Is this for family or just individuals? Credit counseling is for everyone. If several folks in your household have accumulated to much credit card debt, then you are seeking family credit counseling, what else?
Every family's financial needs are unique, and an experienced counselor can provide financial solutions. That action plan might include Debt Management Plan or simple budgeting advice or referral to other community resources.
Do you own a house?
If the entire family is overwhelmed with debt - just bought too much clothes, furniture, appliances, electronic gadgets with those store cards? Sure they lure you with 10% off your first purchase, and once you buy so much that you have to carry balance, they charge you up to 21% yearly interest. Or you simply over shop with conventional credit cards and now barely making minimum payments? Family credit counseling advisors may show you how to use an equity in your house to take cash out and pay off high revolving credit that chokes you and your loved ones. You will have one much lower monthly payment and nice tax deduction. And less equity in your house but hey, you shouldn't have gone on that shopping spree to begin with. And your family wouldn't look for credit counseling.
Are you a member of a credit union?
If you are that is great since many credit unions provide totally free family credit counseling. You can trust that counseling since most of credit members are your peers - coworkers, town folks, etc. One thing though to keep in mind is credit unions often have unbelievably low interest rates on mortgages and personal loans, but and that is a very big but, they like a very decent credit score and don't tolerate late payments. Their family credit counseling personnel will still probably advise you, but if you are planning on taking loan from them, do it before your credit turns bad.
Do you belong to military or professional union?
They also may have family guidance and among other things credit counseling. You need to check with them on their resources in that regard.
You can also look for family credit counseling at your community centers, temples, banks and other institutions. Even your local library will sometimes conduct very useful workshops on credit counseling. The bottom line is that when it comes to family finances, competent credit counseling is even more important than when it comes to just one person.
