Debt management is no easy task, especially when you begin to feel in over your head. It can happen to anyone. Expensive medical bills, a car accident, an unforeseen emergency, or an over-reliance on credit can all leave you with a mountain of debt. If you’re unable to manage debt on your own, the best thing to do is seek help. One beneficial option to consider is credit counseling. But what is a credit counseling service, and can they help you?
A credit counseling service’s goal is to get you out of debt.
What is a Credit Counseling Service?
When your debt has become overwhelming and is affecting your credit, finding a credit counseling service may be a smart next step. But what is a credit counseling service? And what does a credit counselor do?
A credit counseling service is designed to help you identify and adopt strategies for paying off your debt. Credit counselors will help you assess your financial situation and create a course of action to reduce the debt that works for you. They should also help you gain financial literacy skills so you will be better equipped to manage your finances in the future.
Choosing a credit counseling agency may seem intimidating or in some cases, sketchy. If you’re carrying high balances on your credit cards or have a significant amount of loans, you probably get frequent offers from companies that want to help you with debt consolidation or credit debt relief. That’s because helping consumers consolidate or reduce debt can be very profitable for some companies.
Finding Trustworthy Credit Counseling Services
That’s why, when choosing a credit counseling service, it’s important to look for a debt relief agency that is nonprofit and has been in business for at least seven years. Here are some other criteria that your debt relief agency should meet:
- Licensed in your state
- Charge no minimum fees and are prepared to waive your fees if you simply cannot afford to pay them
- All the credit counselors should be certified
- Member of one of these organizations: the NFCC or AICCCA
So, does American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) fits the bill? Yes! ACCC fits the criteria of a legitimate, reputable credit counseling agency that can help you regain control of your finances.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
