Originally published January 24 2005
The worst problems with credit card debt are often people who claim to fix it
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
For those who are trying to get out from under their credit card debts, one of the worst things they can do is to use a debt consolidation loan. Unscrupulous people will sometimes offer these loans to people with the promise that they can get out from under their debts, but the loans often have higher interest rates than the credit cards, costing consumers more money in the long run.
Q: My oldest daughter is in tears about her debt problem.
Are there any persons or groups that will advise her on the best plan for getting out of debt?
She has tried calling a few so-called "consultants" but they always charge high "fees" for any service or require her to sign up for loans with them first.
Are there any community, state or federal places to find answers free?
A: I'm truly sorry about you daughter's struggles.
You are right to be wary about debt consolidation loans.
Unscrupulous lenders prey on people overwhelmed by debts by duping them into loans that actually end up costing them more than they were paying in the first place because of hidden fees and other costs.
There are a couple of places locally where you can turn for no-cost or low-cost help and advice on getting out of debt.
The agency will waive the fee for people who truly can't afford it.
The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western Pennsylvania, 1-888-511-2227, also offers free counseling sessions that include the basics on reducing debt.
The agency will work up a repayment plan designed to retire debts in five years or less.
If I did not make use of this warranty, my money was to be returned.
A: You're unlikely to get a refund, Leo.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue collects sales tax on taxable items or services based on the purchase price when they are sold, according to spokesman Steve Kniley.
Kniley said your situation is similar to the way rebates are handled.
You can't get a refund from the state for the amount of sales tax you paid on the $50.
If you want to pursue the matter further, you may submit a question to the revenue department's online customer service center at www.revenue.state.pa.us.
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