Affect of consolidation on credit score?

Temporarily. When you successfully complete the program, it will rise. Be advised, however, that if you utilize the services of a company, payments to the original creditors may be late (as a result of your payments being first applied to the consolidation company's fees ahead of your debts). This can impact your score if the debt goes 30+ days late, as the creditor is not necessarily obligated to remove lates from your credit report.

Ihave read ALOT of threads/posts, about Settlement/Consoladation companies. I REALLY don't know whaich ones are 'good' or 'bad'. However......I HAVE come to the conclusion....it seems like it's 'cheaper' to deal with CA's yourself. Even if you DO go through a Settlement Comapny, they may take a VERY long time to 'up date' your Credit Report. Or..........you may be paying money to a Settlement Co. and they aren't paying your creditors. Gosh!! I guess it depends on people's individual situations.