How Does Credit Counseling Work?

Credit Counseling programs educate you about your finances. The education will help you understand how to resolve your current debt problems and help you avoid the same situation in the future. Credit Counseling can also provide some basic yet helpful services for you.

Credit Counseling can organize your debt problems into a repayment plan (often called a debt management plan), help you execute the plan, and may work with your creditors on your behalf. Some Credit Counseling agencies or services will write letters, on your behalf, to creditors outlining your debt repayment plan to lower the interest rates you are paying and to reduce or stop late fees that continue accumulating on your outstanding debts. Credit counselors may also be successful in stopping phone calls from creditors.

How Much Can You Save?

Savings are small, though the savings may be worth it to some. If you do save money, it is unlikely due to your total debt being lowered, and it is probably because creditors have stopped adding late fees and may have applied a lower interest rate to your account. The amount you save in late fees and interest will vary by creditor.

How Much Do Credit Counseling Services Charge?

Some Credit Counseling services are complimentary, with no charge. You might locate these services at financial organizations, such as a credit union, through your work, various government agencies, the military, or the internet. Some services charge fees; some request voluntary deposits. Some Credit Counseling services are non-profit organizations some exist to make money. Check around and ask lots of questions; additional fees from some services may add an unnecessary burden to your debt situation.

How Long Does Credit Counseling Take?

Time frames vary based on how much you owe and how much you can pay each month to creditors. Effective Credit Counseling can help you find a more comfortable repayment plan than you are currently attempting.