In bad shape? Need a bad credit loan? Think you need some help with your finances? If so, then consider this advice.

Reputable credit counseling organizations advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and usually offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.

A reputable credit counseling agency should send you free information about itself and the services it provides without requiring you to provide any details about your situation. If a firm doesn't do that, consider it a red flag and go elsewhere for help.

Once you've developed a list of potential counseling agencies, check them out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if consumers have filed complaints about them. (If they don't have complaints about them, it's not a guarantee that they're legitimate.) Then, it's time for you to interview the final "candidates."

The best way to find a bad credit loan is to compare deals. Only by comparing can you find the best terms and conditions most favorable to you.