How debt counselors can help solve your financial issues
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of debt you’re carrying, non-profit debt counselors can help. Debt counselors, or credit counselors, are highly trained professionals who are skilled at analyzing your situation and recommending the best financial strategies to address it. With credit and debt counseling services, you’ll also gain access to educational materials and financial tools that can help you learn more about personal finance and how to avoid debt in the future.
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping people just like you find their way out of debt. We offer free consumer credit counseling services and low-cost debt management plans that have helped thousands of individuals and families to become debt-free. Our certified debt counselors are available six days a week to help you better understand your situation and make a plan to get out of debt. Contact us today to take the first step toward putting an end to debt and reaching your financial goals.
Debt counselors: how to choose the right one
There are lots of debt counselors advertising their services today. Consider these tips to find the right one for you.
- Look for a non-profit agency. Those offering to help you with your debt fall into two camps: non-profit agencies and for-profit companies. Debt counselors with nonprofit debt counseling agencies will offer their services at low costs or free of charge. In contrast, for-profit companies tend to charge high fees. Reputable debt counselors should show willingness to waive fees for their services in cases of hardship.
- Check the company’s history, track record, and business rating. To make sure you’re working with a reputable firm, it’s important to do your research on the credit counseling agencies you’re considering. Choose a firm that’s been in business at least 7 to 10 years, and one that has a positive track record with the Better Business Bureau.
- Choose certified debt counselors. The best debt counselors will be certified by an independent organization to provide financial services to individuals like you.
- Make sure the company is legit. The agency you’re considering should be licensed and bonded to do business in your state. It should also be a member of one of the credit counseling trade associations: either the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
ACCC: certified debt counselors, free resources, and more
ACCC has been helping individuals and families take control of their finances and get out of debt for three decades. As a nonprofit organization, we offer access to professionally trained and certified debt counselors who are experts in the world of consumer credit and debt. ACCC debt counselors have experience working with individuals with a huge range of financial issues, and they understand the pros and cons of all the strategies for paying down debt.
Our services include:
- Free credit and credit card counseling services. Our debt counselors will help you determine the best way to approach your situation and provide you with help as you make a plan to get out of debt.
- Debt management services. Our debt management programs simplify your finances, consolidate your payments, seek reductions in interest rates and finance charges, and offer the assistance you need to stick with your plan until your debt is paid off.
- Student loan counseling. We can help you explore your options for paying off student loans no matter how much you owe or what the status of your student debt is.
- Bankruptcy counseling. We provide the mandated pre-filing bankruptcy counseling session that lets you and your legal counsel make well-informed decisions about your bankruptcy options.
- Housing counseling. Our counselors can assist with reverse mortgage counseling, foreclosure counseling, and homebuyer education and certification.
What ACCC’s debt counselors can do for you
When you meet with one of ACCC’s certified debt counselors in a free credit counseling session, you’ll soon understand how valuable it can be to work with a financial professional. Our debt counselors are experts at helping you take stock of your financial situation and evaluating all the possible options for getting out of debt.
After reviewing your finances in detail – including your income, expenses, assets, and debts – your debt counselor will present you with personalized options that are aligned with your financial goals. Once you’ve decided which path is right for you, we’ll work with you to take the next step on your journey out of debt.
After you’ve met with one of our debt counselors, you’ll feel great knowing there’s an expert on your side who’ll be available to you as you work to get control of your finances again.
Why work with debt counselors from ACCC?
ACCC’s debt counselors are highly skilled in credit and debt management and can provide you with:
- Expert advice based on 30 years in the credit counseling industry
- Free credit counseling sessions to discuss your situation and prepare a budget
- Affordable debt management programs – our fees are among the lowest in the nation
- Waived or reduced fees for financial hardship
- Convenient services offered via phone or in person, six days a week
- Free education materials and financial tools
- Bilingual services for the Spanish-speaking community
- Outstanding customer service
- Confidentiality – your personal financial information will be held in the strictest confidence
ACCC is accredited through the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and we are a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
FAQs: What are debt counselors?
What are debt counselors?
Debt counselors are certified and highly trained financial professionals who provide guidance to consumers on managing their debt. Debt counselors can help individuals take stock of their financial situation and develop a personalized plan for managing their credit and debt issues.
How can I find a debt counselor?
When looking for a debt counselor, it’s best to seek out someone who works for a non-profit credit counseling agency. These firms are mission-driven organizations that are funded by grant money, enabling them to charge little or nothing for the financial counseling services they offer. When comparing firms, it’s best to look for an agency that is licensed and bonded and that has an excellent record with the Better Business Bureau. You’ll also want to look for an agency that is a member of one of the national credit counseling trade associations.
