How to Find a Financial Counselor

Proper money management is a skill developed over time and with many stumbles in the process. When you are in a tough financial situation you are unable to fix on your own, working with a professional is a way to solve the issue while enhancing your abilities. Once you find a financial counselor to assist you, you'll know that managing finances is not impossible and you do not have to repeat your mistakes.

Instructions

1

Assess your financial situation. You must review your household budget and any outside factors putting strain on the finances to determine if you need help. Remember to consider your feelings about your financial situation, because anxiety or undue stress is a sign you should work with a financial counselor.

2

Gather your creditor statements. Make lists of the kinds and amounts of the debt you owe. Credit counselors want to know if your debt is mainly unsecured, like credit cards, or secured, like your mortgage and auto loans. Knowing which creditors charge the most interest is something else a counselor needs to know.

3

Ask for references. In all likelihood, you are not the first person you know to experience hard financial times. Find out about your friends' experiences with financial counseling. If they enjoyed a positive relationship with their counselor, ask for contact information.

4

Schedule a consultation appointment with multiple credit counseling companies. Your financial well-being justifies taking time to make a prudent decision, especially considering your relationship with the credit agency will last months, if not years.

5

Interview the counselor. Ask for details about her experience in the field or any specialized training she has. Multiple organizations test and train counselors, so find out which one certified your potential counselor.

6

Determine if you have a personality match. Your ability to get along with the counselor is just as important as his experience. If you dislike the way he treats you or his debt-management philosophy, find someone else.

7

Inquire about the program. How much does she charge for her service? What percent of the monthly payment goes to debt reduction? Are there any special requirements to be in the program? Every financial counseling agency works differently, so be sure to get the information you need to compare agencies before making a decision.