Truthfully, we hate labels. And titles. And name placements. Political correctness: it’s a fickle beast, especially when talking about something as touchy as credit repair. But no worries — we’re not going to sugar-coat or bounce around the topic like some organizations or professionals out there, and we’ll tell it like it is. It’s very simple: when talking to a credit counselor, you have to ask specific questions just to be sure you’re talking to a real credit counselor for the right reasons. Why? Just remember this important fact: credit repair walks a fine legal line. You want to make sure you stay within it.

Here Are Eight Real Questions You Absolutely Must Ask a Credit Counselor — Just to Be Sure You’re Dealing With the Real McCoy

There are a lot of credit repair scammers out there, in other words. Many will label themselves as a credit counselor, but that’s not what they do. As a consumer, you have a right to know what you’re dealing with before potentially getting yourself in hot water, so ask the potential credit counselor you’re consulting with, and interviewing, these specific questions:

• Can You Approve My Bankruptcy Filing? — What we mean by that are the legal requirements to filing for bankruptcy. The credit counselor you’re talking to has to have the certified approval to sign off on the legally mandated requirement to seek credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy. So make it a point to ask this question immediately.
• Are You a “Debt Counselor” or a “Credit Counselor”? — Like we said, we hate the labels. They may sound so similar; but in truth, they’re very different. You ask this question just to be sure you are dealing with a real-life credit counselor. What are the differences? Find out right here.
• Are You a 501(c)(3) Organization and Can You Prove It? — Now you’re getting tough with the prospective credit counselor, and you should. Grill that credit counselor to the bone with this one. Why? Why does it matter that the credit counselor’s a 501(c)(3)? Here’s why.
• Are You Accredited? — Almost seems like a no-brainer of a question, but would you like to know exactly what kind of accreditation you should be hearing from a credit counselor? Read about it right here.
• Are You Professionally Trained? — Remember this important fact: you are interviewing the credit counselor. So you’ll make that professional sweat. Ask them the tough questions. Knowing the ins and outs of credit repair and restoration is one thing — being completely certified is a whole ‘nother ballgame entirely.
• Do You Have Any References? — Honestly, a true credit counselor would, and should, lick his or her own lips at this question, frothing at the mouth at the opportunity to show off the praise and positive reviews from prior clients. So go ahead and ask. Specifically, there’s one other big reason why a credit counselor would love to offer up references….
• Can You Guarantee Success? — AHA! Another ‘trick’ question here. The fact is no credit counselor in the galaxy — nay, the universe — can guarantee anything. Here’s why.
• And, of Course, How Much Do You COST? — Shop around and you’ll find the fees jumping left and right. Obviously, go with the most beneficial solution for the consumer to a certain extent, and you’ll learn why right here.

Just Remember, Though: They’re Not Doing the Credit Repair Work For You….

Rather, they’re pointing you in the direction of what you need to do and maybe even assisting in the legal process. There’s value in that, something not only we at ICS do, but other reputable agencies and organizations like ITPN would do on a regular basis, so it does exist.

You just need to make sure you’re actually talking to a real deal, and not a real poser in the business. You accomplish that, of course, by asking these questions. Because, after all, this is your credit report we’re talking about! And your credit score is the difference between getting that job, or landing the home mortgage, or securing an auto loan.

Make sure you’re talking with a real professional.

The post 8 Real Questions to Ask Your Prospective Credit Counselor appeared first on Independent Credit Solutions.

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