What to Expect from Your First Counselling Session

A good credit counselling session offers consumers a way to learn exactly where they are with their money. It shows how they can get to a better place financially. While you may feel nervous about talking to someone about your finances, it can provide the expert advice you need. In addition, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’re making the right choices for your money.

The information below will help you better understand what to expect from your first credit counselling session. Also, what to expect after your session if you decide to enroll in a debt management program. Once you read through the information provided, you can get started on your own path to financial recovery. Call us today at (844)-402-3073 to speak with a trained credit counsellor.

What to Expect from Your First Credit Counselling Session

A credit counselling session can go a few directions, depending on how you contact the credit counselling agency. Although you can meet with a trained credit counsellor in person, most choose a session over the phone or online. This saves you the time and hassle of driving out to meet with a counsellor at their office. It also allows you to use national credit services, instead of being limited to local providers.

The following chart provides a list of the benefits of calling to speak with a credit counsellor directly versus taking the first step online:

Phone iconCONTACT BY PHONEOnline iconCONTACT ONLINE
Credit counsellor will walk you through the process, so you have less uncertainty.You can provide the information needed on your own time and at your own pace.
There may be more transparency with what the credit counsellor is looking at in your finances and how the analysis works.You have time to gather the information needed without someone waiting on the phone, so you may be able to provide more accurate numbers for the budget analysis rather than estimating.
You meet your credit counsellor at the outset, so you can start building a relationship with the counsellor that will be helping you out of debt.You don’t have to complete the debt analysis in one session, so if you have limited time you can complete the analysis in a way that works for your schedule.
You can complete the analysis immediately, so you can rest easier knowing that you have a plan in place to address your debt. 

In either case, your journey through credit counselling starts with a credit counselling session. The counsellor analyzes your debt and budget to help you determine the easiest and most effective way out of debt. However you provide the information to your counsellor, you can expect the following:

1. The credit counsellor will analyze your debts.

This allows the credit counsellor to determine what types of debt you currently have. They can also determine which debts are causing the problem for your financial outlook. If your first session is a call, the counsellor will go through each of your debts over the phone. If you start online, they’ll ask you to provide this information on the form.

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2. The credit counsellor will evaluate your budget.

This allows the credit counsellor to see where your money is going. He or she can also determine how much free cash flow you have available to eliminate debt. They will also assess how much of your income goes towards debt payments to see if debt consolidation could help. If you speak with a counsellor, he or she goes through each part of your budget and help doomestimate your expenses; if you complete the form online, you will be prompted to provide the information required.

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3. The credit counsellor runs a credit check to determine your credit rating.

This allows the counsellor to see if your issues with debt have caused any problems with your credit rating. In addition, if you have excellent credit scores, you may be able to use do-it-yourself debt consolidation methods. This credit check does not affect your credit scores, although it may appear on your credit reports.

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4. The credit counsellor will review your options and help you find a way out of debt.

The credit counsellor will let you know which debt relief option is right for you. The expert opinion can set you on the path to financial stability. If you started the debt analysis process online, a credit counsellor will contact you once he or she reviews your information.call of duty

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5. If a debt management program is your best option, you can start the enrollment process.

In many cases, the best option is a debt management program. This allows you to consolidate credit card debt and other unsecured debts, regardless of your credit rating. During your session, the credit counsellor will be able to tell you exactly what you’ll pay each month. In addition, how many months it will take to complete the program and be debt-free. Once make the decision to enroll, you can even complete your paperwork electronically so you can start getting relief without delay.

What to Expect Once You Enroll

Each month, you pay the credit counselling agency a single monthly payment, and they will distribute the payment amongst your creditors on your behalf. In addition, the credit counsellor will negotiate with creditors to lower your interest rates and remove any penalties or fees on your account.

During your program, if you have any questions or need additional resources to help improve your financial literacy, our staff is at your service to help you find the tools and information your need. In addition, if you have a change in your situation and will have trouble making your monthly payment, the staff can assist you in making special arrangements so you can stay on track.

If you’re ready to start, call Consolidated Credit today at (844)-402-3073 to speak with a trained credit counsellor.

Ready to achieve debt freedom? Contact us today to speak to a trained credit counsellor.

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