Consumer Credit Counseling

If you are struggling with debt, a consumer credit counselor may be able to help you. Learn what a consumer credit counselor can do and how you can find one.

A credit counselor can give you a free consultation. The counselor will review your finances and help you understand what options you have for getting out of debt as quickly as possible.

A credit counselor can help you:

• Get rid of late fees and over-limit charges.

• Stop collection calls.

• Lower interest rates no matter what your credit score is.

• Consolidate your bills into one smaller monthly payment.

• Pay off your debt faster.

• Improve your money habits.

The U.S. Department of Justice has a list of government-approved credit counseling agencies on its website, www.justice.gov/ust/credit-counseling-debtor-education-information.

The National Foundation for Consumer Counseling has a list of member agencies online at www.nfcc.org, or call 1-800-388-2227.

Think carefully before paying for credit counseling or a debt management program. Shop around. Compare a few services and get a feel for how they operate.  The credit counselor should spend at least 20 to 30 minutes with you to get a full picture of your finances. An organization may say it is "nonprofit," but that does not mean its services are free or affordable. Read the FTC's How to Get Out of Debt to learn more.  

If your income and personal property are protected from garnishment, you may not need to repay your debts. Read Money that Cannot be Taken from You (“Garnished”) to pay off a Debt.

It depends. Bankruptcy should be your last resort to deal with your debt. Under federal law, you must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 6 months before you can file for any bankruptcy relief. You may find out you have other options from a credit counselor.

• Debt Relief and Credit Counseling by the Washington State Attorney General's office.

• How to Get Out of Debt by the Federal Trade Commission.