Is there a debt consolidation program for soldiers?

2016-02-24T14:33:14-05:00

Is there a debt program to help reserve soldiers pay off personal debt?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-02-24T14:41:23-05:00

I'd suggest you ask your bank, AER and ACS for more resources. That's all I got.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 5:20 PM

2016-02-24T17:20:36-05:00

You can often get low interest personal loans through USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Armed Forces Bank, or Air Force Federal Credit Union which cater to the military in general, active and reserve. This is helpful in consolidating and dealing with credit card debt especially. Credit Unions often give lower rates than banks, but I'd certainly speak to all of them to determine which would be best. One note, however, is that you usually need to establish a checking account with the credit union to take out a personal loan. This amount usually isn't more than $5-10 though and doesn't often have fees as long as it stays above a certain amount.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 12:25 AM

2016-02-25T00:25:51-05:00

First, I would be very cautious as you try to pay off your debt. A lot of businesses by to make money off of those doing what you want to do. The CCCS is one of the better ones out there. They do a great job of helping you out of debt by handling your debt. They will do all they can to lower your interest rate and you just pay them once month and they will pay all of your bills. It simplifies things. The CCCS is one of the few that are honest. It can be free or you will pay a small fee. They don't do loans at all. They will just help you get on a plan that you can use to pay off all of your debt. If you try to do a consolidation loan you will damage your credit.

https://www.cccssf.org/

Welcome to CCCS of San Francisco

CCCS of San Francisco is a non-profit service and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA). We are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. and are certified by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide comprehensive housing counseling services.

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Feb 25 at 2016 2:23 AM

2016-02-25T02:23:52-05:00

You should stay away from that debt consolidation crap!! yeah it will combine all your debt to one payment, credit wise it will kill ya, because it looks like you paid all off at once, so it will lower your scores

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-02-25T03:33:35-05:00

Debt consolidation companies can screw you over. They claim they negotiate lower payments on your debts. The company you owe the debt to has no obligation to accept that lower payment. You can be paying the consolidation company and they will pay something on your bills but not the total amount due which will hurt your credit because you will be seriously past due on your bill

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-02-25T10:31:50-05:00

Contact Army One Source.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-02-25T14:43:18-05:00

It's not really army related, but I highly suggest becoming a member of creditkarma.com. They have a lot of recommendations that not only help you pay debt, but also raise your credit score. I doubt that the army has debt consolidation agencies, but I do know that there are free financial advisors to assist us. Figure out a solid budgets, savings plans with compound interests, and just over all great recommendations. Also, if you have the option, attempt to borrow money in small amounts via family or AER. It's interest free! Also, look at what you're claiming for taxes. You may be paying more than you have to. Basically all your doing with taxes is givin the government an interest free loan, why not lower what you pay in taxes, then put the money that you're not used to having towards a Roth IRA, or towards your bills. Maybe check into refinancing any vehicles you may have for a lower interest rate. Also, look and see if there's an AFBN (armed forces benefits network) around your duty station and go talk to them. But, STAY AWAY from debt consolidations, they are a scam in my opinion. I hope this helps, and good luck. If you need any more assistance, feel free to reply or message me.