Credit can be confusing, particularly if you are already overwhelmed with debt. It is important to know that no matter how big or small your financial problems are there are resources available that can help you get back on track.
Credit counselors. Financial counseling agencies do much more than help consumers get out of debt. Services include a budget and creditor review, housing counseling for those struggling with their mortgage or those hoping to buy a home, a one-on-one review of your credit report and much more! These services are often free or low-cost and these type agencies always try to accommodate individuals and families with low incomes who cannot afford to pay.
Consumer Websites. There’s no shortage of information on the Internet, but not all of it is accurate and some of it can mislead consumers. Below are some quality resources.
- Information published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Credit.com blog
- The Consumer Recovery Network
- CareConnect USA
Bankruptcy Attorney. If you cannot see a way out of your debt, are receiving frequent calls from debt collectors or are being sued by a creditor or collector you cannot afford to pay, consider talking to a consumer bankruptcy attorney. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free initial consultation / evaluation to assess your financial situation to see if bankruptcy is the best option for you.
Credit Reporting Agencies. By law, these reporting agencies must explain information in your credit reports that you do not understand. Additionally, you can contact the bureaus to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your report to dispute a mistake on your credit report. You can begin the process by getting a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can download a copy of your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Government Agencies. You can find a wealth of helpful consumer information on the CFPB website, but more importantly, you can file a complaint or tell your story. You can also search the CFPB complaint database to find out if other consumers are experiencing similar problems. There are also Do Not Call list registration and resources and tools for stopping robocalls. Telemarketing scams can cost you money and sometimes can result in new debt you must repay.
If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
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