Tuesday 26 December 2017

How To Improve Your Finances With Credit Counseling Louisiana

By Sarah Foster


Most people have debts such as bank loans, credit card balances and mortgages. The records of your debts and payment history have a big impact on credit scores. A low score will make it difficult for you to get a loan, rent an apartment or apply for a new credit card. If you are in such a situation, you can hire a professional who offers credit counseling, also known as debt counseling. If they seek credit counseling Louisiana residents can benefit in many ways.

Debt counseling involves a face to face consultation with a professional who understands and can explain the complications involved in your credit history. The counselor can assist you to get a complete image of your finances, including your income, assets and expenses. This professional can advise on how to start paying off your debts, including the possibility of participating in a debt management plan.

If you decide that debt management program is the way for you, then all the debts you owe your creditors are consolidated and you will begin making monthly payments to the debt consolidation company. The company will in turn settle your debts with your creditors and may also negotiate for reduction in fees and interest rates for you. All the payments to your creditors will be handled by the firm.

A counselor can also inform you if it is financially viable for you to get a mortgage. This might save you from bankruptcy. Usually, for people who are sixty years and above, debt counselors can recommend a reverse mortgage, which allows them to acquire loans against the equity in their homes.

For the purposes of managing your finances, a counselor may also issue you with useful educational materials. These materials can educate you on how to better spend your money so as not to get into debt. The professional is adequately trained to assess the damage already done and to solve the problems at hand.

If you often make many of your debt payments late, it is wise to consult with a debt counselor. Paying a high APR on credit card debt is not advisable. Late payments diminish your chances to pay your debts back. Your counselor can guide you on the steps to take to ensure timely payment of your debts.

Seeking debt counseling is also wise if you usually spend all the money from one paycheck before receiving the next one. If you notice that you are spending more than you are earning so that you can pay off your debts, an urgent and unprecedented expense can drive you to financial ruin. A debt counselor can help you make a budget that caters for the unprecedented emergencies.

Consulting with a debt counselor is also essential if you plan to file for bankruptcy. He or she will advise you on the pros and cons of this decision. When you seek credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy, you can also learn about other alternatives on how to deal with the debt before you declare yourself bankrupt. At this point, you will be informed on whether to continue with your plan or not.




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