Indeed. I know of someone quite poor that paid $500 to have his credit repaired. They got around the laws by calling it education. Most of it amounting to having him send out form letters that looked like fraud to me. The letters would say debt wasn't his. He didn't seem to read or understand any of it, but happily sent out the letters. I wonder what the court that had a judgement against him for child support thought on getting a letter saying it wasn't his debt? When someone says the little things don't matter, tell them that those who'd bought Apple stock in the early 2000's instead of a pack of cigarettes or 6-pack of beer could have ended up with a couple of hundred dollars for each one instead.

It's a major adjustment, but people should live within (below actually) their means. Unheard of to do without cable tv, cook your own meals from basic ingredients, or give up alcohol or smoking? Some people need a serious reality check.

I'm extremely suspicious of a for-profit venture to "help" consumers. Just what is there that a consumer can't get or do for free? It seems many consumers have fallen victims to so-called help. The article mentions plenty of easy to relate to grief situations, but is very short on solutions.

Remove social stigma for debt? I'd say that depends on the circumstances. Some would have made better choices if they'd seen MORE social stigma attached.

Talk to people about paying rent, and few are very happy about it, but let them rent money.....