Many households in the United States are plagued by credit card debt.We hear about this all the time on network and satellite news. These news services are always talking about debt and credit problems.   This high-interest method of borrowing money has taken the place of good, old-fashioned saving, resulting in an epidemic number of families struggling just to pay their bills each month. The following criteria may help you determine if credit counseling is something to consider.

Do you fight with your spouse about money on a regular basis? Has sleeping become difficult because you’re stressed over bills and unavailable cash? Is the pile of overdue bills much taller than the pile that you can pay? Does the telephone ringing cause you to pause before answering because it’s could be a bill collector calling once more about that unsettled medical bill or auto loan payment? Do you put off paying bills until the disconnect notice comes? If “yes” was an answer to some or all of these questions, help is available in the form of credit counseling.

Debt counseling can help you by formulating a personalized plan. A credit counseling agency serves as a mediator between you and your creditors. The agency will negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates, waive late fees, and reduce payment amounts and terms to save you money over time. You will pay a set amount of money to the agency, which is generally a lower amount than all your individual bills, and the agency pays all of your creditors for you. Your bills will be paid in a timely manner with no more worries about creditors’ phone calls or juggling to make ends meet. Many times, a credit counseling agency will set up your individualized repayment plan to help you become debt free in as little as a few years. If there hasn’t been enough month at the end of the money and you’re tired or worried, credit counseling services can help you.