Debt is a financial problem for sure but it's different than most financial problems. Let me tell you why this is true.
There are no well known household brands that people trust to turn to when they have a debt problem.Think about it:
When you have a tax problem, you know you can go to H&R Block.
When you need to refinance your home, you know you can go to Countrywide Financial
When you need to set up a retirement plan, you know you can talk to your local bank
When you need insurace, Allstate is there
Now you need debt relief - Where do you go?
Even more troubling is, what can you do about it? Most people don't know what their options are besides the dreaded bankruptcy alternative. The solutions for having too much credit card debt are not clearly understood by most people yet there are all those ads claiming to provide free debt advice if you "just call now."
I am not a lawyer but I do know that the laws regulating debt relief vary widely in each state and there is not really a federal law that sets the standard as to what the qualifications are for someone to provide debt help services to consumers. This has caused an explosion of many very small and mid-sized companies all pitching their relief services to consumers. All that one really needs to start a business providing debt help services is a phone room to sign people up and an outsourced provider who manages the consumer's monthly debt payments behind the scenes once they are enrolled in the program.
As a result, there are many people in the business who shouldn't be and there have been multiple cases where companies have been prosecuted for fraudulent practices and making their client's debt situation worse, not better.
However, do not despair, there are many great companies who do provide honest and reliable debt relief services to thousands of clients every year. Whether they provide debt settlement services, debt management services, or other consolidation solutions, they truly can help people who find themselves in a financial bind with seemingly no way out.
So while it is confusing and there are no household names out there who you can instinctively turn to for help, the help is out there. The difference is that you need to take the time to do the research on your own and educate yourself on solutions available to you. Do not get sold by a slick salesperson and investigate any company before you become a client.
There is help for you, you'll just need to do some extra work to ensure you pick the right option.