Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my situation warrants getting CCCS involved?

If you're reading this you're concerned about your finances.  Call us at 1-877-275-2227 to schedule a free budget counseling session.  The counseling session should help you decide how much, if any, assistance you need

I am looking into all options and would like to know how using a financial service like this would be better than filing bankruptcy?
Our suggestion would be that you schedule and initiate an initial appointment with a certified counselor. We can then help you determine what your options are and what the best fit would be for you.

How do I schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor?

To schedule an appointment with a counselor please call us now to speak with one of our representatives at 1-877-275-2227. Counseling appointments are available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please note appointment times may vary due to counseling type and availability.

What does a CCCS counseling session involve?

It's simple. You call 1-877-275-2227 and schedule a free telephone or in-person counseling session. A certified counselor will review your finances, including your income, monthly expenses and debts. Together you can create a spending plan that will help you repay your bills. We may suggest that you enroll in our Debt Management Plan.  This will allow us to negotiate on your behalf for account concessions such as reductions in payments or fees.

Another option is to check into our online counseling service and we can get you started today.

Can you tell me the best places to shop or where to get the best service for my money?
Unfortunately, we cannot. Because of our position as a non-profit consumer credit counseling service, we run the risk that any suggestion of where to go to receive services will be interpreted as endorsement. Rather, your counselor may direct you to an industry with certain qualifications or questions to ask. We may tell you to consult an attorney and preferably one that does not charge initial consultation fees, but we can't tell you which one to go to.

I'm thinking about taking money from my 401k or IRA to pay off my credit cards. Is this a good idea?
We would suggest coming in for an initial appointment with a certified counselor and reviewing your budget and determine what your options are.

My daughter has racked up a number of student loans. Can you work with all of the different agencies?
We have a couple of resources that we could refer her to for Student Loan issues and default prevention
                Wm D. Ford Foundation                                    800-848-0979
                Student Assist Foundation                                  800-852-2761 x0643
                MT Guaranteed Student Loan Program                 800-537-7508
Any of these agencies should be able to assist her in working out a suitable plan or arrangement.

I just went through a divorce and in the divorce decree, my spouse was given the responsibility to pay the credit cards.  He has not done that and now they are calling me.  Can they do that?
Yes.  Unfortunately, the original signed contract overrides the divorce decree.  Therefore, if your spouse skips out on the bills and the decree that the court put in place, you will have to either pay the bill or go back to court.

Additionally if your name is on the contract and your spouse files for bankruptcy and you did not, you could also be liable in this instance as well.  You will want to talk to your attorney if this happens.

I have medical bills that were not covered by insurance. I cannot afford to pay them in full and now they have gone to collections.  The collection agency told me they could get a judgment.  What does that mean?
A judgment is a legal decision that enables a creditor to obtain court approval to 1) garnish your wages; 2) execute against your bank account; 3) file a lien against any real property such as autos, home, household goods, etc. If you receive a judgment against you and you have a vehicle that is paid off, the creditor could file a lien against your auto, take possession and sell it to satisfy all or part of the debt.  If you have a creditor that is telling you they are going to take you to court, they probably will and you should seek legal advice.