Budget Review & Credit Counseling Services

"We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct."--Benjamin Franklin

Why should I participate in Credit Counseling? There are many reasons and personal benefits to utilizing credit counseling services, you can view a list of them by clicking here. What should I expect from Credit Counseling? Its important to understand what to expect from credit counseling and this section outlines what you can expect to experience.

There are three kinds of people in the financial game of life - those who are winning, those who are loosing, and those who don't even know the score. Comprehensive credit counseling will teach you what the score is and provide the help you need to be a winner at the financial game of life. In other words, we'll work with you in putting your financial house in order.

Life throws many curve-balls along the way. Millions of people are faced with debt problems. Most of these problems are caused by no savings, no plan for unexpected expenses, buy now - pay later attitude, loss of income, excessive borrowing, no insurance, credit card abuse, and marital issues. People generally prefer turning to credit counseling services as an alternative to filing to bankruptcy. This is because with the right credit counseling advice, one’s credit rating can increase considerably, which in turn eliminates the need, or the possibility of filing for bankruptcy.

What to expect in a financial counseling session? When you call, you'll speak to a Certified Financial Counselor who will conduct a review of your financial situation. We will gather the information needed to analyze your unique situation and put you on the path to financial stability.

Counselors may present the following options to address debt problems:

• Negotiating directly with creditors on payment or interest rate relief
• Mechanics and advantages of creating and maintaining a budget
• Changing buying habits or strategies for saving money
• Custom-designed self-administered payment plans
• Enrolling in Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
• Filing for bankruptcy
• Other tools and resources
• Counselors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options above
• Counselors offer written materials on budgeting and managing personal finances

Criteria for Recommendations

• Counselors analyze all information before making recommendations
• Counselors use objective criteria when recommending any options above that best meet the client’s individual needs, goals and circumstances.

Referrals
Counselors may provide specific and appropriate referrals to social service organizations for appropriate support services when they identify problems such as unemployment, lack of training, substance abuse, literacy or psychological issues.

Credit Counseling helps.......

Creditors... with fewer losses due to collection and to individual bankruptcies.

Employers... through improved performance and attitude of employees when personal money problems are under control and collection calls cease.

It’s amazing to see a person's facial expression before and after the initial counseling session. Even after their first financial counseling session they appear more confident and secure knowing there is a solution to solving their financial situation. One of the most common phrases we hear from people is, "Wow, I never thought it would be that easy." But only you can take the first step in making the change!

If you‘re experiencing financial problems we strongly encourage you to take control of your finances and speak with a Counselor immediately. We can help you avoid going further into debt by providing sound advice tailored to fit your circumstances. We have helped thousands of people learn to live debt free only because of practicing what the credit counselor advised them to do.

Extended Counseling Services
Fair Credit’s counseling services go beyond just the basics. We can provide detailed sessions on the following topics and more depending on what specific areas you may want to focus on.