where to get the credit counseling course?

To receive these credit counseling certificates, you must complete two courses from a debt relief agency that is approved by the Department of Justice.

Full Answer

What is the best credit counseling service?

Types of credit counseling services

• General budgeting. Aside from one-on-one consultation, credit counseling agencies may offer classes and seminars about building credit.
• Debt management plan. ...
• Housing counseling. ...
• Bankruptcy counseling. ...
• Student loan counseling. ...

Are credit counseling services good?

Credit counseling simplifies your repayment process, ideally making it easier to pay off your debt. In some cases, credit counselors can negotiate lowered interest rates, reduced monthly payments and more with your creditors, which could save you money. What does Consumer Credit Counseling do?

How to get a bankruptcy counseling certificate?

• Income documentation such as W-2s, paystubs, Social Security payments, alimony, and child support.
• Expenses such as mortgage or rent payments, food, insurance, childcare, utilities, and transportation. ...
• List of debts owed, such as statements for credit cards, student loans, auto loans, and loans against a 401 (k) retirement plan.

Is credit counseling mandatory for bankruptcy?

bankruptcy may wonder about the credit counseling requirement and why they have to complete it. In short, it is required because it is stated in the bankruptcy code. If you don’t complete it, you may not be able to file your petition when you are ready to seek financial relief. The good news is the process

Who approves credit counseling in Alabama?

In Alabama and North Carolina, the bankruptcy administrator approves credit counseling and debtor education providers. Lists of approved providers for the six judicial districts in Alabama and North Carolina are maintained by the bankruptcy administrator for that district or bankruptcy court.

Do you have to take credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy?

Credit counseling must take place before you file for bankruptcy; debtor education must take place after you file. Certificate of completion for both credit counseling and debtor education are required but before the filer’s debts can be discharged. Only credit counseling organizations and debtor education course providers ...

What is credit counseling?

These credit counseling courses are intended to provide debtors the skills and resources needed to avoid future financial problems.

What is a credit counseling certificate?

A credit counseling certificate is also known as a bankruptcy certificate. If you file for bankruptcy, you must obtain certificates at two stages of the process: When you file for bankruptcy. After you file for bankruptcy but before your debts are discharged. To receive these credit counseling certificates, you must complete two courses ...

How long does it take to get a second credit counseling certificate?

This course must be administered by an approved agency, and must be a minimum of two hours long.

How much does pre bankruptcy counseling cost?

To achieve this, you must enroll in a 60- to 90-minute pre-bankruptcy counseling session. The cost is usually around $50, but counseling agencies are required to provide pre-bankruptcy credit counseling at no charge in cases of financial hardship.

What does it mean to be a credit counselor?

Becoming a Certified Credit Counselor signifies that you have achieved a standard of excellence in the credit and personal finance counseling industry. Upon completing this course and passing the final exam, you will receive an industry-recognized Credit Counseling Certification from the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC).

What is self paced study?

Self-paced. Study on your own schedule

Does vocational rehab qualify for FAFSA?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

What is a personalized counseling session?

Personalized counseling session includes budget analysis, financial management, and explores possible alternatives to bankruptcy. Includes a one-on-one session with a certified counselor and a customized action plan.

How long does it take to get a bankruptcy certificate?

Getting Your Credit Counseling For Bankruptcy Certificate: Must be completed within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy. 60-90 minutes in length and can be completed online or by phone in English or Spanish.

What is required before filing for bankruptcy?

Before Bankruptcy: Credit Counseling Certificate. Before you file for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a Credit Counseling for Bankruptcy Certificate is required by law.

What is debtorcc credit counseling?

The counselors at DebtorCC that will be providing your bankruptcy credit counseling briefing are experienced and trained professionals that have received in-depth training in our program. They are skilled at helping you understand the materials presented and help you apply the new skills in your life. Each counselor has experience in accounting, financial planning, credit counseling, or personal financial management.

When do you get a certificate of completion for debt counseling?

We will only provide a certificate of completion once the debtor has completed the online portion of the course and speaks to a counselor. A counselor will be available during normal business hours of Monday - Friday 9am to Midnight EST. The counselor will discuss: a. Analysis of current financial situation; b. Factors that caused such conditions; c. Assistance in developing a plan to respond to problems without incurring negative amortization of debt.

What time does DebtorCC open?

Our normal business hours are Monday - Friday 9am to Midnight EST. A live counselor will be available during this time to answer any questions. For questions that arise outside normal business hours, a counselor from DebtorCC will answer the question before 12pm EST the following business day.

How much does it cost to take the first bankruptcy course?

This course is taken before you file for bankruptcy and the cost is $19.95 per household. If you need to register for the Second Bankruptcy Course, which is taken after you file for bankruptcy, please click here.

What is a debtorCC certificate?

DebtorCC is approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a Provider's services.

Does credit counseling affect credit score?

No information gathered or the results of the Credit Counseling session will be disclosed to any Credit Reporting Agency. The completion of this credit counseling session will not negatively impact your credit rating. However your credit report or score may be negatively impacted by filing bankruptcy or choosing an alternative to bankruptcy that results in you making less than the contractual payments to your creditors. Such alternatives may include, but are not limited to, debt management, debt settlement, making partial payments of the amount due, or non-payment.

Can DebtorCC give legal advice?

The counselors at DebtorCC may answer general questions about bankruptcy but are prohibited from providing legal or tax advice. If you require legal or tax advice, please seek the assistance of an attorney or tax professional. Our policy prohibits us from paying or receiving referral fees for the referral of debtors.

What is personal finance education?

Personal finance education begins with knowing how to plan. This course applies all of our expertise to help you create a budget. Learn strategies for categorizing your expenses, tracking your spending, and putting together a new budget.

Is credit.org free?

At credit.org, we believe the cornerstone of financial security is personal finance education. All of our online courses are free and available 24/7. These online free personal finance classes are open to the public without any need to register. Explore customized budgeting and debt solutions that really work by expanding your personal finance education!

How long does it take to become a credit counselor?

How to become a certified credit counselor. A certified credit counselor's specific certification course usually takes less than a year, so this can be a good career path if you have a college degree and are looking for a specialized career that doesn't require more education. Here are all the steps to become a certified credit counselor:

What is a certified credit counselor?

A certified credit counselor is a financial professional who applies their knowledge of credit and debt to advise those who are struggling with their financial situation. They work to reduce personal debt and help people work toward financial security. They may work for a nonprofit or a financial company, but sometimes they are employed by ...

What is a credit counselor in 2021?

March 22, 2021. A certified credit counselor helps families reduce debt and manage financial obligations, which can contribute to their opportunities and financial security. The counselor can also help people understand their situation clearly and give them specific feedback for their situation. If you enjoy helping others ...

What are the three parts of a credit counseling conversation?

They build a relationship and rapport with their client and then lead a conversation in three parts: Interview: The credit counselor interviews the client to gather information about their financial situation. Budget: A credit counselor reviews any existing budgets the client may use to manage their money.

How to communicate with a credit counselor?

Communication: The details of financial agreements are complicated, so a credit counselor knows how to communicate intricate ideas clearly. Empathy: Some people who consult a credit counselor are undergoing intense situations, so the counselor should be able to empathize with people in all kinds of situations.

What do credit counselors need to know?

Teaching: Credit counselors educate others on good financial management principles from the operation of a budget to the details of loans and mortgages, so they need to know best teaching practices.

How much does a credit counselor make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for a certified credit counselor in the U.S. is $50,230 annually. Pay heavily depends on industries, with jobs at car dealerships and grant services typically paying more than jobs with nonprofits. Pay may also vary depending on your location.

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In this 45-minute course you will learn about the 3 biggest budget breakers most people face – the little expenses, the irregular expenses, and the emergency expenses – and strategies to eliminate them from everyday worry. The interactive activities will really get you thinking about your money habits and spending patterns.

Cautious Consumerism

We often hear about scams and frauds in the news, but usually only after victims come forward to share their stories. The effects of falling victim can be devastating – financially, emotionally, and psychologically.

Food and Finance

This is our popular 45-minute course to help you learn how to maximize what you spend on groceries. We’ll debunk some myths and realities about food and grocery shopping. We will share some of the best tips for frugal meal plans to help you create healthy and financially sustainable meal plans yourself.

The Truth About Credit

This is by far the most popular topic we get questions about. In this 40-minute course you will learn all about credit and the credit reporting system in Canada. We’ll debunk popular myths around credit. You’ll learn the facts about credit reports, credit ratings, and credit scores, including how to get your own credit report for free.

Filers in Alabama and North Carolina

Filers in All Other States and Territories

Approval Process For Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses

• In Alabama and North Carolina, the bankruptcy administrator approvescredit counseling and debtor education providers. Lists of approved providers for the six judicial districts in Alabama and North Carolina are maintained by the bankruptcy administrator for that district or bankruptcy court. An entity seeking to become an authorized credit counseli...

See more on uscourts.gov