Credit Counseling Options

Some credit counseling agencies offer an initial counseling session for free and are able to set up debt management plans, if necessary, by which they take a monthly amount from the consumer and pay the consumer's unsecured debts. You can find counseling through credit counseling accreditation groups, credit unions, some university extension programs and through paid agencies. The Federal Trade Commission suggests you avoid counseling agencies that won't work with you if you can't pay.

AICCCA

The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies has affiliate agencies all over the country. Counselors are certified through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors. The agencies offer the first counseling session free and are required not to turn people away for their other services if customers are not able to pay. In addition to creating a plan to handle debt based on a client's financial information, they offer debt management plans for which they charge a small fee to customers who can pay (see Resources).

NFCC

The National Federation for Credit Counseling, also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, has agencies all across the country. The agencies are accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services and reviewed for factors including quality assurance, service environment, financial management and professional practices. NFCC agencies also have low fees and offer debt management plans (see Resources).

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program has a list of credit agencies on its website that are non-profit agencies that have been approved to counsel people before they can seek bankruptcy protection. Many of the agencies listed on the site may include those from the AICCCA and NFCC. The Trustee Program has a searchable list separated by judicial district on its website (see Resources).

Other Options

The Federal Trade commission lists several options for finding credit counselors, including credit unions, military bases, universities and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. When choosing an agency, the FTC recommends looking for an agency that offers a variety of services including counseling and classes. Also look for an agency whose counselors are certified or accredited by a third-party and that can offer you assurances that your information will be secure.