When we started with a DMP in 2/06, my score was 449. I checked yesterday, and my scores are 642, 636, and 639. There were comments added such as "account managed by credit counseling agency". A couple of the accounts were paid off in 4/06 and still have the comments. I'm disputing them to get that removed. We use Consumer Credit Counseling Service. The site to find reputable services is below. I don't think I would trust anyone who's not a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Using a credit counseling service is not a quick fix like taking out a second mortgage or using your home's equity which we've done in the past. CCCS has services like webinar's that teach you a lot about handling your finances. You will learn how to budget and manage credit. They are tough to stick with, but they will you get out of debt. They work primarily with credit card debt which is where most folks get into trouble, especially since CCC's have gotten so unscrupulous with universal default, high late fees and over the limit fees. It's ridiculous to think that people who get into trouble can be helped by adding those outragious fees to an account that's already behind. A reputable CCCS will stop those "evil" practices. You will be able to "take a breather and regroup" and start to rebuild your credit and your life.
