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What happens during a credit counseling session?

April 21, 2008

You’ve decided you need help to pay down your debt and get your finances back on track. You may have even decided on a credit counseling agency to help you do just that.

But, now you’re wondering just what will happen during your credit counseling session. Maybe you’re nervous about how the counselor will treat you. Maybe you’re embarrassed by how much debt you’ve accumulated.

Even though discussing your financial situation with a stranger may seem difficult, rest assured, it won’t be as difficult as you think.

The first thing to know is that the counselors are not there to judge you. They are there to determine where you are financially and to help you find the best solution to get back in control of your finances. You should not be scolded for your past financial decisions.

A typical credit counseling session should last about one hour. During that time, the counselor will work with you to determine your monthly household income and your monthly expenses. The counselor will ask for as detailed of a budget as you can give them. It is important to know where all of your money is spent in order to get the most accurate assessment of your situation.

It’s a good idea to accumulate all of your bills for the past month prior to your credit counseling session. Make sure to have a best estimate of what you spend on everything from groceries, to your pets, to gifts for family and friends.

It is also important to be honest with your counselor. Don’t “fudge” numbers because you think something will look bad. The counselor can only give you the best help and advice if he or she has the most accurate information possible.

At the end of the session, the counselor will make practical suggestions and offer an action plan that will best fit your situation. They may refer you to other community agencies for assistance, if you so choose. You will be mailed a complete packet of information including your personalized budget and action plan.

The certified counselors at Advantage Credit Counseling Service understand that every client has a unique situation and background. They will work with you to help you determine the best way to pay down your debt, establish a reasonable monthly budget and get you back in control of your finances.

Written by admin · Filed Under Credit Counseling 

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