Credit And Debt Counseling Budgeting

Are there any websites out there which can help me create a budget for my home and family? Perhaps something with an automated worksheet? I need some major help with this and am hoping to find something where I can just punch in the numbers and have it calculate several different options including a savings plan. Also...are there any good budget/finance programs out there that are freeware? And last but not least...has anyone ever used a credit counseling agency which helps you pay off your credit card debt? If so...what did you think? Was it easier and faster to pay your credit debt this way? Was it less expensive? Sorry for all the questions...I just really need to get myself on track and am at a total loss. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and hopefully offer your help and advice.

Here is a site that has quite a few different budgets, including several for beginners.

http://www.budget101.com/id177.htm

Here is info on Consumer Credit Counseling agencies:
http://www.forum.budget101.com/viewtopic .php?t=104&highlight=cccs

2006-07-05 01:49:20 by silent.peace

Set up a household budget by recording all expenditures for a month or two, organizing expenses in different categories and deciding which ...

I have about 7500 in credit card debt. I know this may not seem like a lot to some people, but I'm only 24 and I bought a truck that I probably shouldn't have and the payments on that are what's killing me. I've decided that the last thing I want to do is get rid of the truck. I have fallen behind on some of my payments and am acquiring late fees and higher interest rates, and my credit is being shot to hell in a hurry. I have applied for several personal loans to pay off my credit cards and get one lower monthly payment, but I've been denied every time because of my poor credit. I don't really want to go through a credit counseling service yet, because that shows up on my credit report and will further reduce my score. I have worked thorugh my budget with a fine tooth comb and I've done calcualting with differnt loan terms/interest rates/etc. and I know I can afford one, but how do I get one? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
I would appreciate worthwhile answers only, please. I've only had the truck since March, so my loan would be way upside down, and with my credit what it is now, I wouldn't get anything reliable for the loan I'd get.

Hi Nick:

Obviously you don't want to get rid of the truck. This appears to be your priority. However, you've already experienced difficulty getting a consolidation loan. Having said that I would suggest:

1. Figure out how much you can send realistically to your credit cards.

2. Call your creditors and explain that you've overextended yourself. You know that you've got to pay your bills and want to do the responsible thing. Work out a payment arrangement. Get names, and dates of each person you speak to.

3. Cover every conversation with a letter outlining the payment arrangements and the person you've spoken to. Send it via certified, registered or overnight mail.

4. Cover your assets by keeping copies of the letters and confirmation of receipt in a safe place.

5. Get a part-time job. This will help you earn extra money and keep out of spending trouble.

6. Cut up or shred all your credit cards. You won't need them to keep your credit active because you'll be making payments on your truck.

7. Follow your payment plan exactly.

It is very important that you clean up your credit now. A poor credit score can cost you thousands in higher interest charges. It also affects how much you pay for car insurance, whether you can get utilities without a deposit and possibly your ability to get a job.

Good Luck!

Anne

2006-08-09 03:34:42 by Nick

Price: $1.99

I cannot refi my house because of a Prepayment penalty. I spoke to my local bank about trying to get a personal loan but it will be at a 20% interest rate at a $500 a month payment for the next 5 years which is really too high to fit in my budget right now. I am thinking about Credit Counseling but I know it totally ruins your credit so I was trying to avoid but it looks like this might be my only option. Anyone ever been through one of these programs? Was it helpful? Any other suggestions?

Don't borrow to pay off a debt. The first thing is quit charging.
pay cash and take a second job and put all of it on your debts and cancel them one at a time. But if you borrow and pay then you will just keep it up until you file bank ruptcy and ruin your credit.

2007-02-05 06:37:41 by Princessd1010

Price: $0.99

I have severe credit card debt, and would like to either consolidate or use a service to help me free up some money in the monthly budget. I am doing very well with paying them, never been late, always pay more than minimum, but I can not get a debt consolidation loan because my debt to income ratio is too high (even though I'm trying to consolidate that debt). Anyone ever used any service that truly helped them, or know a highly rated one? Also, I'm trying to avoid anything that will hurt my credit report, like bankruptcy... also, if you know of any lenders that would be willing to help someone in my situation, please let me know! Thank you!

Hi,
I used "Credit Solution" to settle my debt and avoid bankruptcy.They managed to reduce my debt up to 58%.It's legitimate.I came across this company on NBC News Special Edition.Check it out here:
http://dwarfurl.com/7da651

2008-07-06 17:38:11 by Brad M

I feel like I'm way in over my head in debts and loans, and would like to see about getting some help with consolidating my debt and managing my budget. Any suggestions on where I can find some good, credible agencies for this?

I tried to search online, but a lot of the websites I come across look a little fishy.

I used care one credit to consolidate my minimal debt. about $4000 in credit cards.

If you have more than $10,000 consider filing bankruptcy. Contact an attorney in your area. They give free consultations and typically only require $100 to retain their services.

2008-10-15 12:57:15 by kayjay