Nearly every single day, I hear someone say that they need help with their debt and are looking for credit card relief, but they don’t know where to turn.  As a financial counselor, and as someone who knows how difficult it can be to struggle with credit card debt, this is very frustrating to me.  There are legitimate places to turn when you need credit card debt relief options, but unfortunately, it is not easy for most people to know what is a scam and what can really help you out.

For everyone out there searching for help, today we will take a look at how you can find the help you need and avoid getting ripped off.  While parts of this post may apply to debt in general, keep in mind that I am specifically addressing those of you who need help with credit card debt.  If you are primarily struggling with collections accounts, medical bills, student loans or other types of debt, this article may not apply to your situation. (more…)

Most people who carry a balance on their credit cards would love to have lower monthly payments.  For many, it is possible to get lower credit card payments but it may not always be in your best interest.

Before we jump into how to get those monthly minimums lowered, let’s first take a look at the drawbacks.  Paying the smallest possible amount on your credit card balances means you will take longer to pay it off, thus paying even more money in interest and staying in debt even longer.

So even though lower monthly payments may sound attractive to most people, it can be fool’s gold for everyone who want to reduce debt. (more…)

While most people would not consider it a means to reduce debt, getting lower interest rates can help you reduce the overall amound of money you must put towards your debt and help you eliminate your debt much faster.  Lowering your interest rates on your debt can also give you a lower monthly minimum payment, which could help give you the breathing room you need in your monthly budget.

There are a few different options for reducing debt through lower interest, depending on your specific situation.  Whatever your debt reduction plan, getting a lower interest rate will be very helpful. (more…)