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Frequently Asked Questions

How does credit counseling work? What is a debt management program? Listed below are answers to questions about how ClearPoint Financial Solutions can help you.

1. Can anyone get a copy of my credit report?
2. Do I have a right to know what's in my credit report?
3. Can my employer get my credit report?
4. Am I entitled to a free credit report under state law?
5. What kind of information do credit bureaus collect, and how long does it remain on my report?
6. What is a credit report?
7. How often should I check my credit report?
8. What information is not in a credit report?
9. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?
10. How do I begin?
11. Is my information submitted through this website secure?
12. What happens after I have submitted my information?
13. What type of ongoing customer support can I expect?
14. What do our services cost?

1. Can anyone get a copy of my report?

No. Only people with a legitimate business need, for example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment, or to rent an apartment.

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2. Do I have a right to know what's in my report?

Yes, if you ask for it. The credit reporting agency must tell you everything in your report, including medical information, and in most cases, the sources of the information. The credit reporting agency also must give you a list of everyone who has requested your report within the past year -- two years for employment related requests.

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3. Can my employer get my report?

Only if you say it's okay. A credit reporting agency may not supply information about you to your employer, or to a prospective employer, without your consent.

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4. Am I entitled to a free credit report under state law?

In addition to consumers who are eligible for a free credit file disclosure through the Annual Credit Report Request Service; consumers in some states are eligible for a free credit file disclosure under state law. The following states have laws that make free credit reports available to consumers: Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont.

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5. What kind of information do credit bureaus collect, and how long does it remain on my report?

Credit bureaus gather information supplied by your creditors. This includes how much credit you have available, whether you've had any 30- or 60-day late payments, and whether any accounts have been referred to a collection agency. Your credit report may also contain information that's part of the public record, including bankruptcies, foreclosures, liens and judgments against you. Bankruptcies remain on your credit report for ten years. Other negative information is eliminated after seven years.

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6. What is a credit report?

A consumer credit report is factual record of an individual's credit payment history. It is rather like a snapshot because it reflects information that is current as of that date, but is subject to change. Credit reports are provided to credit lenders for a purpose permitted by law. The main purpose of a credit report is to help a lender make a decision quickly and objectively about extending credit to an individual.

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7. How often should I check my credit report?

Your credit history plays a major role when you apply for any type of credit or loan, such as a credit card, auto loan, mortgage, employment screening, utilities deposits and insurance. It is a good idea to know what is included in your credit history before applying for credit or a loan. Creditors and lenders use your credit history to determine if you are a credit risk. The most important thing you can do to demonstrate you are a good credit risk is to pay your bills on time.

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8. What information is not in a credit report?

Your credit report does not contain - data about race, religious preference, medical history, personal lifestyle, political preference, friends, criminal record or any other information unrelated to credit.

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9. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?

Yes, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solution is a system wide member of the Better Business Bureau and the BBB Online Reliability Program; you can count on ClearPoint to provide sound quality service and assistance.

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10. How do I begin?

To begin on the path to financial freedom, simply complete the online application or call one of our financial specialists directly. To assist in expediting either enrollment process, have your most recent creditor statements available for quick and easy reference.

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11. Is my information submitted through this website secure?

Yes, our agency is committed to maintaining your privacy and online confidentiality. ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solution has produced a privacy statement that outlines the steps that we have taken to ensure that any information that you provide is kept confidential and cannot be used improperly.

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12. What happens after I have submitted my information?

A financial specialist will contact you to discuss the details of your proposed Debt Management Plan. Our professional, certified counselors will assess your financial situation, assist in creating a spending plan, and discuss options for debt repayment.

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13. What type of ongoing customer support can I expect?

Our financial specialists are available to guide you to your financial goals. As a client, access to detailed information about your repayment program is available on our customer information line or by accessing your account anytime online.

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14. What do our services cost?

To best fulfill on our educational mission of increasing financial literacy, ClearPoint provides financial education, budget analysis, credit/debt counseling, and group workshops as a service to the community. There is no obligation to participate in any of our paid services. As a non-profit organization which focuses on helping consumers achieve financial stability, ClearPoint Financial Solutions works diligently to offer its voluntary services for a modest fee. Our voluntary debt management program fees and contributions vary by state of residence, and your Financial Specialist will provide a written agreement outlining your exact costs and terms. For more details, click here.

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