Many companies even offer debt counseling services for a fee. The bad news is that instead of helping you out of trouble, some of these firms push plans that cost you so much that you might not be able to afford to get out of debt. Nonprofits get most of their funding from creditors, not you. The two best-known companies are The National Foundation for Consumer Credit and Debt Counselors of America . Both have extensive websites chock full of education and interactive tools.
Nonprofits charge fees to enroll, but their fees are nominal.
Last year the National Foundation for Consumer Credit said it counseled 1.6 million American households. Both organizations have local offices throughout the country. Counselors are trained to negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rate or fees, or both. These organizations can also help keep creditors from phoning you night and day. The next step is creating a budget and a single monthly payment plan that you can afford.