For additional answers, check out our full list of credit counseling FAQs: https://www.moneymanagement.org/credit-counseling/faq

Credit Counseling Services

What is Credit Counseling?

Credit counseling is a service designed to help consumers find solutions to common financial challenges. Alternatively known as consumer credit counseling, debt counseling, and debt & budget counseling, these confidential conversations can help you learn how to manage overwhelming debt, poor credit, budget deficits and more.

MMI is a nonprofit credit counseling and financial education company with NFCC-certified counselors. We take the time to thoroughly review your budget, discuss your concerns, and provide specific advice on how to reach your unique goals. Best of all, we offer counseling for free, 24/7.

What Can Credit Counseling Do For Me

Our credit counseling services are all about breaking free from the cycle of crushing debt and ever-increasing expenses. We understand that complicated problems require personalized solutions, which is why our counselors work so hard to make sure your needs and concerns are heard and understood.

As part of this confidential conversation, we’ll discuss ways to help you save money, find relief from credit debt, and start working toward your top financial goals. You’ll leave your free session with an action plan, access to valuable resources, and — if it’s right for you — the opportunity to save money and accelerate your debt repayment with a debt management plan.

Do I Need Credit Counseling?

Anyone can benefit from a free consultation with a credit counselor, but it’s especially valuable for those who struggle to manage their monthly financial obligations. Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you worried about your ability to pay one or more upcoming bills?
Does it feel like you’re never going to be out of debt?
Have you gone through a major life change (job loss, divorce, etc.) and aren’t sure how to make ends meet?
Have you begun to miss payments?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, credit counseling from MMI is an excellent, obligation-free way to start finding real, lasting relief.

Counseling from MMI is a great way to step back and get real clarity on your financial situation. During your session, we’ll review your income, expenses, and debts in detail to create a complete picture of where your money is going. It's helpful to have your most recent bills and statements on hand.

Next, we discuss your goals and long-term financial plans. We provide unbiased suggestions and resources designed to help you reach those goals. Our objective is to give you the support and practical advice you need to make lifelong changes to your financial outlook.

The initial counseling session usually takes less than an hour and can be completed online, over the phone, and in-person in select locations. We can help you revise or create a budget, or get help managing existing debt.

MMI is one of the nation’s leading providers of nonprofit credit counseling and financial education services. We have over 60 years of history and experience helping people overcome financial challenges and start making real progress toward their goals.

But more than anything, our counseling is effective — if you come to us with a financial problem, we will help you find the right solution.

Nearly 80% of clients report a decrease in stress just by beginning to work with MMI.

Instant Stress Relief

Nearly 80% of MMI clients report an immediate decrease in stress just after that one session. Read our client reviews to see more stories of instant relief.

Improved Credit Score

Counseled clients have seen their credit scores increase by an average of over 30 points. For clients on a DMP that number is even higher.

Save Money and Pay Off Debt

Beyond money-saving budget tips, clients can save significantly by starting a DMP with MMI, where the average interest rate is below 7%.

Questions about the credit counseling process? We’ve got answers.

Does credit counseling cost anything?

No. Credit counseling is available at no cost, 24/7. You may be offered additional fee-based services following your free session, but there is no obligation to use any additional services.

What does a credit counselor do?

With your permission, a credit counselor will pull your credit report and review all your debts, expenses, and sources of income. After thoroughly reviewing your information, they will provide recommendations and send you a customized action plan. Learn more about the role of credit counselors.

What do I need to bring to my credit counseling session?

The more information you have on hand, the better. Gather recent pay stubs, bank statements, creditor statements (loans and credit cards), and utility bills. Too much information is better than too little. Learn more about preparing for your credit counseling session.

Will you talk to my creditors?

Every MMI counseling session is completely confidential. We will only contact your creditors if you decide to begin a DMP, as that allows us to set up your repayment plan.

How do I start a credit counseling session?

Credit counseling from MMI is available 24/7. In-person sessions are available at select locations — just call to schedule an appointment.

Give us a call at 866-889-9347 or begin online.

Give us a call

Counselors are here to take your call, 24/7.

866-889-9347

Start online counseling. See how much you can save by consolidating your debt with MMI.

Begin online

Enter basic financial info and get personalized advice.

Get Started

Still want to know more? Go back to the overview.

Learn about debt management plans

See how much you can save with a DMP.

Learn more

Better Business Bureau

MMI is proud to have achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a nonprofit organization focused on promoting and improving marketplace trust. The BBB investigates charges of fraud against both consumers and businesses, sets standards for truthfulness in advertising, and evaluates the trustworthiness of businesses and charities, providing a score from A+ (highest) to F (lowest).
Candid

MMI has achieved a Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar), a leading source for insights on thousands of nonprofit organizations. For decades, Candid has provided data that powers hundreds of websites, programs, and applications related to philanthropic giving in order to help grantors make informed decisions.
Trustpilot

MMI is rated as “Excellent” (4.9/5) by reviewers on Trustpilot, a global, online consumer review platform dedicated to openness and transparency. Since 2007, Trustpilot has received over 116 million customer reviews for nearly 500,000 different websites and businesses. See what others are saying about the work we do.
Department of Housing and Urban Development

MMI is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide consumer housing counseling. The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD provides support services directly and through approved, local agencies like MMI.
Council On Accreditation

MMI is proudly accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. COA’s thorough, peer-reviewed accreditation process is designed to ensure that organizations like MMI are providing the highest standard of service and support for clients and employees alike.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling

MMI is a longstanding member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s largest nonprofit financial counseling organization. Founded in 1951, the NFCC’s mission is to promote financially responsible behavior and help member organizations like MMI deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.