What services does
the agency offer? |
If you’re dealing with a legitimate
credit counseling agency, there should certainly be a counseling
component to the service. Will a counselor go over your financial
situation with you and help you set a realistic budget? Does the
agency provide educational materials along with counseling? Can you
see your counselor for follow-up or review sessions? Do they provide
other services such as housing counseling or credit report review? Do
they provide Debt Repayment or Debt Management Plans? Agency services
should be professional and confidential.
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Does the agency have local offices? |
This can be very important. Some
agencies only provide services online or by phone. That may be
sufficient for you, but many people like knowing there are local
offices staffed with certified counselors that offer true one-on-one
counseling. If talking face-to-face with your counselor is important
to you, make sure that the agency you’ve contacted has local offices
to serve you. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Mid-Florida has
five local offices: Gainesville, Inverness, Lake City, Ocala, and
Palatka.
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Is the agency nonprofit? |
Many credit counseling agencies are nonprofit
organizations. Keep in mind that nonprofit status is not the only
thing you need to know. Check out other aspects of the agency you are
considering.
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Are there fees for services? |
Quality credit counseling is available at
low or no cost. Be wary of agencies that require large up-front
fees. Ask your credit counselor about all costs
associated with the services offered. Be sure you understand the
formal written agreement or contract—if you don’t, ask questions.
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Does the agency have credible affiliations? |
The National Foundation for Credit
Counseling (NFCC) is the nation’s largest and longest serving credit
counseling network. Many NFCC agencies are known as Consumer Credit
Counseling Service. Check at
www.nfcc.org to see if the agency you’d like to work with is a
member. Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a member of the NFCC.
The agency is also HUD certified and is a United Way affiliate.
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Are the counselors certified? |
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NFCC member agencies have counselors certified through
the NFCC. Make sure any agency you are working with has certified
counselors. This will assure that they have a level of training to
allow them to provide quality counseling and professional service.
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Is the agency accredited? |
Any agency you work with should be
accredited by an outside accrediting organization. Consumer Credit
Counseling Service of Mid-Florida is accredited by the Council on
Accreditation. This means the agency adheres to standards of
accreditation regarding services and operations.
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How is the agency funded? |
Many nonprofit credit counseling agencies
are funded by voluntary “fair share” contributions from creditors that
approve Debt Repayment or Debt Management Plans. Other funding may
come from government or foundation grants, private fund-raising,
reasonable fees for services, or corporate sponsorships.
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