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What do the debt help companies in Memphis offer?
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Down and Out in Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee with its famous barbeque, night spots, home of Elvis Presley,
and a host of great attractions and music, is not place in which to be broke. And
yet, a large number of Memphis residents face bills each month which they are struggling
to pay, and see mounting balances continue. There doesn't seem to be a way out,
and they are looking forward to a lifetime of debt. The great news is that Memphis
residents, like those in any other town or city, can find debt help companies which
will assist them in becoming completely debt free within a period of three - seven
years. This should motivate anyone to take some steps to find out what the debt
help companies in Memphis can offer them.
The First Steps
Begin your search for a debt help company by looking in the Yellow Pages or completing
a simple Internet search. You are looking for nonprofit firms and organizations
which have affiliations with national associations of credit counseling, because
you will then be assured that their services and fees fall within the range recommended
by these national associations.
Next, contact one or two. Talk with a counselor and be very honest about your situation.
How much is your total debt? Are you late with payments? Has any debt been turned
over to collection firms? How much are your total debt payments? What is your total
net monthly income? These are the figures you counselor will need to have to determine
what needs to be done for you.
Good debt help firms will offer most of their services for free. These will include
evaluating your financial picture, helping you establish a budget, provide training
and education on responsible personal financial management, and follow up counseling
and help with any further difficulties.
If you should decide to enter a debt management plant with a debt help firm, make
sure you check the fees carefully. They do differ among organizations, and you want
to pay as little as possible for the service. Once you have selected the firm to
represent you, your counselor will negotiate with all of your creditors to get the
most reductions possible, and set up a monthly payment plan that is affordable.
You will then make one payment to your firm, and payment to your creditors will
be distributed by the firm. Fees will be added to your payment.
Two firms which have been in Memphis for a long time and who have affiliations with
national credit counseling associations are:
- Clearpoint Financial(www.debtadvice.org):
a nonprofit firm which has offices all over the country and which offers the entire
range of free services and moderate fees for the debt management plans.
- Credit Counseling Agency (www.familycredit.org):
offering credit counseling, training and education, budget assistance and debt management
plans for moderate fees.
Budget Tips
Living in Memphis on a budget will not be as difficult as it may be in other parts
of the country, for there are reasonably priced neighborhoods, attractions, and
a well-established mass transit system. Discount grocery chains are abundant. Make
a game of this part of your plan. How much can you cut from your monthly expenses?
Then, reward yourself with some small luxury!
Traveling to Memphis
What a great town to visit. Even on a budget, a grand time can be had in Memphis.
From tours of Graceland, to a visit and tour of the famous St. Jude's Hospital,
tourists will find Memphis friendly, moderately priced and a lot of fun. Hotel accommodations
to fit a budget are offered by Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inns, and eve a few
hostels outside of town. Restaurants for every taste are available, and low-priced
meals can be found anywhere in town. Visitors might try the Daily Grill, Lolo's
Table, or the Little Tea Shop, where great soul food is available, cooked to order
by the wonderful owner.
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