http://www.debt-teacher.com/n28.html A consumer credit counseling agency can be a thrifty ally in the fight against debt. Don't let your debt get the best of you. Use the consumer credit counseling agency industry today. en-us Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 Mark Twain once said, "The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application and perseverance under the prompting of a brave, determined spirit." Are you one of the thirty million consumers with credit scores below 620, which categorizes you as 'below average'? You should, of course, feel no embarrassment as being in debt has become the status quo. But that doesn't mean you can't challenge it. Join forces with a consumer credit counseling agency to address your debt and access tools and resources to relinquish it. Determine if you just need a little credit counseling assistance to get your debt ratio below 45% or if you need the assistance of a debt management program to get your finances back in order. One Step at a Time You can take steps on your own, if your still on the fence about partnering up with a consumer credit counseling agency. You can contact each of your creditors and ask them if they'd be willing to lower your rate. A polite but firm explanation that you will transfer your balance to one of their competitors and close your account if they aren't willing to work with you should help your cause. The consumer credit counseling industry will have an arsenal of techniques such as these for you to draw from. Many of the certified professionals at each consumer credit counseling agency are seasoned professionals with experience in negotiation. They will handle all communication with your creditors and the harassing phone calls can stop, finally. Once your balances have been reduced, if this is the scenario you seek through your affiliation with a consumer credit counseling agency, your balances may be bundled into a consolidation agreement. If this is the plan you choose, you'll now have to make only one payment per month. The consumer credit counseling agency will disburse the funds to your creditors and ordinarily take their fee from this payment. Typically, due to the significant reduction in your balance and interest rate, the fee is nominal in comparison. Be sure to request a breakdown of your payment. It is your right to know how your creditors are getting paid. Put on your brave, determined face and locate the consumer credit counseling agency that most closely reflects your best interests. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT