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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.

If you need a mortgage, it is obligatory for your counselor to advise you about it based on your financial capability. This kind of advice will enable you to avoid getting into serious financial problems. If you are over sixty years of age, a debt counselor may provide you with mortgage reversal services. This can enable you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash.

A debt counselor may also provide you with helpful educational materials that will enable you to manage your finances better. If you do not have an idea about how you spend your money, it is easy to get into debt. A debt counselor can assist you to determine the damage that has already occurred and find a solution for it.

It would be in your best interest to employ a debt counselor if you find yourself making late payments most of the time. Lagging behind on your debt payments reduces your chances of offsetting your debts at all. When you speak with a debt counselor, you can receive comprehensive advice on how to offset your debts in a timely manner.

Another good reason to seek debt counseling is when you are living from paycheck to paycheck. If you find that you are spending more that you earn each month in order to pay back debt, an unexpected emergency expense can ruin your personal finances. The counselor can assist you to create a budget so that you will have money to set aside to be used for unexpected emergencies.

You can also consult with a debt counselor if you are planning to file for bankruptcy. The professional will inform you about the merits and demerits of filing for bankruptcy. He or she can also advise you on the other options for dealing with your debt before you officially file for bankruptcy. You will then be able to make an informed decision on whether to file for bankruptcy or not.




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