Consumer Credit and Debt Counselling

Credit and debt management are two concepts that directly impact your finances. Without good debt management, you credit score will suffer. Conversely, when you use credit unwisely, it is difficult to practice good debt management. Learning to control your spending and educating yourself on the importance of careful credit use will help you stay on top of your finances.

For those clients living in the following states or territories: Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, we are able to provide Budget and Credit counseling – as well as our other counseling services, but are not able to offer a Debt Management Plan. We can, however, provide you with information on who in your state could provide a DMP. If you would like referral information for your state, please click here.

How Does A Debt Management Plan Work?

The following video was produced under our former name of Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

read more at Consumer Credit and Debt Counselling

Bankruptcy Pre Filing Counseling

Bankruptcy 101: What Every Consumer Should Know

Learn what it is, how to spot the early warning signs and the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Plus, find out how filing can affect your financial life and how to avoid bankruptcy.

This counseling and the subsequent certificate can be received by telephone and online — in both English and Spanish. CredAbility’s counselors are available nationwide, 24/7.

Get started with your bankruptcy pre-filing counseling.

We are glad you chose CredAbility to begin your bankruptcy pre-filing counseling session. We are here to listen, answer your questions and provide the information you need. We strongly urge you to visit with an attorney to discuss the benefits, costs and consequences of filing for personal bankruptcy. And if you are not sure what you need, contact us—we will help you on the right path.

Buying Insurance

Listen as our CredAbilityU experts discuss financial tips on how to unravel the mystery of buying insurance.

read more: Bankruptcy Pre Filing Counseling

Bankruptcy Debtor Education

Common Options for Dealing with a Financial Crisis

During this critical time, it is important to remember that bankruptcy is not your only option. From enrolling in a DMP and negotiating to using assets for consolidation, you will examine several alternatives.

Conquering Credit Challenges

Each of us has a responsibility to manage spending. You will learn how to get the right reports from credit bureaus, interpret your credit report, understand the costs of using credit and work with your creditors.

I can help you learn what you need.

Our debtor education course will prepare you for a new beginning.

Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education
Required by law, before your bankruptcy case can be discharged- which means debts included in the bankruptcy are no longer considered collectible- you must complete Pre-Discharge bankruptcy education. This course lasts two hours. Topics covered include:

• Setting realistic financial goals
• Understanding your credit report
• Obtaining or re-establishing credit
• Managing budgets
• And more

read more at Bankruptcy Debtor Education

Budget And Credit Counseling

Conquering Credit Challenges

Each of us has a responsibility to manage spending. You will learn how to get the right reports from credit bureaus, interpret your credit report, understand the costs of using credit and work with your creditors.

Fair Credit Reporting

In this article, you will find out how to get free copies of your credit report, while ensuring its accuracy, privacy and your rights under federal law.

After your session, our support continues with free debt advice and online assistance in everything from how to pay down debt to strategies for successful credit management and how to read a credit report. As always, our reprentatives are here 24/7 to help you build a brighter financial future.

Get out of debt and back on track today.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your finances, the first step toward regaining control can sometimes be the hardest. We understand that, because we've helped thousands of people just like you. And we're here to help you take your next steps with confidence and hope.

Let's turn this thing around

Our certified counselors will help you review your budget and debts, discuss your options, and share a list of education resources on a wide range of credit management topics that you can take online, 24/7.

Read more at Budget And Credit Counseling

Bankruptcy Counseling

Fighting Back Scams Part I

Taken from our Fighting Back Senior Scams class, Avoiding Scams Part I will address how to recognize consumer fraud schemes, detect and prevent identity theft, and identify mortgage-related abuses.

Choosing An Attorney

With the right questions, information and realistic expectations, you learn about everything to consider—from legal fees and costs to consultations—so you can make an informed decision
.

This counseling and the subsequent certificate can be received by telephone and online — in both English and Spanish. CredAbility’s counselors are available nationwide, 24/7.

Get started with your bankruptcy pre-filing counseling.

We are glad you chose CredAbility to begin your bankruptcy pre-filing counseling session. We are here to listen, answer your questions and provide the information you need. We strongly urge you to visit with an attorney to discuss the benefits, costs and consequences of filing for personal bankruptcy. And if you are not sure what you need, contact us—we will help you on the right path.

To begin pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, call 800.251.2227 to schedule a telephone or in person appointment or click on the green "Start an online session" button above.

read more at Bankruptcy Counseling

Debt Management Plan

Know the Score: Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score

We will explore the importance of a credit score and how it can affect your financial life. You will learn the five critical factors that determine your number, how to deal with errors and tips that may help you increase your score.

Getting into debt can happen to anybody. It can start with a job loss, a medical crisis, a natural disaster or even life in general. No one is immune. But once your debt starts to mount, don't rely on just anybody to get you out of trouble.

Become debt-free sooner than you think.

Through our Debt Management Plans (DMP), you can pay off your credit cards, lower your interest rates, eliminate fees and put an end to collection calls - forever. Sound like a plan? Good, because our Certified Credit Counselors can help you get out of debt in four simple steps.

read more at Debt Management Plan

Free Debt Management Plan

Making a Five Year Plan

Listen as our CredAbilityU experts discuss financial tips on making a five year plan and more importantly how and why you should do it.

Fair Debt Collection

If you are behind on paying credit cards, personal loans or a home mortgage, this article will explain the laws governing debt collection, so you will know how to be treated fairly, honestly and legally.

It's free. It's confidential. And all it takes is a couple of minutes. To get out of debt sooner than you think.

CredAbility has helped thousands of people get out of debt. Why should you be any different?

For those clients living in the following states or territories: Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, we are able to provide Budget and Credit counseling – as well as our other counseling services, but are not able to offer a Debt Management Plan. We can, however, provide you with information on who in your state could provide a DMP. If you would like referral information for your state, please click here.

How Does A Debt Management Plan Work?

The following video was produced under our former name of Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

read more at: Free Debt Management Plan

Bankruptcy Course

Play Your Way to Financial Freedom

Play Your Way To Financial Freedom teaches you how to use educational games to help your family change the way they think about money and credit cards. You will learn how to play the new Beat Debt board game and Paid Off card game (for in-person only; games sold separately).

Strategies for Improving Your Credit Score During or After Bankruptcy

The purpose of this course is to guide clients who have filed for bankruptcy and provide more information on how bankruptcy affects the following aspects of their life.

I can help you learn what you need.

Our debtor education course will prepare you for a new beginning.

Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education
Required by law, before your bankruptcy case can be discharged- which means debts included in the bankruptcy are no longer considered collectible- you must complete Pre-Discharge bankruptcy education. This course lasts two hours. Topics covered include:

• Setting realistic financial goals
• Understanding your credit report
• Obtaining or re-establishing credit
• Managing budgets
• And more

Again, this course is required and only available to individuals who have already filed for personal bankruptcy. To enroll in this class you must provide your case number.

The Pre-Discharge bankruptcy education class is available online.

read more at Bankruptcy Course

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Service

Credit and debt management are two concepts that directly impact your finances. Without good debt management, you credit score will suffer. Conversely, when you use credit unwisely, it is difficult to practice good debt management. Learning to control your spending and educating yourself on the importance of careful credit use will help you stay on top of your finances.

National Nonprofit Credit Counseling Organization Expands Offices in Southeast

Compass/CCCS has three offices in Greenville, Spartanburg and Greenwood.  Its CCCS program was started in 1971 and provides budget, credit, and pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, debtor education and debt management plans.

“This is exciting news for both organizations.” said Suzanne Boas, president of CredAbility. “We provide many of the same services and share the same values. Combining the Compass/CCCS program with CredAbility will enable us to serve additional clients in the southeast.”

“We are pleased that our CCCS program will join a national nonprofit credit counseling agency that can provide our clients with additional services,” said Thomas Bannister, president of Compass of Carolina. “The addition of CredAbility’s housing counseling services, its 24/7 convenience and its bilingual staff will benefit many residents of upstate South Carolina.”

read more at Nonprofit Credit Counseling Service

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Service

Credit and debt management are two concepts that directly impact your finances. Without good debt management, you credit score will suffer. Conversely, when you use credit unwisely, it is difficult to practice good debt management. Learning to control your spending and educating yourself on the importance of careful credit use will help you stay on top of your finances.

National Nonprofit Credit Counseling Organization Expands Offices in Southeast

Compass/CCCS has three offices in Greenville, Spartanburg and Greenwood.  Its CCCS program was started in 1971 and provides budget, credit, and pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, debtor education and debt management plans.

“This is exciting news for both organizations.” said Suzanne Boas, president of CredAbility. “We provide many of the same services and share the same values. Combining the Compass/CCCS program with CredAbility will enable us to serve additional clients in the southeast.”

“We are pleased that our CCCS program will join a national nonprofit credit counseling agency that can provide our clients with additional services,” said Thomas Bannister, president of Compass of Carolina. “The addition of CredAbility’s housing counseling services, its 24/7 convenience and its bilingual staff will benefit many residents of upstate South Carolina.”

read more at Nonprofit Credit Counseling Service

Non Profit Debt Management Program

When you contact CredAbility, you will be paired with a personal debt management consultant who will work with you to set specific financial goals and then help you meet them. Every CredAbility credit counselor and debt management consultant is a professionally trained college graduate with expertise in the financial field. CredAbility debt management consultants are certified and undergo regular training to stay on top of the latest industry developments. Counselors are available to speak with you in English or Spanish 24 hours a day, every day, online and by telephone. If you are a Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, or Tennessee resident, a CredAbility counselor can meet with you in person at one of 25 offices.

National Nonprofit Credit Counseling Organization Says Consumers Paid Down $122 Million in Debt in 2010, Most Ever in 47 Years

ATLANTA, GA – Consumers are using Debt Management Plans more than ever to get back on their feet financially. CredAbility reports that in 2010, 27,818 consumers participated in its Debt Management Plans (DMP) and paid back more than $122 million to their creditors. The $122 million is a record for the 47-year-old nonprofit credit counseling organization, and a three percent increase from the $118 million paid back in 2009.

“Many consumers are deciding to take control of their financial lives by working with their creditors to pay down their debt, even if it takes 36 months or longer,” said Vicki Williams, vice president of Debt Management Plan Services for CredAbility. “They realize that this is a more responsible way to reduce debt and rebuild their credit compared to debt settlement or debt consolidation services offered by for-profit companies.”

read more at Non Profit Debt Management Program

Non Profit Debt Management Companies

Your debt management consultant might recommend a debt management plan. These types of plans are a good option if you have a significant amount of unsecured debt. Many consumers have unsecured debt with high interest rates that make it seem impossible to ever get ahead. If you are making minimum payments and seeing your balances stay the same month after month, your debt management consultant will work with your creditors to reduce your interest rates and stop harassing collection calls.

Consumers on CredAbility’s Debt Management Plans Repay Record Amount in 2010

National Nonprofit Credit Counseling Organization Says Consumers Paid Down $122 Million in Debt in 2010, Most Ever in 47 Years

ATLANTA, GA – Consumers are using Debt Management Plans more than ever to get back on their feet financially. CredAbility reports that in 2010, 27,818 consumers participated in its Debt Management Plans (DMP) and paid back more than $122 million to their creditors. The $122 million is a record for the 47-year-old nonprofit credit counseling organization, and a three percent increase from the $118 million paid back in 2009.

“Many consumers are deciding to take control of their financial lives by working with their creditors to pay down their debt, even if it takes 36 months or longer,” said Vicki Williams, vice president of Debt Management Plan Services for CredAbility. “They realize that this is a more responsible way to reduce debt and rebuild their credit compared to debt settlement or debt consolidation services offered by for-profit companies.”

read more at : Non Profit Debt Management Companies

Debt Management Nonprofit

The first step is talking to your debt management consultant about your overall financial situation. The consultant will review your monthly income and compare it to your total monthly expenses to get a complete picture of your unique circumstances. The consultant will then contact your creditors to inform them of your intention to enter a debt management program. CredAbility has been in business for over 50 years and maintains contact with an extensive network of creditors. It is often possible to negotiate lower interest rates, which will help you pay off your debt more quickly. Your consultant will also create a repayment plan that allows you to pay down your debt without drastically reducing your standard of living. Debt management takes dedication and some sacrifice, but you will be rewarded by seeing your balances shrink and your financial prospects expand.

CredAbility says that the consumers on its Debt Management Plans in 2010 had higher incomes, more credit card debt and were older than in previous years.

In 2010, the average income of a person on a DMP with CredAbility was $53,880, a four percent increase compared to 2009. Each person on a DMP in 2010 had an average of $24,266 in credit card debt, a 4.5 percent increase compared to 2009. The average age of a person on DMP in 2010 was 48, up from 45 years old in 2009.

“While people enrolling in our DMPs earn good incomes, they have an increasing amount of credit card debt,” Williams said. “We can help them negotiate lower interest rates with their creditors that may result in lower monthly payments.”

Many people who opt for a DMP to repay their unsecured debt are prompted to seek help after late payments have caused their credit card interest rates to soar. In some cases, a DMP is a sound alternative to bankruptcy. Ultimately, the plan serves the dual purpose of helping consumers repay their debts and helping creditors receive the money owed to them.

read more at: Debt Management Nonprofit

Credit Card Debt Counseling

Never make minimum paymentsOne common credit mistaking is assuming you can get by making minimum payments. The less you pay, the more interest you accrue, which leads to a larger balance. Credit card balances can quickly snowball, wreaking havoc on your financial health. The more money you can pay toward your principle balance, the less you will spend on interest. Focus your efforts on the credit cards with the highest interest rates first and work your way down from there.

In spite of the overwhelming financial distress you may feel, we are here for you, and we can help, with sound budget planning guidance that can help you defeat credit card debt and any other financial challenge you may be facing.

Get started today!

Whether you’re trying to tighten-up your budget or struggling to pay credit card debt, medical expenses or any other kind of financial obligation, take advantage of the free, completely confidential budget planning services we offer. You have the ability to regain control of your finances and pay down your credit card debt and more... 

You have the ability to get your finances back on track–defeat credit card debt and more with free budget planning counseling and education from CredAbility

In spite of the overwhelming financial distress you may feel, we are here for you, and we can help, with sound budget planning guidance that can help you defeat credit card debt and any other financial challenge you may be facing.

read more at Credit Card Debt Counseling

Credit Counseling Online

Avoid late payments
Even a handful of late payments can cause serious damage to your credit score. Lenders use your credit score to determine what type of risk you pose as a potential borrower. While an occasional 30-day late here and there will not significantly lower your score, a series of late payments or severely delinquent accounts can rapidly drop your score. Once your credit is damaged, it is difficult to repair. A seriously low score can take years to recover. Stay on top of your bills and use credit sparingly to avoid getting in over your head. Avoiding late payments is one of the most important parts of making credit and debt management work to your advantage.

You have the ability to get your finances back on.

Our professional counselors offer confidential advice that helps you take a new look at budget planning, and helps you learn how to manage your credit card debt and any other debts, and help you learn how to start building savings.

Our mission is to empower people with knowledge and solutions that provide hope and inspire lasting change. 

Whether you’re trying to tighten-up your budget or struggling to pay credit card debt, medical expenses or any other kind of financial obligation, take advantage of the free, completely confidential budget planning services we offer. You have the ability to regain control of your finances and pay down your credit card debt and more... get started today!


In a budget planning session, we’ll work with you to determine the most effective way to approach your particular situation, and, aftewards, we'll send you a personalized plan that can help you begin to stabilize your finances and meet future goals.

read more at Credit Counseling Online

Foreclosure Prevention

Wanting to avoid foreclosure? We can help.

Being jeopardized by foreclosure is not a reason to be in despair. There is a host of reasons why you stop making payments - you lost your job, undergoing a medical crisis, squabble with your co-owner or maybe undergoing divorce, excessive debt, whatever it may be, we at Credability understands it. Together, we can examine all your probable options for foreclosure prevention as much as possible.

CredAbility can help with a free review of potential options such as mortgage modification, repayment plans and more.

Whether you’re facing the foreclosure process or are concerned you might, CredAbility can help with free, confidential foreclosure prevention counseling.

In a counseling session, we’ll help you understand the foreclosure process and review alternatives that may be available to you such as mortgage modification, which often requires working with lenders to refinance debt over a longer time period, thereby reducing the monthly payment. Other options might include temporarily suspended payments or special repayment plans.

Every situation is unique, but we can help you better understand the foreclosure process and the paths that may be open to you. We can also connect you with your lender to help maintain the communications link so important before and during the foreclosure process. Afterwards, you’ll receive an action plan to help you get back on track.

read more at: Foreclosure Prevention

Debt Management Plan Calculator

With an effective plan in place, your debt management consultant will give you the resources and tools to help you stay on track and learn about other ways to gain financial freedom. CredAbility U offers a wealth of free online information and education about successful money management. As you eliminate your debt and gain confidence, practical financial planning will become a new way of life.

read more at Debt Management Plan Calculator

Free Credit Counseling

Building Your Credit with Good Personal Debt Management

Itseems like as soon as you land your first job, you start getting bombarded withcredit card and financing offers in the mail. While the word “debt” is usuallyperceived as a negative term, some debt is actually good. If controlledproperly, debt can help you build your credit score so you can finance largepurchases like a car or new home. The key to good personal debt management is understanding how good forms of debtcan be used to boost your credit.

After your session, our support continues with free debt advice and online assistance in everything from how to pay down debt to strategies for successful credit management and how to read a credit report.

Get out of debt and back on track today.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your finances, the first step toward regaining control can sometimes be the hardest. We understand that, because we've helped thousands of people just like you. And we're here to help you take your next steps with confidence and hope.

Let's turn this thing around

Our certified counselors will help you review your budget and debts, discuss your options, and share a list of education resources on a wide range of credit management topics that you can take online, 24/7.

read more at: Free Credit Counseling

Advantages of Bankruptcy

One of the advantages of bankruptcy is the freedomfrom any harassment or blackmail. When the debtor fails to pay his creditors,the latter will update the former on his debts, and usually, communicationbetween both parties will not be smooth. Filing for bankruptcy may minimize thestress suffered by the debtor.

Each of us has a responsibility to manage spending. You will learn how to get the right reports from credit bureaus, interpret your credit report, understand the costs of using credit and work with your creditors.

Buying Insurance

Listen as our CredAbilityU experts discuss financial tips on how to unravel the mystery of buying insurance.

Fair Credit Reporting

In this article, you will find out how to get free copies of your credit report, while ensuring its accuracy, privacy and your rights under federal law.

read more at: Advantages of Bankruptcy

Bad Debt Management

A debtor’s personal properties, such as land, mayalso be possessed by the creditor. In a partnership, for instance, apartnership creditor may go after the personal properties of the debtor partnerif the partnership assets are not sufficient to cover the liabilities. To avoidthis dreadful scenario, the debtor may just take action to arbitrate thesituation. Seeking a specialist is one way to achieve compromise. Creditspecialists and counsellors will be the ones who will work with the creditorsto modify the terms of the debts.

We are here to listen, answer your questions and provide the information you need. We strongly urge you to visit with an attorney to discuss the benefits, costs and consequences of filing for personal bankruptcy. And if you are not sure what you need, contact us—we will help you on the right path.

To begin pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, call 800.251.2227 to schedule a telephone or in person appointment or click on the green "Start an online session" button above.

How to Prepare for your Counseling Session

We strongly recommend that you watch this video to understand what documents you will need to have available, and how to get the most value from your counseling session.

read more at: Advantages of Bankruptcy

Bad Debt Settlement

Bad debtmanagement starts whenyou can’t pay all your monthly dues. You start to miss bill due dates andsometimes, fail to pay a certain bill. There are even days when you receivesucceeding calls from your different creditors. It is still considerable ifthey call you at your own home, but by the time you get a call from them at thework, now that can be very embarrassing for you. And worse, legal actions willbe then made against you due to unsettled accounts.

Our debtor education course will prepare you for a new beginning.

Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Education
Required by law, before your bankruptcy case can be discharged- which means debts included in the bankruptcy are no longer considered collectible- you must complete Pre-Discharge bankruptcy education. This course lasts two hours. Topics covered include:

• Setting realistic financial goals
• Understanding your credit report
• Obtaining or re-establishing credit
• Managing budgets
• And more

Again, this course is required and only available to individuals who have already filed for personal bankruptcy. To enroll in this class you must provide your case number.

read more at Bad Debt Settlement

Bankruptcy Information

To be cleared from your bankruptcy case, all the debts included in your bankruptcy should be considered as non-collectible. Also, the law requires that you should complete the Pre-discharge bankruptcy education before you are cleared from your case. 
Credability has a debtor education course that will give you the preparations you need for a brand new start. The bankruptcy debtor education is a two-hour course that covers the following: 

• Establishing substantial monetary goals
• A realization of your credit report
• Acquiring or restoring credit
• Proper administration of budget
• And more ideas to help you achieve financial control and stability

read more at Bankruptcy Information

Best Debt Management

The first step is talking to your debt management consultant about your overall financial situation. The consultant will review your monthly income and compare it to your total monthly expenses to get a complete picture of your unique circumstances. The consultant will then contact your creditors to inform them of your intention to enter a debt management program. CredAbility has been in business for over 50 years and maintains contact with an extensive network of creditors. It is often possible to negotiate lower interest rates, which will help you pay off your debt more quickly. Your consultant will also create a repayment plan that allows you to pay down your debt without drastically reducing your standard of living. Debt management takes dedication and some sacrifice, but you will be rewarded by seeing your balances shrink and your financial prospects expand.

How to Prepare for your Counseling Session

We strongly recommend that you watch this video to understand what documents you will need to have available, and how to get the most value from your counseling session.

CredAbility’s counselors are available nationwide, 24/7.To begin pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, call 800.251.2227 to schedule a telephone or in person appointment. 

read more Best Debt Management