You’ve decided you want to get out of debt – congratulations! Acknowledging that your debt is a problem and taking action is a difficult first step, but an important one. Once you’ve decided to pay off your debts, you need to find a trusted partner who will be able to assist you with your financial goals. There are many different debt relief options, such as credit counselling, which is a popular and effective option.
Finding the best credit counsellor is a lot like choosing a life partner – you need someone you can trust and who will prioritize your needs. Below, we’ve outlined three easy-to-follow steps when researching credit counselling services and selecting an amazing credit counsellor.
Step #1: Research Their Experience
Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a credit counsellor or debt advisor, but the experts are typically accredited.
Completing regular workshops, seminars and webinars is part of maintaining a certification. The best credit counsellors stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge of debt solutions and can tailor their services to meet your needs.
Besides being qualified and licensed, the credit counsellor you choose should have formal financial education and plenty of experience in personal finance. Their services should be confidential and non-judgmental, and their process should start with completing a detailed financial assessment of your finances.
Excellent credit counsellors are also there for you throughout the process – providing regular check-ins, ongoing support and guidance. They typically offer a free consultation and don’t charge upfront fees.
Step #2: Review Their Reputation
If a credit counsellor does their work well, past clients will not take the time to complain about their experience.
Take a look at the credit counselling service’s online customer reviews on various reputable platforms, including Google, Facebook and Yelp. Sort by the most recent and note any consistencies.
Next, see if the organization has any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This agency is one of the most trustworthy sources of for-profit and non-profit agencies, both large and small.
Besides customer reviews, research employee reviews, too (sites like Glassdoor are a great tool). If past employees disclose that a credit counselling service is sales focused or commission-based, the company likely won’t serve your best interests.
Step #3: Verify Their Physical Office Locations
Find out whether the credit counselling agency you’re considering has any physical offices. If an organization is solely interested in turning a profit, it will typically work out of one office only while trying to serve the entire country.
The credit counsellor you’re considering should have a physical office close to you, or at least in your province. If the agency has many locations, use Google to determine whether they are virtual or physical offices with real counsellors located nearby.
Credit Counselling Services You Can Trust
It’s possible to avoid disappointment, additional expenses and scams if you partner with the right credit counsellor. At SolveYourDebts.com, our caring, professional and Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada (AFCC) designated professionals have over 28 years of experience assisting individuals and families throughout Atlantic Canada. We are a non-profit organization, so you know we will always have your best interest at heart. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’re ready to get out of debt and are looking for professional help you can trust.
