Delinquent accounts are forcing people to seek debt counseling and learn how debt counseling works.
The cycle of recurring debt can quickly spiral out of control, until one day, your financial burdens become unbearable.
The collection agencies are calling repeatedly, the mailbox is filling up with unpaid bills, and you feel like you are drowning.
  So what can you do to keep from going under?  Seek debt counseling.
  You do not have to deal with your finances alone.
What It Is In most cases, the term "debt counseling" refers to a professional advisor that helps you focus your efforts in order to minimize or manage your unsecured personal and credit card debt.
  Whether your needs are for payment negotiation, overdue balance settlement, or total elimination of your debts, a professional counselor can help you gain control of your finances.
Credit cards are the leading source of financial stress and potential bankruptcy for the average consumer.
   Debt counseling evolved as an effort to stem the tide of American bankruptcies.
  Professionally trained counselors create finance management plans, design manageable budgets, and educate clients about the different debt-relief options that will be helpful to their situation.
How It Works Professional debt counselors will formulate a custom plan to help you pay off and eliminate your debts over a series of months.
  This comprehensive plan with clear-cut, attainable goals is necessary to eliminate your debt.
Once the plan is formulated, you, your creditors, and your counselor will work together to make sure payments are received and applied on a regular, timely basis.
  An efficient and reputable debt counselor will also create a clear end date to relieve you of your financial woes and provide a buffer between you and your creditors.
  Once you employ a counselor, the collection agencies can communicate directly with creditors and collection agencies so they no longer have to contact you.
Are There Any Regulations? Congress began actively monitoring debt counseling services in 1994, reacting to numerous consumer complaints through the Federal Trade Commission and other government agencies.
Of the 1,215 agencies registered with the Internal Revenue Service then, legislators found rampant deceptive practices and misuse of client funds, and that many of the registered "non-profit" agencies were in fact little more than profitable call centers or individually-run businesses with low marks for active assistance.
Today, debt counselors are monitored by federal laws and consumer advocate groups.
Independent agencies can also help the public find reputable debt counseling companies in their area.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies monitor best practices and ethical standards to provide reliable information and referrals.
If you are over your head in bills, you should not wait any longer.
  Seek help.
  You could be free of your debts in 36 months or less while saving money each month in the process.
Ken S.
Founder, LowRateSearch © 2009