Frequently Asked Questions: Credit Budget Counseling

How long is a counseling interview, and what do I need to have available?

A typical financial counseling session lasts an hour. In order to help you more efficiently, you must have the following items with you during your consultation:

• A list of monthly bills with monthly amounts (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, etc.)
• Your most recent creditor statements dated with in the last 30-90 days showing account numbers and balances. (If you completed these forms on our website, you still need to have these statements; we do not have copies of that information.)
• Household Income verification, such as pay stubs, tax forms, etc.
• Valid Photo ID (telephone appointments will need to mail or fax us a copy prior to your scheduled appointment)
• Any recent letters from your creditors dated within the last 30-90 days.
• If your mortgage payment is past due, you will need to have copies of mortgage loan documents, latest loan statement, and any lender correspondence.

What happens during the session?

A certified credit counselor will talk with you about your financial concerns, and make a full analysis of your current financial situation. By reviewing your income, expenses and debt, we are able to help you develop a workable budget and to create an action plan of suggestions to improve your situation.

If appropriate, we will discuss the details of how a Debt Management Plan might help you. Remember, your counseling session is confidential, and will have NO affect upon your credit history. No one will know that you talked with us unless you tell them.