Welcome

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Letter from the President

I welcome you to Debt Reduction Services Inc. Our non-profit organization has been proudly serving the public since 1996. We are happy you have chosen us to help you get out of debt. We will do everything possible to guide you efficiently through the entire process. Similar to any other goal worth achieving, getting out of debt will require effort and discipline.

Like our previous clients, you will succeed by living within your means rather than relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to manage your life. If you follow our Debt Management Program, your debt will be paid off within 5 years– without bankruptcy or a settlement program that can ruin your credit. Remember, if any problem arises or you need budgeting assistance, help is just a phone call away. Good luck and thank you for participating in our Debt Management Plan.

Joseph-Cestaro-DRS-President

Joe Cestaro

CEO – Debt Reduction Services

About Debt Reduction Services

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to helping our clients and the general public learn to manage their debts and achieve financial stability. A few of the services we provide include financial education courses, budget planning, student loan relief and Debt Management Program (DMPs).

Our mission is to promote personal financial responsibility and to foster fair and stable housing.

We promise to provide quality counseling and customer service. Our goal is to always address all your questions and concerns in a timely manner. We are proud to say that this is a partnership– consistent communication between us is vital for your success and we are committed to supporting you throughout your time in our program.

The Enrollment Process

Once you have decided to enroll in our DMP and have submitted your enrollment form to your Certified Financial Counselor, your account will be given to a Certified File Specialist. They will contact you to request any missing information and will discuss our process of working a file. DRS works with each creditor individually, at times it may not be possible to include all creditors in the first payment. You will be informed if this occurs and when the account(s) can be expected to be included. Working your file consists of:

  • Contacting creditors for updated balances
  • Estimating your monthly payment

Your Responsibilities

Please keep in mind that this is a partnership. We will need your assistance and involvement throughout your time on the Debt Management Program. We ask you to:

  • Monitor all creditor statements and notify us of any changes or discrepancies.
  • Make all payments on time and in full every month.
  • Respond to our calls and requests for information.
  • Participate in our Client Education Program.

Important Payment Information

To ensure continued creditor participation in your DMP, payments must be received on time every month. NOTE: A missed, or late payment may result in one or more of your creditors canceling the concessions received on the program. ACH or automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account is the most convenient payment method for you and can help avoid this situation.

If your Credit Counselor requests that you do not make any direct payments to an enrolled debt prior to  your program due date, as in cases with most clients getting help with Payday Loans, please follow their instructions so the program benefits are implemented as quickly as possible for your file.

Payment Policies

  • No Personal Checks or Bill Pay Checks will be accepted as payment. Personal checks will be returned and may delay payment to creditors.
  • ACH Changes: You must notify DRS in writing five (5) business days prior to your withdrawal date. This allows time for processing.
  • ACH Rejections: You may be charged a $15 fee for any ACH rejection pursuant to your state guidelines. Replacement payments can be rescheduled or made by money order via mail or at your local office.

Financial Education

Money Fit

Money Fit by DRS Inc. offers a variety of debt relief programs to consumers to support them and help them establish a stable financial future. Money Fit strives to help households in financial crisis along with individuals, college students, seniors, and anyone else hoping to find education or counseling for their finances.  The Credit Counseling Services & Personal Finance Education programs provided through the Money Fit Academy are free to participate in. 

Courses and Educational Resources Promoting Personal Financial Responsibility and Stability

The National Financial Education Center at Debt Reduction Services Inc. develops, designs, publishes and facilitates various financial education programs that address personal finance topics appropriate at differing stages of life. All of these educational programs, materials, and courses are made available free of charge.

A small part of our many courses and materials include:

  • Webinars and classroom workshops with corresponding Certificates of Completion
  • Online calculators, brochures, and worksheets
  • Our Education-based website, “Day 2 Day” Blog, Twitter, and Facebook accounts
  • Seminars on DVD-ROM
  • Monthly eTips which are practical financial suggestions by email)
  • Assistance with free credit report

Our financial educators are available to community organizations that desire to host one or more of our workshops and seminars in their own offices. Courses are also facilitated regularly in each of our offices.

Contact Information

Corporate Office

6213 N Cloverdale Rd
Suite 100
Boise, ID 83713

Tel (877) 688-3328
Fax (877) 877-1143

National Office

4170 Veterans Memorial Hwy
Suite 203
Bohemia, NY 11716

Tel (888) 377-8585
Fax (631) 567-0700

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my monthly payment change from the original quote my counselor gave me?

A: The payment amount given during your consultation is an estimate based upon the creditor balances we received at that time. Payments, in most cases, are a percentage of the balance. While working your file, we contact your creditors to obtain the most current balance available. This can include additional fees or finance charges added to your account by the creditor. If the balance has increased, so will the payment.

Q: Can I make payments to my creditors outside of the program?

A: After your accounts are accepted onto the DMP we request any additional payments to your creditors be made directly through DRS. Payments creditors receive directly from you may be interpreted as an act of leaving the DMP and may result in increased interest rates and fees. All payments must be made through DRS (at no charge) to eliminate this confusion.

Q: Am I able to pay more than my minimum payment?

A: You may pay extra on your account at any time. Extra payments will go towards the principle and reduce your time on the program.

Q: Can I change or lower my payment?

A: The DMP is designed to repay your debt in 60 months. Lowering the payment will lengthen your time on the program and can prevent you from meeting this requirement. If a hardship occurs, please contact your office for additional counsel.

Q: What should I do if I am unable to make my payment on time?

A: If you are unable to make your payment by the selected due date you must notify us immediately. This can jeopardize the arrangement we have in place with your creditors.

Q: Will the DMP affect my credit?

A: Enrollment in a DMP is not factored into your credit score. Some of the information credit reporting bureaus consider when determining your credit score include but are not limited to: on-time payments, opening or closing accounts, debt-to-credit limit ratio. For a more detailed explanation please visit this webpage from the FTC.

Q: Can I continue to use my credit cards?

A: You will not be able to utilize your cards enrolled in the DMP and all accounts may be closed. Some creditors may allow one credit card account to be left off the program.

Q: Can I apply for more unsecured debt (credit cards)?

A: No new unsecured accounts may be obtained during your participation in the DMP. The purpose of the DMP is to aid you in becoming debt free. Please contact your office for options about secured loans you are considering.

Q: Why do I need to change my due dates?

A: You will need to contact your creditors to change the due date on your accounts to coincide with your selected due date with DRS. This will help ensure payments will post to your account without penalty. Creditors do not allow DRS to request due date changes.

Q: Can I add more accounts to my program?

A: Yes, you may add unsecured debt at any time. Please contact our office for details.

Q: Why are my creditors calling me?

A: You may receive calls from your creditors until they have received your first DMP payment. We encourage you to take these calls and notify our office of any important information.

Q: Will I receive a monthly statement for payment verification?

A: You have access to view your account anytime online via your extranet account. We ask you to view your creditor statements every month and notify us of any issues or concerns. Statements are not mailed unless required.

If you’d like a to download a PDF copy of this welcome document, you can find it HERE.