What does a credit counselor do?
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing credit counseling, debt management services, and financial education to consumers nationwide. If you have a poor credit rating or find yourself deeply in debt, a credit counselor at ACCC can assist you in making a plan and finding the resources to get control of your financial situation. And the good news is that your consultation with a credit counselor at ACCC is free.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about how an ACCC credit counselor can help.
What does a credit counselor do in a free consultation?
During your counseling session with a credit counselor, they’ll help you get a complete picture of your finances, including your income, expenses, and assets. They’ll offer credit counseling tips – ways that you can improve your credit and begin to pay off your debts. They’ll explain the benefits of a secured loan vs unsecured loan. And they’ll lay out all your options for handling your debts, including the possibility of enrolling in a debt management plan.
What does a credit counselor do in a debt management plan?
When you participate in our debt management plan, you’ll consolidate all your payments to creditors and make just one payment each month to us. We’ll in turn pay all your creditors, while seeking reductions in interest rates, fees and over-limit charges. Your credit counselor will take care of all the details, including making regular payments to your creditors.
What does a credit counselor do if I can’t afford your services?
As a nonprofit organization, our fees for debt management services are about as low as they come. But if you’re unable to pay, we can waive fees for financial hardship and active service members of the United States military.
What do credit counselors do to become a credit counselor?
Our credit counselors complete an intensive training and are certified by the Partnership for Financial Education.
What does a credit counselor do with my personal information?
We understand the importance of protecting your personal information. Your credit counselor will hold your personal details in the strictest of confidence.
What does a credit counselor do if I need I need to file bankruptcy?
Your credit counselor can provide the bankruptcy credit counseling session that is mandated by the Department of Justice before filing for bankruptcy.
What does a credit counselor do if I need general information about money management?
Your credit counselor will direct you to a wealth of educational resources on our website, where you’ll find lots of financial tools like a credit card repayment calculator. You’ll also find articles, workbooks and guides, as well as explanations of many financial terms, like the benefits of a secured vs unsecured loan, for example.
What does a credit counselor do if I am not located near an office?
Our credit counselors are available to talk with you over the phone as well as in person. They are available Monday –Thursday 9:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
