| Even though debt consolidation can save your financial | | | | settlement" used instead when you are looking for a |
| status, as well as your personal relationships you still | | | | company to work with. |
| need to be aware of the growing trend to consolidate | | | | Make sure you go to your local Better Business |
| debt. Financial planning is always key in any healthy | | | | Bureau before you begin working with a company. |
| bank account, but beware of what some of these | | | | You'll want to know if they have a good reputation in |
| firms offer. Many have advertised all over the Internet | | | | your area. You may find a company that has a good |
| and TV, but some of these are now being sued by | | | | rating, but this may also mean very little. If a complaint |
| different attorney generals, the IRS, and even the FTC. | | | | is lodged against a company and then it is resolved, |
| The reason for these suits is the fact that they are | | | | there is a good chance that it will not be recorded |
| not really non-profits. | | | | against their permanent record. The Better Business |
| The FTC and five different states have sued one of | | | | Bureau has no legal authority to act against these |
| the worst offenders in the debt consolidation game. | | | | companies or help you if you get in a bind. |
| The company has filed for bankruptcy, but has not | | | | Be very wary of any debt consolidation company that |
| really gone out of business since they merely have | | | | is located or registered in Maryland or Florida. These |
| broken up into a few different companies. This means | | | | states have no official regulation against debt |
| you still need to be aware of companies that used to | | | | consolidation companies in these states, so there is a |
| be part of a large company or have recently changed | | | | chance that you may find a company that is not up to |
| names. | | | | the high standards that you would like. |
| You might hear a variety of names given to such | | | | A good way to check for the best company is to look |
| "debt consolidation companies" this are because of the | | | | online and read reviews that have been left by |
| negative press that many of these companies have | | | | customers. If you find customer reviews you will be |
| received. They are trying to change this word to | | | | hearing directly from the people served as to the |
| something that has a better connotation. You may | | | | quality of your potential debt consolidation company. |
| hear the phrases "debt negotiation" or "debt | | | | |