How to Get Free Credit Counseling in Massachusetts

Find Massachusetts Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies

Consumer debt in the US is a widespread problem; therefore, you may want to start your search by speaking with people you know who have already used a Massachusetts credit counseling service. Reliable Massachusetts credit counseling agencies are often nonprofit organizations that give you valuable insight into how you can manage your debts and money. 

Note that beginning with a resource that you already trust is an excellent way to avoid many of the blatant scams as well as less than ethical credit counseling agencies. Accreditation is another good sign, but it is not a guarantee of a credit counseling agency's quality and reliability. For the best results, you should look for a credit counseling agency that is a member in excellent standing with a national association of credit counselors, approved by the U.S. Department of Justice and accredited by a trustworthy third party, such as the NFCC.

Information to Research Before Talking to a Massachusetts Credit Counseling Agency

Not all US states require credit counseling firms to be licensed and Massachusetts is one of these states. There are currently no licensing requirements for credit counselors in Massachusetts. If you need help with mortgage debt, you will be better off finding a Massachusetts credit counseling agency that’s certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

Student loan debt is one of the growing concerns in the U.S., and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling is an excellent starting point to find credit counselors certified and well versed in providing counseling on student loans.

Other valuable resources you can use if you want to learn more about credit counseling in Massachusetts are: 

• Visit the NFCC website

• Call the NFCC at 1-800-388-2227.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to look up any Massachusetts credit counseling agency you are considering to determine if they are reputable

You might also want to look into positive reviews or complaints from the National Association of Attorney General’s office for consumer feedback on specific counseling agencies. 

Questions To Ask the Massachusetts Credit Counselor Before Signing Up

To make sure that you get quality counseling services from a Massachusetts credit counseling agency, you have to choose wisely. Start by asking some of these questions.

Do you provide financial educational materials to consumers? Financial education and advice is the backbone of any credit counseling experience. So, financial education from a Massachusetts credit counseling agency should ideally include an in-depth guide or workbook to educate you on the basics of financial management. Also, some counseling agencies will produce videos in order to help you on your path toward a debt-free life.

For how long has your Massachusetts credit counseling agency been providing these services? Keep in mind that the experience that a Massachusetts credit counselor has with managing various consumer debts, like student loans, is very important as this often translates to the experience and expertise of their credit counselors. You should check their website in order to find out how long the counseling agency has been providing consumer credit counseling services.

Here are some other questions you should ask:

• How are your services funded?

• How often will I hear from you?

• Will your program affect my credit?

What to Expect During Credit Counseling

To make the most of your credit counseling session in Massachusetts, you should collect the following information:

• A list of all your expenses, like food, gas, utilities, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses

• A list of all your income sources

• Any correspondence you have had with the I.R.S. or other collection agencies

• Your latest credit card statements

• Any questions you may have for your credit counselor

Besides discussing any questions or other documents you have brought to your credit counseling session, you and your credit counselor may talk about your financial goals. Some common goals include the following:

• Getting out of debt

• Improving your credit

• Buying a car or home

• Saving for emergencies 

• Planning for a vacation

To get the complete picture of your finances, your Massachusetts credit counselor will ask to run a credit check. 

What Happens After Credit Counseling in Massachusetts

Your Massachusetts credit counselor will only recommend the best solutions for your financial situation. Nonprofit counseling agencies generally don’t try to “sell” their programs. Depending on your specific situation, a Massachusetts credit counselor might suggest a debt consolidation plan or a debt management plan to help you get out of debt faster.