Find a path out of debt with not-for-profit credit counseling
Living with debt can be incredibly stressful. From credit card balances that seem to grow higher every month to those unexpected expenses you just can’t afford, debt has a way of creeping up on you and leaving you with limited options.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) can help. We offer not-for-profit credit counseling that can take the weight of debt off your shoulders and help you to find a path to live a debt-free life. With our free consumer credit counseling services, you can take the first steps to take control of your money and achieving your financial goals.
What to look for in a credit counseling agency
Here are the critical things to look for when considering a credit counseling agency.
- Not-for-profit. When you work with not-for-profit credit counseling agencies, you know your credit counselors will be focused on helping you get out of debt rather than making a profit. Not-for-profit firms are dedicated to helping you pay off your debt in ways that won’t damage your credit rating or create additional financial difficulties.
- Low fees. The right credit counseling agency will charge little to nothing for their services. Most non-profit firms offer free counseling services, with fees for debt management plans that are no more than $50 a month. Reputable agencies are usually willing to waive these fees if you can’t afford them.
- Strong business history. Reputable credit counseling agencies will have been in business for at least 7 to 10 years and should have a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau. They should also be licensed and bonded to do business in your state.
- Certified and accredited. Make sure any not-for-profit credit counseling agency has credit counselors who are highly trained and certified to help with debt strategies. Credit counseling agencies should be accredited by the International Standards Organization (ISO) or by the Council on Accreditation (COA). They should also be a member of one of the credit counseling trade associations – the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
- Focused on education. Reputable firms are dedicated to educating consumers about ways to avoid debt. Most credit counseling agencies offer a range of free educational tools and resources that can help you learn more about managing money and good financial habits.
Not-for-profit credit counseling from ACCC
With ACCC, you’ll find everything you want from non-profit credit counseling services. We have a 30-year track record in providing credit counseling and debt management services that help individuals and families take control of their financial future and get out of debt.
At ACCC, we offer free credit counseling services where you can meet with a professionally trained and certified credit counselor. During this session, we’ll help you:
- Take a clear look at your current financial situation
- Review your income, assets, expenses, and credit rating
- Look at all the options and resources available to you for paying down your debt
- Offer personalized options based on your goals
- Make a plan to pay off your debt, usually within 3 to 5 years
- Take advantage of free educational resources and financial tools that can help you improve your money management skills
For many consumers, a debt management plan is the best option for paying down debt over time. If you decide to enroll in our low-cost debt management program, your credit counselor will take care of all the details to get you started.
What is debt management and how does it work?
A debt management plan is a way of simplifying your payments to your creditors It makes it easier to pay down your debt over time. In ACCC’s debt management program, you’ll work with our credit counselors to determine a realistic budget and figure out how much money you can pay toward your debt each month. Then, you’ll make just one monthly payment to ACCC, and we’ll pay each of your creditors on your behalf.
With just one payment to make each month, you’ll find it easier to stay on top of your debt payments. We’ll also work with your creditors to potentially lower your monthly payments, reduce your interest charges, and put an end to late fees and over-the-limit fees.
While there is a small fee to participate in a debt management program, ACCC prides itself on having the lowest effective fee structure in the industry.
Why contact ACCC today?
When you choose not-for-profit credit counseling from ACCC, you can rely on:
- Expert assistance backed by three decades of experience in the credit counseling industry
- A free credit counseling session where we’ll help you analyze your finances and prepare a budget
- Credit counseling services available in person and face-to-face
- Free financial tools and educational materials
- Help with your financial situation regardless of your ability to pay – we are dedicated to keeping our fees as low as possible and may be able to waive or reduce fees depending on your situation
- Access to professionally trained and certified counselors
- Not-for-profit credit counseling services provided by an agency that is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and that has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
FAQs: What is a not-for-profit credit counseling agency?
What is credit counseling?
Credit counseling is a service that helps individuals manage their credit and debt. Credit counselors help consumers evaluate their financial situation, explore options for solving money problems and make a plan to pay down their debt.
What is a not-for-profit credit counseling agency?
Credit or debt relief counseling agencies fall into two categories: not-for-profit and for-profit companies. Not-for-profit credit counseling firms are mission-driven organizations that typically offer free counseling services and low-cost debt management programs. Not-for-profit agencies are supported largely by grant money, enabling them to offer services at a very low cost to consumers. For-profit companies, on the other hand, are profit-driven organizations that earn revenue through fees. Their services tend to be more expensive and they may engage in riskier strategies that can potentially damage a consumer’s credit rating or create legal problems.
