By Christi Posner

A free financial assessment from a credit counselling organization may be just what you need to become debt-free. But in the world of debt reduction, it can be hard to figure out who is out there to help you, and who is looking to help themselves. We’re here to help you figure that out.

If you’re looking for help with your debt or money management, Credit Counsellors can be great people to talk to. Here’s how to tell if the financial assessment they give you is in your best interest, or theirs.

If I Go For Credit Counselling, What Kind of Personal Financial Assessment Should I Expect?

A personal financial assessment from a credit counselling organization should be an in-depth look at where you are now, and how to get to where you want to be. Privately and confidentially, your Credit Counsellor should ask you questions about:

• How much income you bring home every month: Your Credit Counsellor should look at the income you have to work with in your household every month.
• Where your money goes: Credit Counsellors should help you create an extensive, detailed budget that accurately reflects your true spending. They should give you a copy of your own personal budget to take home and use too.
• Items of value that you have: Assets like cars, houses, investments, and toys matter because they impact the best way for you to become debt-free.
• All of your debts: Sometimes going through your debts can be the hardest part of the conversation, but your Credit Counsellor should be there to metaphorically hold your hand through the process.

Credit Counsellors Will Explore All Debt Solutions from Paying Credit Card Debt Yourself to Declaring Bankruptcy

You know you’re speaking with a reputable Credit Counsellor when debt solutions are the final part of the assessment, after all relevant information has been gathered first. The debt options provided to you should include paying down things like credit card debt on your own, declaring bankruptcy, and everything in between.

If all the Credit Counsellor has talked about are services or programs they provide in-house, the hairs on the back of your neck should be standing up. Credit Counsellors should be there to give you a neutral overview of all of the ways you can become debt-free, what the payments would look like, and help you figure out what’s best for you and your family, no matter what company offers the solution.

Why Get a Thorough Financial Assessment When You Just Need Debt Relief?

Why is getting a thorough financial assessment important, when all you care about is how to feel debt relief? Because Credit Counsellors aren’t there to apply a little band-aid to your credit owie. They’re dedicated to making sure they give you real solutions that will work, and get you out of the credit-cycle once and for all. Paying down your debt is important, but it is equally important as learning to manage your money wisely, and building savings so that you never have to borrow money again.

Contact a Non-Profit Credit Counselling Organization For Your Free Financial Assessment

Non-profit Credit Counselors are the types of people who will give you a financial assessment and all of your debt solutions, free of charge. And you can bet they have your best interests at heart. Contact a non-profit credit counselling organization in your area to set up an appointment to talk about your money situation.

Non-profit Credit Counsellors love what they do, because they get to help real people find a real way out of debt. They’ll talk with you privately, hold information confidentially, and act in your best interest.

What are you waiting for? The only thing you’ve got to lose is your debt.