Credit

Financial counselors can work with you to create a financial plan to meet your goals. Based on your individual situation, counselors can help you:

• Read your credit report.
• Learn how to improve your credit.
• Learn how good credit can help your financial future.
• Review your credit report for accuracy.
• Dispute any inaccuracies on your credit report with the credit bureaus.
• Create a plan to pay down debt.
• Negotiate with creditors seeking payment for accounts in collection.
• Send "cease and desist" letters to creditors that are harrassing you.
• Create a plan to address issues with identity theft.
• Establish credit wisely if you do not have any credit history.
• Determine your readiness for major purchases, such as buying a house.

Counselors can also provide referrals to other community resources to help meet any needs you may have.

Schedule an Appointment

Credit Report & Credit Score

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history — a financial “report card” that shows how you’ve managed money and debt over time. Counselors will work with you to review your credit report. If you identify errors on the report, the counselor will assist you in drafting dispute letters to submit to the credit bureau.

Credit scores are one of the most important financial indicators you have. Your credit score tells lenders how likely you are to repay what you borrow. Credit scores can be improved by paying accounts on time, reducing the total balance owed, along with other key strategies.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses your personal information—like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers—without your permission, usually for financial gain.

Identity theft can be very costly and is typically identified through review of bank statements or credit reports. Counselors will work with you to review these documents, identify possible identity theft, and work with you to notify the proper authorities.