When to Choose Credit Counseling and How It Can Help You

By Lori Stratford

From TikTok influencers to podcasters, there are plenty of people out there who claim they can help you improve your finances. If you listen to the radio, you might hear ads for credit repair or debt settlement. Some may even make you feel tempted to pay a lot of money for help.

So what makes credit counseling different? 

NFCC-certified credit counselors aren’t here to sell you products or promise flashy, quick fixes. Instead, these certified professionals can review your full financial picture and offer you personalized insights and real solutions. 

Whether you’re falling behind on debt payments, preparing to buy a home, or dealing with any other obstacle related to money or credit, a certified credit counselor can offer you guidance and support.

When to work with a credit counselor

One of the main goals of a certified credit counselor is to relieve your financial stress. If any of the following scenarios apply to you, it’s a good indication that you could benefit from talking to an NFCC-certified credit counselor:

• Do you find it challenging to keep up with your bill payments?
• Do you find that there’s no money left after you pay for your basic expenses?
• Are you unsure about where your money is going each month?
• Are you trying to improve your credit but don’t know how it works?
• Are you hoping to qualify for a loan but you’re not sure how to prepare?
• Do you struggle with paying off credit cards or other debt?
• Are you facing an eviction, foreclosure or vehicle repossession?
• Are you dealing with a financial emergency?

How does credit counseling work?

Most of us don’t want to admit when we’re struggling or need help. So taking that first step of reaching out to a credit counselor can be uncomfortable or even emotional.

However, a counselor will work with you to gain an in-depth understanding of your unique financial situation. After taking a close look at your expenses, debt information or credit reports, your counselor will offer you a personalized plan with action steps to help you move forward.

What can you expect from a counseling session? Every appointment is confidential and professional. Counselors who work with the NFCC have to undergo extensive training, obtain certification and participate in ongoing professional development classes and workshops.

What happens during a credit counseling session?

You can meet with your credit counselor in person, by phone or online. During your appointment, here’s what you can expect:

• Q&A: The counselor will ask questions to understand your goals and specific obstacles you’re facing.
• In-depth review: Depending on the type of appointment, the counselor may help you create a budget, examine the details of your debt accounts, or perform a review of your credit reports. 
• Action plan: You’ll discuss personalized tips and suggestions, and the counselor will develop an action plan. This might include suggesting that you continue your work with a counselor by enrolling in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or scheduling a follow-up appointment.

Do you have to prepare for the appointment? It’s not always necessary, but you may get a lot more out of your session if you gather relevant documents or review your income and expenses beforehand. 

How to get started with credit counseling

Getting started is as easy as calling 844-865-2461 or visiting our Agency Finder page.

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to take that first step. Even if you’re not sure whether it’s the right solution for you, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and see. With NFCC-certified credit counseling, the first session is always free, and you may qualify for additional free resources or fee waivers, too.