What to Expect During Your Credit Counseling Appointment

At Consumer Debt Counselors, we’re here to guide you toward financial wellness with a personalized and supportive process. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but we’ve designed our approach to be clear, compassionate, and effective. Here’s how to prepare for your credit counseling session and what to expect when you meet with our team.

Preparing for Your Credit Counseling Appointment

Being prepared ensures we can provide you with the most personalized and effective recommendations. Here’s what to do your session:

• Complete Your Intake Packet
• Income and Expense Information
• Recent pay stubs or proof of income (e.g., benefits, side income).
• Monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, groceries, and other essential costs.
• Irregular or seasonal expenses, such as annual insurance premiums or holiday spending.
• Financial Account Statements
• Recent bank statements (last two to three months).
• Credit card statements for active accounts.
• Records for loans or other debts.
• Collection notices or delinquency letters.

Having this information on hand allows your counselor to fully assess your financial situation and recommend the best path forward.

What Happens During Your Assessment & Counseling Appointment

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect during your session:

• Review Your Finances: Together with your counselor, you’ll review your income, expenses, and debts to create a comprehensive picture of your financial situation.
• Develop a Personalized Budget: Your counselor will work with you to create a budget tailored to your current circumstances and long-term financial goals.
• Explore Potential Solutions: Your counselor will present a range of options, explain the benefits and drawbacks of each, and provide personalized recommendations to guide you toward financial stability.
• Create an Action Plan: Your session will conclude with a detailed action plan, outlining clear steps to help you improve your financial situation with confidence.

Why Choose Consumer Debt Counselors?

Consumer Debt Counselors is an accredited nonprofit financial services company that helps low- to moderate-income Americans get out of debt and achieve their financial goals. We are a proud member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC, and have more than 25 years of experience helping consumers find debt relief. We also provide comprehensive housing counseling, student loan advisement, Medicare enrollment coaching, and financial coaching for patients with chronic illnesses.

We combine decades of expertise with a human-centered approach to financial counseling. Our process is designed to not only address your immediate concerns but also empower you to build a sustainable financial future.