Question: Where can I find reputable resources to help restructure credit card debt? Tom, Charlotte, NC
Answer: I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, considering all the scam artists and sleazy operations out there, but I’m still disgusted and angry at how many disreputable outfits there are promising to relieve debt burdens. It’s a disgrace.
Your question is also one that we’ve gotten a lot over the past several years of economic turmoil. I’m comfortable recommending that anyone coping with too much credit card debt make an appointment with the debt counselors at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. It’s the largest and the oldest of the national nonprofit credit counseling services. You can find a branch near you on the NFCC website.
There are two other resources I like for those wanting to get out from under their debts. I would check out Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress, by Gerri Detweiler, Nancy Castelman and Marc Eisenson. The DIY approach of their book is enough for many people dealing with credit card debt. They also lay out your options if you’re carrying too much debt to get out from under without help.
I always find the get-out-of-debt information and what-are-my-rights-as-debtor perspective at Nolo.com on the mark.
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