Three Tips For Picking A Credit Counselor

When you decide that you are ready to hire a credit counselor and improve your credit score, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the number of companies from which to choose. To make matters more complicated, you might not know exactly what to look for, and what to avoid. 360 Credit Consulting in Austin understands the confusion that can exist in this decision-making process. We have gathered a few tips to help make your selection easier. Finish reading our tips and then call us to schedule a free consultation with one of our credit restoration specialists.

Qualifications

Ask for an explanation of their background and training in the field. While starting a conversation with questions might feel a bit forward, or even rude, remember that you are interviewing them for the position of helping you with your financial records. Would you hand that job over to just anyone? If you answered in the negative, then you understand the importance of checking for qualifications before signing on the dotted line. If the counselor you are speaking with is affiliated with either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, NFCC, or the Financial Counseling Association of America, FCAA, then you can rest assured that they have met the stringent standards for certification.

Services

If you need help with simple budgeting, this type of general advice is free, and any certified credit counselor should be able to help. If you need more specialized help such as debt management, homebuyer guidance, or bankruptcy assistance, then you will need to make sure that the credit counseling service you are speaking with is able to offer the type of help you are looking for. While you are on this line of discussion, ask about their fees. Again, you need to remember that you are checking them out to see if you want them helping you to improve your credit score, not the other way around. 

Take Your Time

Now that you’ve begun some of your initial research into several credit counselors, we will leave you with one last tip — Resist the urge to hurry into an agreement. First of all, reputable companies will not pressure you to make quick decisions, and secondly, you need to take the time to sift through all the information you have gathered. Don’t underestimate the importance of feeling comfortable with the credit counselor that you will be working with, and make sure that you understand the costs of any program that you sign up for.

Credit counselors can provide you with the support you need to work towards your goal of improving your credit score. They will work with you to create a plan that addresses any changes you need to make, as well as the best way to make those changes. Considering the impact that your credit score can have, don’t you want to make sure that you have the best help on your side? Call 360 Credit Consulting in Austin today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help.