Free Yourself from Your Debt Without Using Consolidation Services (cont.)
Contributed by Kris Griebe
If you think using consolidation services to become debt free is the best way, think again
Using a debt consolidation service is not free, no matter if the service claims to be non-profit. When you hire such a service, you could pay high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling with their service. Some non-profit services pressure you into making "voluntary contributions", which in essence is just another name for fees. Basically these services take your money and turn around and pay it to your creditors, keeping a fair amount for themselves. Why pay a middleman to something you can do yourself?
To help you in your endeavor to become debt free, educate yourself about how to manage your finances. Your public library, bookstores, even the internet have information about budgeting and money management techniques. There are also some computer software programs available that are useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
