Credit unions operating under the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) offer a wide variety of information on financial education. NCUA credit unions emphasize education on the importance of saving money, budgeting, balancing a checkbook, and investing for retirement. Consumers can obtain information from the NCUA in the form of brochures and online publications, or by visiting a NCUA credit union and speaking with a debt management specialist in person.

Religious organizations that provide credit counseling services can be located throughout the United States. Often, consumers will feel more comfortable working with an organization associated with their own religious beliefs. Some credit relief companies will claim to be affiliated with a religious organization even if no affiliation exists. Be sure to select from religious debt counseling organizations that are approved by the U.S. Department of Justice Trustee Program.

Click here to search for DOJ approved counseling agencies.

Military family service centers are located nationwide and offer a range of support to military families and civilian personnel. The Military Family Support Center (FSC) provides financial education, training, and advocacy services. The FSC helps individuals with basic money management and focused counseling, which includes planning for future expenses.

Click here for additional information on the Military Family Support Center.

The US Cooperative Extension Service operates nonprofit credit counseling programs at branches located throughout the nation. The Cooperative Extension Service is a reputable credit counseling organization that offers in-person counseling and advice on managing your money and debts. In addition, the Cooperative Extension Service will often host free educational workshops instructed by trained professionals in areas of consumer debt management and budgeting.

Click here to locate Cooperative Extension System Offices in your area.

The following is information on national nonprofit debt management assistance organizations:

Money Management International – 1-866-899-9347

American Consumer Credit Counseling – 1-800-769-3571

InCharge Institue of America – 1-800-565-8953

Myvesta – 1-800-680-3328

Credit counseling services often work by negotiating lower payments to creditors and making payments to the creditors directly with funds that the consumer pays monthly to the counseling service. ConsumerAction.gov lists several questions that consumers should ask their credit counselor before requesting their services.

Exactly what services do you offer?

Be sure that the organization that you work with offers the services in which you need. It is recommended that you seek out a credit counseling organization that provides debt negotiation services, plus budgeting, debt management, and money management advice.

Is the information you provide free?

Many debt counseling organizations offer clients free literature and recommendations on how to best alleviate their financial liabilities. Avoid working with an organization that requests payment up-front, or that asks that you provide an abundant amount of details regarding your situation.

Do you charge a set-up fee or monthly fee?

Most every debt counseling service provider charges a set-up fee for their services. The typical set-up fee is $10. If your debt counselor asks for a substantial set-up fee, you may be being taken advantage of. Be sure to shop around.

How does your debt management plan work?

Asks each debt counseling organization that you are considering working with about how their debt management plan works. Ensure that your needs will be met, including which of your financial obligations can be included in your payoff plan.

Can your debt management plan lower or reduce interest and fees?

Often creditors are willing to negotiate lower interest rates and late payment fees. If your credit counselor says that they can reduce or eliminate interest and fees, double check with your creditors to verify that they are willing to do so.

What happens if I can’t afford to make my monthly payments?

If a debt counseling organization informs you that your monthly payments are more than you can afford, you should contact other organizations to see if they can provide you with a repayment plan that allows you to make payments within your means.

Will you be able to help me out if I find myself in financial trouble in the future?

A quality debt counseling organization will not only help you consolidate and/or negotiate your debt into lower, more affordable payments, but will also provide you with a plan to prevent future debt from becoming an issue.

Will you put our agreement into writing?

Do not work with a debt counselor under a verbal agreement. Ask for a contract in writing, and ensure that your financial needs will be met under the terms of your agreement. If a debt relief organization is not willing to provide you with a written contract, do not proceed to work with them.

Are your debt counselors accredited or certified?

All legitimate credit counseling organizations are affiliated with the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

See more:

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Federal Trade Commission – Facts for Consumers

HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Loudoun County, Virginia – Financial, Food and Other Assistance

Consumer Action Website – Credit, Out of Control Debt