How a Debt Advisor Can Help You Eliminate Debt
When you're struggling with debt, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. You know you need help but figuring out who to turn to can be confusing. Should you talk to a credit counselor? A financial advisor for debt? A debt relief company?
At Money Management International (MMI), we’ve found that many people searching for support are drawn to the term debt advisor—and for good reason. It suggests guidance, expertise, and partnership. While “debt advisor” isn’t an official job title at MMI, it perfectly describes what our team does every day: help people find the right debt solution for their unique situation, with honesty, clarity, and compassion.
What does a debt advisor do?
Think of a debt advisor as your personal guide through the debt repayment process. At MMI, that role is filled by a certified credit counselor: an expert trained to look at your full financial picture and recommend realistic, effective ways to move forward.
When credit counselors take on the role of debt management advisor, their focus is specifically on helping you understand the pros and cons of each debt relief option and determine which strategy best fits your goals, your income, and your lifestyle.
What happens during a meeting with a debt advisor?
Once you’re ready to talk about your debt, your initial interaction with an MMI credit counselor is all about understanding your financial picture. We’ll talk about key areas such as:
- Your monthly income
- Your living expenses
- Your outstanding debts
- Your household situation
- Your financial goals
Once we understand your situation, your credit counselor will explain your options for managing and eliminating debt. From debt management plans (DMPs) to debt resolution strategies, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons so you can decide what’s right for you.
What does a personalized debt solution look like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting out of debt. That’s why we customize every plan based on your needs. Here’s what that might look like in practice:
- If your debts are mostly current: A DMP could help you pay off debt up to 7x faster by reducing interest rates and consolidating payments.
- If your debts are in collections: You may benefit from a debt resolution plan (DRP) instead.
- If you’re somewhere in between: We can help steer you toward the solution that best matches your goals.
We also let you choose a payment schedule that works best for you—monthly, weekly, biweekly, or twice a month. And if your circumstances change? Our debt advisors work with you to adjust your plan accordingly.
Red flags to watch for when choosing a debt service
If MMI debt counseling doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, it’s still good to keep a few things in mind when searching for a debt advisor or credit counselor. Not every company that claims to help with debt is trustworthy. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Promises of guaranteed results
- High upfront fees
- Pressuring you to sign up immediately or without all your questions answered first
- Vague or unverifiable claims
- No licenses or certifications
- Lack of transparency
A debt advisor should offer support beyond the numbers
We know that debt isn’t just about dollars and cents. It can take an emotional toll, too. That’s why empathy and understanding are central to our approach.
More than 80% of MMI clients say they feel better after their very first session with an MMI counselor. And we’re here for the long haul—with education, encouragement, and tools to help you build a stronger relationship with your money.
Hear real stories from MMI clients.
Ready to talk to someone?
Whether you need help understanding your financial situation or you’re just trying to find the most effective debt consolidation option, MMI can help. Our expert credit counselors serve as compassionate, knowledgeable debt management advisors, ready to help you take the next step.
