Debt Free Trend Takes America By Storm. Finally.

In this economy, it seems the biggest trend has shifted. Instead of buy, buy, buy or sell, sell, sell — it’s become plan, act, save.

Debt Elimination Acceleration… It’s all over the net. It’s all over the news. I have questions pour in my inbox every day. Is it for real? Does it actually work? Do you have to be rich to make it worthwhile? And, isn’t it just another scam, another fake elixir sold by charlatans to unsuspecting victims?

So, I took it upon myself to do some research. Actually, a lot of research. I scanned the net, googled my heart out, made phone calls, checked companies out with the Better Business Bureau and made appointments with many of them.

The Research

Yes, I found some scams. They’re easy to avoid. If someone tells you that for a set amount, whether it’s $250, $2,500 or $15,000, that they can give you a certificate to take to your bank that will forgive you of your home or vehicle loan without damaging your credit, it’s bogus. Not only doesn’t it work. The document is not worth the paper it’s printed on.

On to real companies with legitimate products… There were a slew of companies out there. Local, nationwide, internet only and those with addresses that were not a P.O Box. The prices varied, but oh did the products as well!

I found “budget” programs that did no more for you than dressing up a budget you could have created for yourself for free. I found software that was basic and overpriced, yet heralded as the answer to all of your problems. Only a handful of companies in the entire United States offered a system that was logical, comprehensive, adaptable and legit.

The Contenders

Two were more comprehensive than the rest. They stood out above the crowd. I met with both under two different premisies. One, that I was a potential customer wanting to learn about their program. Two, that I was a potential employee wanting to learn what openings and expansion plans they had.

The products were similar in nature, priced the same and both were comprehensive — taking into account all of my debt (credit cards, medical bills, vehicle loans), not simply my mortgage. However, one company obviously had little training and inexperienced mouth-breathers promoting their product to get the sale.

The Leader Emerges

The company that stood out, and I will name that one, was The Universal Family of Companies who handles the debt elimination process under a division named Universal Financial Security. I was so impressed I thought it was a fluke. So, I set several appointments with several agents at both places to see if there was a pattern. I met with three more agents at each, always using a different name for myself, different debt amount and meeting with random employees who had no idea they were being tested for this article.

The Philosophies

The company with which I was previously unimpressed continued to unimpress. Again and again, you could say I was underwhelmed, regardless of the agent in front of me. There was a lack of knowledge depth and an old-fashioned aggressive sales approach that really turned me off.

Back at Universal, I met with their agents. Every one was impressive, confident, patient and had relevant mortgage or finance experience, not simply sales experience. I know because I asked everything to everyone that would help me get a clear picture. I felt secure in their hands, and truly liked the program that they had set up for consumers. I found it easy to use, easy to edit and loved the ability to build a nest egg for my future, which was shown to me plainly in black and white. Well, it had green text too.

The Structures

After we went through all of the program details, at the end I inquired about a position there doing just what they did. It became quite clear that the unnamed company was a multi-level marketing company who would have been as thrilled to have me join up as they would my mother or my dog. No questions as to my experience, simply glorified numbers about huge sales commissions and the ability to move up if I got others to join under me. I’d had enough.

The agents at Universal Financial Security were kind, optimistic, but cautious. They talked about expansion potential due to the current economy and the need consumers now felt to regain control of their pocketbook. They, however, asked my qualifications and led me down no path of glory by creating a train of relatives, friends and pets below me to be my “downline” and make me an overnight millionaire. Every one of them spoke of helping consumers, not selling product. They talked about empowering people and providing a service, not selling a product. They weren’t preachy or pushy, just sold on the idea of a debt free America, as opposed to sold on the idea of selling a product.

Many, many man hours have been put into this research so I could give you my best recommendation. That recommendation is Universal Financial Security.

The Nitty Gritty

But, how does it work and does it work? Yes, it works. What the consultants there do is input (and show you how to) your income and debts in great detail. They say the program’s algorithms figure out the best way to use the discretionary income (even if it’s a dollar) to pay off the debt faster. And, faster means less interest if you do it right.

I finally went back to Universal. I gave my real name, my real numbers, and I signed up. I had just refinanced at 4.9% on my home this year and have two car payments. (Don’t mention the few credit cards that I run a balance on.)

Instead of paying off that home in 29 more years, I’m being proactive. I’m taking control. And, even as a financial guru, I’ve shed the old fashioned thinking. My house will be paid off in 12 more years, and no I’m not changing my spending habits or selling off my firstborn. I’m becoming even more mindful. I woke up. No longer will the old ways be my ways. Welcome to the 21st century, right? Okay, so I’m a little late. But, I’m here.

My Final Answer

A link to Universal Financial Security has been provided below for your convenience. Use anyone else at your own risk. I didn’t do all this research for nothing. I’m tempted to add “results may vary.” I’ve always wanted to say that. Now, go on, get out of here. As I saw in one of their ads: “The only thing you’ve got to lose – is your debt.”

Oh, did I mention I’ll save more than $110,000 in interest by paying my mortgage off sooner? Beat that.

Univeral Financial Security Link