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Get Your Customized Action Plan with a Free Credit Counseling Session

When you’re overwhelmed with debt, it’s difficult to know where to turn. Every situation is unique, and we all have different financial resources, challenges and opportunities. As a nonprofit, we’ll provide objective guidance with your best interests in mind. We’ve already helped more than 2 million people nationwide eliminate more than $6 billion in personal debts, and we can help you too.

Your path to financial independence starts with a free, confidential credit counseling session. You can complete the process online 24/7 or connect with a certified credit counselor over the phone.
Here’s what you can expect:

Customized budget & action plan
Credit report summary
Educational resources
Personalized debt relief solutions

How Credit Counseling Works

During your credit counseling session, we review the current state of your finances to determine your best path forward. There are multiple options, so what works for your friend, neighbor or co-worker may not be the best solution for you. We remove the complexity and provide you with straightforward solutions. The process is smoother and faster if you have financial documents on hand, but you can get started without them.

Step 1

Compile information summarizing your income and expenses.

Step 2

Start the process online or call us at 866-528-0588 from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST. Online sessions are available 24/7, and you can save your progress and return later.

Step 3

We will analyze your financial situation to determine your best course of action.

Step 4

You will receive a free credit report summary, customized budget, educational resources and an action plan explaining the debt relief solution that makes the most sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Counseling

  • What is credit counseling?

    Credit counseling is a free service that helps people regain control of their money with personalized solutions to their financial challenges. You may complete the process online 24/7 or over the phone Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST (866-528-0588).

    The process includes a confidential financial assessment to review your income, expenses, monthly bills and debt obligations. You will receive: a credit report summary, customized budget, action plan and educational tools and resources. The action plan includes recommendations for eliminating debt based on your unique situation.

    As a nonprofit, we work for you. All guidance during a credit counseling session is free, confidential and objective.

  • How will credit counseling help me?

    You can benefit from credit counseling if you:

    • Feel overwhelmed with your finances
    • Struggle to pay bills on time
    • Have mounting credit card and personal debts
    • Have missed credit card and debt payments
    • Need help developing a budget
    • Anticipate a hardship in the near future

    We can review your situation and create a customized action plan to help you regain control of your finances. Start your online credit counseling session 24/7. Discovering your best debt relief solution provides peace of mind and gives you confidence as you take charge of your financial future.

  • Should I complete the process online or over the phone?

    Both options provide a free credit report summary, customized budget, action plan and educational tools and resources.

    Completing the counseling process on the phone with one of our certified counselors allows you to ask questions and hear additional details about the debt relief option we recommend for you. We are compassionate, experienced and dedicated to helping our clients overcome their debt challenges.

    Online counseling is perfect if you’re short on time or need assistance outside regular business hours, but still want to discover your best debt relief solution. You can always opt to speak to a counselor during or after your session.

    Phone Counseling

    Phone counseling is available Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST at 866-528-0588. It is designed for people who prefer direct interaction with a counselor and are available to complete the process during normal business hours. The phone counseling process is completed in one sitting.

    Online Counseling

    Online counseling is available 24/7. This self-guided process is easy to follow and you can work at your own pace. You can save your progress and return later, if needed.

    Start your online credit counseling session here.

    Upon completing your online session, credit counselors are available over the phone if needed. They can answer budgeting questions or help you set up a debt management plan if it’s the right solution for you.

  • How much does credit counseling cost?

    Credit counseling online or over the phone is free. If a debt management plan makes sense for your financial situation and you choose to participate, there is a one-time setup fee and monthly fee, which is based on your state of residence. We will let you know of any potential fees during your credit counseling session and in your agreement, and you’ll be able to compare the cost of the program with your estimated interest savings to make sure the program is a smart choice for you.

    Learn more about a debt management plan.

  • Do I need to be behind on credit card or debt payments to seek help?

    No, anybody can benefit from credit counseling regardless of their financial situation. After performing a confidential financial assessment over the phone or online, we develop a plan of action tailored to your unique needs. Your customized plan will include educational resources to help you develop effective spending habits, budget to meet living expenses and manage personal debts.

  • How long does credit counseling take?

    It varies according to your individual circumstances and the depth of help required. On average, a phone session takes 45 to 60 minutes, whereas the online process can take 20 minutes or less if you have your income and expenses on hand. If you need more time with the online session, you can save your progress and return later.

  • How are your counselors qualified to help me?

    We offer comprehensive training to build a solid foundation in all aspects of personal finance and debt, as well as the education and services we offer. Additionally, all counselors achieve certification through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) within their first year of employment. To retain their certification, each counselor completes 16 additional professional development units during every subsequent two-year period. Our counselors are compassionate, ethical and committed to helping you.

    All credit counselors certified by the NFCC must demonstrate their ability to help our clients:

    • Manage money effectively
    • Overcome debt challenges and improve financial habits
    • Develop successful strategies to achieve financial goals
    • Work through financial challenges and opportunities
    • Develop a new perspective on financial management as it relates to family, friends and individual self-esteem

In Their Words

It Worked For Me

I had credit card debt when I became unable to work and on social security it was hard.
Take Change America helped me with a plan I could manage.
It was what I needed, TCA is there for any questions and they did a great job.
I’m very satisfied. Thanks

Details Are Quite Simple

Details are quite simple changing my buying habits, paying my lowest bills as fast as possible without breaking my finances stability. Plus, keeping a positive flow in my different accounts.

We're Finally Recovering

This place is forthright, helpful, and will accomplish what you need if you find yourself in more debt than you know how to handle. They work by negotiating lower APRs, thereby giving you the tool to get out of the financial hole without the cons of bankruptcy.

Nothing But Great Things to Say

I wish I could assign 10 stars. This company did so much for me. They kept my head above water daily for 4+ years. I have nothing but great things to say about them. If you need help. I’m certain they can help.

Start Your Free Credit Counseling Session

You can regain control of your money and peace of mind.

Get started online now

  • Available 24/7
  • Save your progress and return later
  • Easy process with clear instructions
  • Download credit report summary, action plan and budget

Start My Credit Counseling Session

You can also call us Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST at 866-528-0588 to speak with a certified credit counselor.

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Arm yourself with the knowledge to create lifelong financial independence. Get tips and tools for managing debt, developing effective financial habits, budgeting to meet living expenses and saving for the future.

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