Not on your life! Don't get suckered into thinking that because a company is a "non-profit" organization that they are not in business to make money.

Let me assure you that whether or not a debt consolidation firm is non-profit is IN NO WAY a reliable means of determining if a firm is legitimate. Having a federal non-profit status involves being recognized as exempt from federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3). There are some excellent, legitimate non-profit 501-C3 credit counseling firms and then there are some very bad ones that are VERY LARGE. Don't be fooled by firms that use their non-profit status to make you think that they are legitimate. Either way, you will be paying for their service. Non-Profit basically means that the money they make will be used by the company and will not be shown as a profit.

You can bet that you will not be dealing with a group of people working for you on a voluntary basis. Some companies are using this term as a very shady marketing technique.

There are very good companies who are non-profit, and very good companies who are not non-profit. The bottom line is... do your homework. Talk to some people who have used their service in the past. Don't make a quick decision based on a "sales pitch".

Just because you are in a little over your head, or have had credit problems, keep in mind that you are the boss. Should you decide to go with a particular company. remember that you are hiring them, not the other way around. Never let a company scare you into making a decision you are not prepared to make.

Also consider this... As in all financial transactions, if the deal has to be done right now, because it won't be available tomorrow, RUN!!!!