Are They Good?

I've heard that working with one of these companies is a mistake...no personal experience. If you do go with one, make sure that you're not paying them any fees (why increase your debt) and get in writing whether it will show as a 'black mark' on your credit record.

What they pitch they can do for you, you can do for yourself - contact your debt-holders and negotiate a lower monthly payment or some other compromise. Remember, the last thing your lenders want is another debt defaulting on them (part of the big foreclosure/funky-mortgage problem right now), it's bad for their bottom line.

Good luck!

Dear S.,
I am writing to check in wit you regarding your financial situation. I would imagine your husband is home by now from overseas and I am hopeful that things are looking better for your family.
I would recommend a good debt stacking program to be honest. It is free, doesn't "freeze" your accounts because their is no bartering with the credit card companies. Also this method does not in any way effect your credit.
I am a financial coach who deals with a lot of families in your situation, so I speak from experience when I tell you that you are not alone. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to call on me. I do not charge a fee, and you may find the information to be useful. I actually try and help families save money many other ways. You may find it beneficail.
Best of luck,
A. L.

We did Incharge a while back for a credit card that got out of hand. They call up the company and usually get them to freeze the account and make it zero percent as long as you make a certain payment a month. They are non profit but they do ask you to pay a "fee" or monthly donation. We told them no that we didn't want to pay that and they said that would be fine. It doesn't really hurt your credit. You can call and ask them the details about that. I do know that if you want to buy a house and you're on on the these plans that you need to have been on the plan for at least a year and made on time payments. They just took the money out of our account every month and mailed us a statement. They never really called and bothered us and they were pretty hassle free. Do know that if you call make sure you have all your financial info and budget on hand. They're going to want to know ALL of your expenses. Good luck!

You should check out www.daveramsey.com. We've gone through his Total Money Makeover book and it's been GREAT! Really helps you look at money differently and gives you a PLAN! It's been doing great for us!