How to Get Free Credit Counseling in New Hampshire
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Getting free credit counseling in New Hampshire is very simple; you have to follow these five simple steps and get the debt relief you need.
Written by the Upsolve Team.
Updated December 4, 2019
Navigating your various debt relief options can seem daunting. Figuring out which option is the right one for your specific financial situation can be confusing. If your accounts are being turned over to intimidating debt collectors, New Hampshire credit counseling can help.
Credit counseling in New Hampshire can give you the resources and tools you need in order to get your finances under control. New Hampshire credit counselors can help you put effective processes in place in order to ensure that you make credit card, mortgage, student loans, and other payments in a timely manner while growing your savings. A New Hampshire credit counselor will help you determine the most reasonable way to resolve your debt problems. New Hampshire credit counselors can also provide access to free educational materials, resources, and workshops. And many of the services are free, especially if you are working with a nonprofit credit counselor in New Hampshire.
A New Hampshire counseling session is an excellent place to start if you need immediate help with your financial affairs. Through one or more counseling sessions, credit counseling in New Hampshire can easily and effectively address a variety of critical areas. New Hampshire credit counselors are highly skilled and trained at analyzing your financial information, outlining various available options, and developing money management programs and plans that can help eliminate not just your debt but the stress and anxiety that go with it.
New Hampshire credit counseling is right for you if:
You have several outstanding debts
You have poor credit because of mismanaging your finances
You don’t want to deal with your creditors or collection agencies
You are behind on your student loans and credit card debt
Credit counseling in New Hampshire can be done over the phone, in-person, or online—go with what’s most convenient for you. A New Hampshire credit counseling session often lasts 45 to 60 minutes and involves a thorough review of your various financial documents, such as your credit reports, and household budget. A certified credit counselor will gather information about your finances and get an overall idea of your economic situation.
Debt settlement companies are different from credit counselors. These companies offer to arrange settlements of your various debts with debt collectors or creditors for a fee. Debt settlement companies focus on addressing your current debt situation instead of preventing future financial issues.
How to Get Free Credit Counseling in New Hampshire
Getting free credit counseling in New Hampshire is very simple; you have to follow these five simple steps and get the debt relief you need.
Find New Hampshire Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies
Credit counseling organizations in New Hampshire are often non-profit organizations. They advise you on managing your money and handling debts. The benefit of working with a nonprofit New Hampshire credit counselor is that they will work with you to help you determine why you got into debt and help you develop healthy and sound financial habits. Everything these agencies talk about with their consumers is usually paired with education. That is the big value and benefit of their coaching.
This is why you should begin your search for a reliable New Hampshire credit counselor on the websites of the industry’s two main trade associations—the National Federation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA). Nonprofit New Hampshire credit counselors have to go through intensive training to get certified to counsel you on money matters.
Information to Research Before Talking to a New Hampshire Credit Counseling Agency
Nonprofit credit counseling organizations in New Hampshire are bound by certain rules and regulations that help protect you from some major pitfalls, like high up-front fees or late payments to creditors. However, keep in mind that even within this reputed and well-regarded group, some agencies tend to perform better than others.
Most certified credit counselors in New Hampshire can help you with simple financial budgeting, and often that kind of general advice is free. However, you may need an agency with specialized training in case you’ve a specific goal, like homebuyer education, bankruptcy counseling, debt management, or managing student loans. Note that those services may carry fees.
Here are some valuable resources that you can use if you want to find an accredited credit counselor in New Hampshire.
Check the NFCC website
Call the NFCC at 1-800-388-2227.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to look up any New Hampshire credit counseling agency you are considering.
Consider also whether in-person credit counseling in New Hampshire would be best for you. Much of credit counseling has gradually moved to phone or internet communication; however, for some individuals, the greater connection offered by face-to-face counseling sessions can be well worth the office visit.
Questions to Ask the New Hampshire Credit Counselor Before Signing Up
Finding a reputable New Hampshire credit counseling agency is like many important shopping ventures. You should know exactly what you want; do research online and seek recommendations from friends and family members who have used the service. This will help you find out more about a counseling company’s practices and history.
Here are a few questions you should ask your New Hampshire credit counselor.
Will you work with my creditors? One of the main benefits of a DPM (debt management plan) offered by credit counselors in New Hampshire is the reduction in interest rates or waiver of late fees. However, keep in mind that not all counseling agencies will work with all creditors.
Are your credit counselors certified?
Do you offer budgeting help?
How are your credit counselors compensated?
What to Expect During Credit Counseling
You can meet with New Hampshire credit counselors in person, by telephone or correspond online. In-person credit counseling sessions in New Hampshire typically last between 40 and 60 minutes. Phone credit counseling sessions often last about 30 minutes, while an online exchange may take place over several days.
You should prepare for this consumer credit counseling by gathering complete and accurate information about your finances, such as information about all your assets, income, and expenses. This will help you make the most of this session.
Once you have established your financial goals, you and the credit counselor will develop your personal or household budget depending on your income, current bills, and your expenses.
What Happens After Credit Counseling in New Hampshire
You can pursue one of the following options after credit counseling in New Hampshire.
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New Hampshire Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation in New Hampshire involves combining several debts into a single debt by using a new debt for “paying” old debts. The main goal of debt consolidation in New Hampshire is to repay everything you owe more efficiently. It helps minimize any damage to your overall credit score, often making this a more desirable option than debt settlement.
New Hampshire Debt Management Plan
A DMP or debt management plan allows you to deposit a specific amount of money with your New Hampshire credit counseling agency each month, and this amount is strategically paid out to all your creditors. Debt management plans are, however, not recommended for everyone, as you’ll have to be able to make a monthly payment reliably. If you are, you’ll be debt free when done.
New Hampshire Bankruptcy
In addition to these two options, you can also file for New Hampshire bankruptcy. By filing bankruptcy in New Hampshire, you can get debt relief and receive a fresh start.
