--Since some agencies charge little or nothing for managing the plan and others charge a significant fee over time, you need to know up front, what the cost will be. Are they non-profit?

--Repayment plans usually cover only unsecured debt (i.e. cards, dentist). If your secured debts (i.e. car, house) are not included, you must continue to make payments to creditors directly.

--If you fall behind with secured debt, consider working directly with the holder of the title yourself. Most lenders will work with you if you’re acting in good faith and the situation is temporary.

--Some secured lenders may reduce or suspend payments for a short time. When you resume payments, you may have to pay extra toward the past due total, so ask about any fees charged for these changes.

--If selecting a credit-counseling agency, interview several. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if consumers have filed complaints about the provider you are considering.

--During the initial interview find out their fee, sources of funding, who regulates and audits their operation, what are the counselor’s qualifications, and is there a formal written agreement.

--Concerning their repayment plan, ask specific questions such as what happens if repayment is more than you can afford and how secure is the information you provide.

--You should know if you will receive status reports and can you access your accounts?

--Sometimes counselors can get creditors to lower or eliminate interest and finance charges. Some agencies have multiple plans, which you should ask about.

--A debt repayment plan does not erase your credit history. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, accurate information about your accounts can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

--Creditors may report an account in financial counseling, payments missed, or that there are write-offs, etc. But a demonstrated pattern of timely payments should help you get credit in the future.