Paying off debts

[resavoirdogg]

Is it better to pay off debts yourself or deal with a credit consumer agency to make payments?

[paydaytim]

It would depend on the amount of debt you are seeking to recover from. Some companies report to your credit when you use a consumer debt company. They list it as a default on your account. Not all companies will do this, and in some states it may be illegal. Contact the people you owe before you do anything. You may be surprised at how many are willing to offer reasonable payments plans to get things under control.

[jvr1]

Its way better to do it on your own I think because then your not paying the consumer credit company on top of the debts you already owe. The companies more than likely will work with you if you just call them and try to set up a payment plan. Thats what my husband has done in the past. If they say they wont then just them "well this is what I can do and if your not willing to work with me than theres nothing I can do". Anyhow thats just my opinion. Good luck.

[Kitch]

I too recommend paying off the debts yourself. I believe it will assist is changing your habits and making you better at managing your money. I recommend using a zero-based budget to manage your money, and to get the bills paid off. It is based on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover system.