InCharge Debt Solutions

• Free Consultation: Potential clients can call InCharge, talk to a certified counselor, and get a free analysis of their situation. This free counseling session can help customers find solutions to their financial issues.
• Industry Accreditations: InCharge has several industry accreditations and certificates. The company has certified credit counselors and is accredited by the NFCC and AICCCA. 
• Lack of transparency: They do not readily disclose interest rates, refund policies, or even what states they operate in.
• Our recommendation:  Because several key elements are not transparent about InCharge we cannot recommend using them. For a more transparent company, check out the top consolidation companies.

Price

This company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization adhering to state regulations when it comes to fees. They charge $10 per creditor account enrolled, capping enrollment fees at $75.

Up-Front Fees

If an individual decides that he or she wants to open an account with InCharge Debt Solutions, a one-time up-front fee of  up to $55 is paid to the company.  Though it is a non-profit organization, one representative explains that the company still needs to maintain employees, phones, facilities, etc.

Free Consultation

Potential customers can receive a free consultation either over the phone with a certified financial counselor, or over the Internet by completing an online form. This allows for individuals to find out how a debt management program would work for them without making an initial commitment. Whether clients choose to work with Incharge Debt Solutions or not, all potential clients have access to certain educational materials on their website, including “Money 101,” a series of helpful articles, calculators, and other resources.

Time in Business

Founded in 1997, InCharge Debt Solutions has been helping customers manage debt for twenty years.  Its longevity alone makes it an organization worth considering, but it has more than time to show for its success. InCharge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-service organization that boasts several memberships, affiliations, awards, and recognitions. It is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). They are also on the Board of Directors of Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, a relationship that comes as no surprise to those who have accessed the wealth of educational materials on the company’s website.

Debt Education

Though most companies feature debt education on their websites, the clarity and mass of information on InCharge’s website really puts them in the top tier. The section called “Money 101” features several articles and tools on a variety of financial topics to help anyone who visits the site. There are several debt consolidation calculators, including “Repaying Student Loans,” “Cost of Credit,” and “Debt Roll Down.” There are tips about budgeting and saving as well as video games that teach concepts of personal finance. There are multiple e-books that you can download for free, as well as lesson plans for financial educators. The training and tools available help individuals at all levels of financial literacy.

Additionally, InCharge runs a bankruptcy education website, personalfinanceeducation.com, to assist individuals considering filing for bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Code requires that those filing for bankruptcy complete a personal financial management instructional course, and InCharge’s website fills that requirement.  There is a cost to complete the pre-filing ($25) and pre-discharge ($15) online courses.

Money-Back Guarantee

The company does not have a money-back guarantee. However, should the client choose to discontinue working with InCharge Debt Solutions, he or she may do so at any time without a penalty.

Unsecured vs. Secured Loans

The company manages debt from unsecured loans only. Though interest rates with unsecured loans are often higher in general, avoiding secured loans prevents the risk to clients of possibly losing assets such as a home, a car, or other possessions that are often used as collateral. InCharge is not unique in this aspect, as many other debt relief companies only work with unsecured loans. Individuals wanting to secure a loan with collateral will want to keep looking elsewhere for their debt relief needs.

Mobile Friendly

They have a mobile friendly site, something many other companies in the industry lack. Both versions of the site are easy to navigate. The menus, banners, and graphics are relevant and professional-looking. In addition to the menu options and social media icons at the top of the site, there is a “quick links” section at the bottom of each page, mapping all available pages and tools by topic. All in all, the website is fully functional, attractive and tidy—a major draw for clients seeking simplicity and efficiency.

Cancellation Policy

There is no penalty for discontinuing a working relationship with InCharge Debt Solutions at any time and for any reason. In fact, the company lists the ability to cut ties as a right in their “Client Bill of Rights.” Of course, the client will then be left to resolve the debt problem on his or her own, but the company will respect that wish.

Contact Information

Email:

[email protected]

Address:

InCharge Debt Solutions

5750 Major Blvd, Suite 300

Orlando FL 32819

Services Available

InCharge provides debt management, consolidation, and bankruptcy education and counseling.

Minimum Debt Accepted

They will help qualifying clients resolve any amount of debt above $100. This is good news for individuals who need assistance, but are rejected by debt relief companies that require higher minimums (in some cases as high as $10,000). Their certified financial counselors are willing and ready to take your financial problems seriously and to help you handle them efficiently, no matter the severity.

Online Dashboard

InCharge has an online dashboard, so their customers can see how their payments are being applied and track the progress of their debt management.

CPFC Certified

InCharge’s financial counselors are not CPFC certified, but they are all Certified Financial Specialists with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

ISO Certified

InCharge Debt Solutions is not ISO certified. They are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and are members of the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC).