can avoid bankruptcy by getting some credit card help, I highly recommend you do so. If however bankruptcy is your only option, talk to the credit card consolidation company first and they will be able to help no matter what decision you make. If need help with Credit Card Debt Consolidation please stop by http://CreditCardDebtsConsolidation.com and read our blog all about Consumer Credit Card Debt Consolidation. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/let-credit-counseling-take-the-stress-away http://www.artwoo.com/article/let-credit-counseling-take-the-stress-away#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2007 02:29:58 +0000 credit counseling servicereduce your monthly paymentscredit counseling agencycreditorscredit counselorsaccredited agenciestake the time http://www.artwoo.com/article/let-credit-counseling-take-the-stress-away take the time to discover the benefits of having an independent counselor review your debt situation, you would be better off for it. Debt counseling is not for people whose debt situation is beyond repair. In that case you make want to talk with a bankruptcy trustee. But if you have moderate debt, you may want to take the time and visit one of these credit counselors in your local area.

Credit counselors act as a go-between you and your creditors. They negotiate with your creditors to allow you reduce your monthly payments. Sometimes, depending on your situation, and how you manage your credit, they could arrange to have some fees reduced or removed. But their main task is working out a manageable repayment plan that both you and your creditors can live with. Creditors don't like to accept reduced payments, but they much prefer to have a reduced amount than to have you skip town owing the full amount of your debt. Your creditors will work with the credit counseling agency to secure their money, and give you some breathing room.

However, once you decide to seek counseling for your debt, you would need to consider several factors before deciding on the right credit counseling service. Pay attention to these four points as you narrow your search for helpful advice:

It is important the firm have qualified employees who have enough financial training to help you. They don't have to be accountants, but must have the basic education in credit counseling.

Is the agency accredited? It takes money to have your firm accredited by most standard setting bodies, so some firms shy away from such accreditation. On the other hand, some firms hide their shady dealings behind the same standard setting bodies. And it is sometimes difficult to tell who is legitimate. So start with the accredited agencies, but check them out before you decide to choose one. However, keep in mind that many of the agencies listed are nonprofit bodies.

The Fees that they charge. Any of the better credit counseling services will only charge their clients a small but reasonable monthly fee around $30 for the use of their services. However, you may find that some also charge an up-front fee around $50.

Application to a Credit Counseling Service. When applying for the services for credit counseling the company should clearly state what their fees are, what are the services they provide, and how long it takes them to work on your application.

You should have these four points in your mind before you begin working with a reputable credit counseling agency. Once the application phase is over, you should be well on your way to managing your debt. This means, you can reduce the stress that comes with carrying a heavy debt load. Get the latest in credit counseling know how from the only true source at http://www.debtexpire.com. Check out our credit counseling pages. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-counseling-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-counseling-tips#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2006 06:27:10 +0000 debt consolidation loandebt counselingfed rate hikesadjustable rate mortgagestrilliondebt negotiationdebt settlement program http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-counseling-tips debt counseling is at a record high; 17 straight quarterly fed rate hikes, slowing home values (harder to get a debt consolidation loan), rising tuition costs, rising gas prices, bankruptcy reform... the list of consumer catalysts into debt counseling programs just seems to keep growing. But what are your options and which program is right for you? Read on.

First, some startling statistics: there is over $13 trillion in consumer debt out there, and over $2 trillion of it is revolving. When interest rates rise, that revolving debt hits the consumer's pocket book. For example, it has been estimated that over $2 trillion of mortgage debt that is based on adjustable rates ("ARMs" or Adjustable Rate Mortgages) is going to re-adjust over the next 2 years... increasing American consumer interest fees by over $50 billion! What does it mean, it may mean that you cannot afford to pay your bills, and for many people, that means credit card debt payments are too high to afford which leads to Debt Counseling.

Debt counseling could mean a variety of things, from a traditional debt management plan that cuts interest rates and lowers monthly payments to a more aggressive negotiated debt settlement program that attacks principal as well as interest. Make sure that you sit down and do the budget analysis (http://www.bills.com/guide) and assess your monthly budget. The amount that you can contribute to paying down your debts should be the first step in evaluating your debt counseling options. If you can afford more than 2.5% of your total debt amount in a monthly payment, then credit counseling may be the best debt counseling option. If you can only afford 1.5% of your total debt monthly, then seek help from debt settlement or debt negotiation firms. If you cannot afford to make any payments, then you may want to evaluate bankruptcy in addition to your debt counseling options.

The next step in choosing a debt counseling program is to prioritize what is more important to you: your savings or your credit rating. If you just want to save the most amount of money while getting debt free as fast as possible, then debt settlement may be best. If you are looking to buy a home in the next year or two, and your credit rating is your number one concern, then you will not want to go delinquent on your bills and may want to explore a debt consolidation loan or credit counseling.

With any debt counseling program, it is important to remember that no one size fits all; make sure to shop around and find the best program and an honest and ethical company that has a solid Better Business Bureau rating before jumping in. Brad Stroh is currently co-CEO of Freedom Financial Network and http://www.Bills.com. If you would like more of Brad's http://www.Bills.com/sitemap/, please visit the Bills.com information on http://www.Bills.com/creditsolutions/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-defining-the-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-defining-the-problem#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2006 19:50:05 +0000 credit cardsunfortunatelycontactpoor creditcredit decisionsbad creditbusiness office http://www.artwoo.com/article/bad-credit-repair-defining-the-problem Poor credit is nothing to be ashamed of. It is far more common than you may realize. Often it may not even be your fault, like Gerald and Lisa.

They invested five years and all they money they saved to start a small sign company. Then one summer someone broke into their business office and stole all the computers and expensive sign-making equipment. Unfortunately they did not have any insurance to cover what was stolen, so they had to take out loans to replace the items so they could stay in business. It took them years to recover financially from that, leaving them with bad credit.

On the other hand, like Paul, some people make poor credit decisions. After Paul got his first card, shortly after graduating from college, he suddenly became flooded with offers for more credit, which he promptly took up. He wanted to show everyone that he was a success at his new career as a sales manager, so he filled up all his credit cards.

Then he began the juggling game of "robbing Peter to pay Paul," which only got him deeper in debt. He took out a consolidation loan to pay off all the cards and put the debts in one big payment, but the temptation of all the empty cards was too much for him and he filled them all back up again. He finally had to declare bankruptcy because he was so deeply in debt that it was beyond his ability to ever pay off.

So, take a good look at what is going on in your life. Why do you have credit problems? Are you in debt because of circumstances beyond your control or is it a chronic situation? Are you still getting deeper into debt or are you fixing the problem? There is no point in fixing your credit if you will just end up losing it.

If you find that you are getting too deep in debt, there are several things you can do right away to help the situation, before it gets out of your control.

* Contact the credit card companies and see if they will work with you to help lower the monthly payments.

* Talk to a nonprofit credit counseling company, like Consumer Credit Counseling Service at http://www.cccsintl.org.. They provide budget counseling, educational programs, debt management assistance and housing counseling. They have branches in many location of the United States.

Beware of some "for profit" organizations that will help you with debt consolidation loans. Often they are very costly. Why go to them when you can get free reliable help from a respected non-profit organization like Consumer Credit Counseling Service?

There is no quick fix for credit problems, but with a little patience and determination, you can not only get it under control, but you can end up with great credit and the feelings of success and self-worth that go along with it. So take the first step and determine to get debt free today! By Alexis Dey © 2006 Mohave Publishing. http://mohavepublishing.com For ideas on how to buy a house when you can't qualify for a home mortgage loan because of poor credit, look for the exclusive FREE e-book, Buying a Home When You Have Bad Credit," which can found at http://I-can-buy.com.. ]]>