Tasha sees a “Debt Consultant”: Tasha’s Story

A client I saw recently – we will call her “Tasha” (obviously not her real name) – was my inspiration for this series of blog entries – thanks for sharing your story “Tasha”.

Tasha was struggling with some credit card debt that she had accumulated when she lost her job – she wanted some help. She did a Google search, and found a debt consulting agency. This is what she learned from the website:

the debt consultant was NOT a Trustee in Bankruptcy – this was good because Tasha was not yet ready to see a Trustee
the debt consultant would act solely in her interest – this was good because Tasha was looking for someone who was going to care about her situation and not take advantage of her
the debt consultant utilizes Federal Government Programs – this was good because Tasha because wanted an option that was recognized by the Government
all of her options would be explained to her – this was good because Tasha wanted to be well-informed
her credit rating would not be affected, and in fact would be improved in most cases – this was good because Tasha did not want to hurt her credit
if her wages have been garnisheed, the garnishee would be stopped within days – this was good because Tasha’s income was going to be garnished next pay and that was only 4 days away

Tasha met with the consultant, a very kind man, who seemed to truly care about finding the best solution for her financial problem. Eager to get a jump start on the program, Tasha gave the consultant $200.00, and left his office feeling relieved for the first time in 6 months. She agreed to pay the consultant $1,200.00 – when the monies were paid, the consultant would: