We’ve mentioned in several articles on this site written before that this world is a world of finances. Since the globalization that arised in the early 90s and that has widespread in the first years of the new century (21st century, that will be remembered as the global century for finances and money businesses), capitals flow has been hugely increased, month after month, year after year, even minute after minute. Capital movements involve trillions of dollars, multimillionaires like Bill Gates can’t stop making money, and don’t stop thinking about how to do it. The arabs concentrate more money than the whole world added; while poor countries like the ones in Africa are immersed in a deep poverty from which they don’t seem to be free soon. Within all these movements and circumstances toward the managing of money, it is not crazy to think that millions of people will have problems dealing with debts (it’s a logical consequence: when all the money is in very few hands, it means that much people has to deal with debt problems, because they don’t have that much money). And when problems come, business arises. If you search over the Internet, you will find thousands of companies offering “debt helpline”, which will include, refinancing, dealing with bankruptcy, managing different amounts of debts and so on. For instance, a site like DAH , Debt Advisory Helpline, offers free solutions to any debt problems that you might have. They are a UK enterprise that offers help from specialists in any issue regarding debt management.

The existence of this type of businesses is due to the people not knowing all their possibilities when having to face debt problems. Most times, for instance, bankruptcy is looked at like a bad word, an insult or something terrible from which you cannot escape. In that case, it is very necessary to be aware that sometimes going bankrupt is a fine solution to avoid more and more problems accumulating and related to debt issues. In some other cases, individual arrangements can be reached, in which terms of the repayment program are discussed. These arrangements are called IVA, Individual Voluntary Arrangements, and involve anyone who feels the need to reach to an agreement in where he commits to repay a debt in the terms agreed, generally with installments and periodic repayments.

What is interesting is that all the thousands of companies that have arised help toward debt managements are enterprises that do it for free, often settled down in developed countries. Some sites even say that their phone calls have rised a lot, and that they see that debt problems have grown in the last years. In many cases, the help offered points towards creditors, and the message given by businesses is clear: “we can help you to feel free from harassments, from attacks, agressions and threatenings that you may be subject to when having an unpaid debt. In Debt Helpline, a company from Australia, it is very clear how they think: “You don't deserve to be treated like a criminal just because a change in circumstances has undermined your ability to repay your debts. Let us show you how to regain control of your personal or business finances by taking action to consolidate debt payments, control creditors , and rebuild your savings. Debt relief IS achievable even when debt consolidation, refinance or debt agreement products have been refused by your creditors” (www.debthelpline.com.au).

Why are these businesses spread all over the world, what can be the consequences for this spawning, like breeds in many developed countries? Clearly, there are issues with debts that cannot be faced alone, and there is also an attitude from the creditors that is very extended: threatening as the best way to recover debts. What most advisers do is to give legal talks and counselling to people in debt, so that this harrassment can be actually stopped.

Where is the market for these free advising companies? Are they selling counselling without us noticing it? Not really. They give free advise, that’s not a lie. But they sell other products. For instance, your personal information. Database business is something that any enterprise will do, to earn extra money. In other cases, books and informative material is produced and sold, as a complement to the free advices. Should we be worried about this? Of course not. The service provided by these enterprises is a very valuable one, that we ought not to leave behind. It’s crucial information that will help anyone to free from debts, to analyze options, to see what different possibilities are there to choose from. The information received is therefore trustable, of quality and given by professional. Then, as regards the products they sell, you may feel free to buy them or not –in general, you will, as they will be helpful-, but as for the information required and the tips you will receive, you won’t never be asked for even a dime. The growth of these enterprises has brought about a new business: debt helpline advice. It is very likely that it will keep up its pace, growing faster and stronger every time.

One last consideration: as when you go to the doctor, we strongly recommend to make several consults, with different companies. There will always be possible diverse views for the same problems, different angles from where they can be studied. Interpretations are always valid and there’s no need to build prejudice against professionals if one or another give you a different point of view from a specific topic. So, go ahead, if you are in debt, and take debt helpline advices. Of course, this has not yet grown in poor countries, regions like South America or Africa. In developed countries, it did happen, as there are better conditions of life. So if you do have the luck to live more or less in fine conditions, go ahead and look for debt helpline. Millions of eyes will be read to look at your issues.