What do credit counselors do?
At American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), our credit counselors assist individuals and families who are trying to get out of debt or who need help rebuilding credit. As a nonprofit organization, we are able to provide very affordable debt management services and free credit counseling for you.
What do credit counselors do during your counseling session?
During your counseling session with one of our credit counselors, they’ll work with you to get a comprehensive look at your financial situation and then offer free debt advice. They’ll show you all the options available to you for paying down your debt. Depending on your situation, they may help you create a budget, offer referrals to social services and educational resources, or recommend a debt management plan. They can also explain financial terms and concepts, like the difference between a secured loan vs an unsecured loan, or the pros and cons of debt consolidation.
What do credit counselors do when I enroll in a debt management plan?
A debt management plan with ACCC is one of the most effective money management strategies for paying off debt quickly – usually within five years. In our debt management plan, you’ll consolidate all your payments to creditors and make just one payment each month to ACCC. Our credit counselors will intern pay your creditors for you, working with them to seek reductions in finance charges, interest rates, and other fees.
What do credit counselors do if I can’t pay for the services?
Our mission is to help individuals and families manage their money more effectively, regardless of their ability to pay for our services. We waive our fees for hardship cases and for active members of the United States military.
What do credit counselors do with the personal information I share?
Your financial information is held in the strictest of confidence by our credit counselors.
What do credit counselors do if bankruptcy seems like the only option?
Our credit counselors can provide the counseling session that the Department of Justice requires before you file for bankruptcy.
What do credit counselors do if I need to learn more about managing money?
Our credit counselors can also refer you to all of the great educational resources on our website. There you’ll find articles and guidebooks on a variety of financial topics, and helpful financial tools like a credit card repayment calculator you can use to manage your money more effectively.
What do credit counselors do if I am not located near an office?
Our counselors are available for meetings both in person and over the phone. They are available Monday –Thursday 9:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
What does a credit counselor do to become a credit counselor?
ACCC credit counselors are highly trained and receive their certification from the Partnership for Financial Education.
