How To Get Free Credit Counseling in Alabama

Find Alabam Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies

Start by finding a reputable nonprofit credit counseling agency where you can meet with an Alabama credit counselor. A quick Google search will show plenty of options, but focus on nonprofit organizations that offer more than just credit counseling, like financial education and debt repayment services.

Keep in mind that not all nonprofits are the right fit, so it’s important to research their reputation and offerings. Also, consider how you want to meet—many Alabama agencies offer services online or over the phone, but if you prefer in-person help, look for local agencies or national organizations with Alabama branches.

Upsolve can connect you with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling agency for a free consultation.

Information to Research Before Talking to an Alabama Credit Counseling Agency

Before you take the time to meet with a credit counseling agency in Alabama, it’s a good idea to do a little research so that you can feel assured you have found a truly reputable one. For example, you should verify that the Alabama credit counseling agency is properly accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (or NFCC.) You can also check with Alabama’s consumer protection agency, which is the consumer interest division of the Alabama attorney general’s office. There, as well as with the Better Business Bureau, you can see if an agency has been flagged for any complaints and see how it is rated. You can take a look at their website to see what range of services they offer beyond credit counseling services and ask for informational or educational materials in advance. Any reputable agency will provide those for free without requesting any personal information from you. If the agency tries to charge you or obtain information that is a red flag. 

Questions to Ask the Alabama Credit Counselor Before Signing up

It is completely ok to call the Alabama credit counselor before signing up and asking whatever questions you have to make sure your comfortable with the credit counseling organization. For example, you want to make sure you will be meeting with a certified credit counselor. Usually, financial counselors are certified or trained in consumer credit counseling, money and debt counseling and budgeting. You can also ask about any costs and fee structures. As mentioned above the initial session should always be free. If you receive a recommendation for a debt management plan and decide to follow it there may be set up fees and/or monthly fees, so it is good to know going in what those might be going in. These fees are usually reasonable and you can also ask if there is any assistance available if you feel you cannot afford any fees. You can ask about the logistics, such as how to best prepare and what materials to bring for your session. You can request free informational materials to review before you sign up, again any attempt to charge you or gain personal information at this point means you should just move on. 

What to Expect During Credit Counseling?

During your credit counseling in Alabama, you can expect to meet one-on-one with a financial counselor, whether in person, over the phone or online. You can bring along whatever documents that they recommend, which will usually include your recent pay stubs or other proof of household income, your recent bills and any budget information you may already have. During the appointment, with your permission, the counselor may show you how to access your credit report and score to get a clearer picture of your total debts.  You should expect that the counselor will complete a thorough review of your financial situation and offer a personalized plan for your next steps. Generally, the next steps will be either a debt consolidation, a debt management plan or bankruptcy. 

What Happens After Credit Counseling in Alabama?

After you complete your credit counseling session you should have a pretty clear path for moving forward that may include additional sessions or educational workshops. If you receive a specific recommendation for debt consolidation, a debt management plan or bankruptcy counseling please read on for a more in-depth explanation of each.