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Choosing a Consumer Credit Counseling Service Agency

Struggling to pay bills? Slipping behind on payments? If you feel like you are drowning in debt with no hope of rescue, an unbiased consumer credit counseling service can be a financial lifesaver.

The right financial counselor can coach you on effective money management; advise how to use credit wisely; help establish a workable budget, keep track of bills and manage money; and, if you need it, arrange a more practical payment plan with creditors.

Consumer credit counseling service advisors are also trained to think beyond your immediate credit/debt problems and offer advice on avoiding problems in the future. In short, a certified consumer credit counseling service can place you on the track to financial security.

What To Look For

• The consumer credit counseling service should offer formal written contracts and provide free information about the consumer credit counseling services to be performed; payment terms and total cost; how long it will take to achieve results; any guarantees they make verbally; and the counselor's name, business name, address and contact information.
• For services provided over the phone, make sure the consumer credit counselor evaluates your personal situation, not merely offering generic advice. Experienced counselors may spend close to an hour reviewing your financial situation before making recommendations, and should offer follow-up sessions on a regular basis.
• Steer clear of organizations that pay employees a commission; such incentives might influence the number or nature of consumer credit counseling services they recommend. The counselor should devise a plan tailored to fit your personal circumstances.
• Avoid agencies that ask for your first monthly payment to cover their fees. The bulk of your monthly payment should go to creditors; review your consumer credit counseling service report regularly to ensure this happens.

The Best Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies

The best agencies have satisfied clients, offer personalized consumer credit counseling services from well-trained advisors and educate clients in how to make appropriate financial choices. ClearPoint Financial Solutions, a certified consumer credit counseling service, is dedicated to establishing and following the highest industry standards. ClearPoint is a national nonprofit organization. It is currently the only nonprofit system-wide member of the Better Business Bureau, and one of the largest members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Agencies with this consumer credit counseling service trade organization must adhere to strict standards of professionalism and accreditation and use only certified credit counselors.

Established in 1980, the agency has helped over one million individuals establish effective debt management and achieve financial security.

A reputable consumer credit counseling service like ClearPoint Financial Solutions will permit you time to evaluate their offer and make a determination that best suits your financial situation. Remember, however, that timing is critical when addressing your financial situation. Acting quickly and wisely will help you reduce your stress level and improve your financial future.