Savvy consumers looking for a true non-profit debt consolidation company should ask for proof on non-profit (501(c)(3)) status before conducting any business. True non-profits consolidators are not always free-of-charge, often there will be a minimum set-up fee and possibly a monthly fee associated with your consolidation. Remember, non-profit organizations are measured on the amount of “good” that comes from the services provided. Ordinary debt consolidation firms are for-profit and not subsidized through government funding.

Always check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) prior to working with any debt consolidation company. The BBB is a reliable resource available for consumer use, visit the BBB online to do your homework.

Resources:

Some Information about Non-Profit Debt Management and Credit Consolidation Organizations – http://mortgagecomb.com/some-information-about-nonprofit-debt-management-and-credit-consolidation-organizations/

How Non-Profit Debt Consolidation Works – http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/debt-management/non-profit-debt-consolidation1.htm

Better Business Bureau – http://www.bbb.org/