Even when you’ve got a lot of things right, you might reach a point when getting your finances under control seems impossible. If you’re really struggling financially and aren’t sure which problem to tackle or how, budget counseling can help.
Budget counseling can teach you how to budget, how to protect your credit scores, and other key financial strategies. But you may be curious if it is right for you and if it is you may wonder "Where can I find budget counseling near me?"
So, let's dive in and see exactly what budget counseling is, how it works, and how to get the help you need.
What is budget counseling?
Budget counseling is when you meet with someone who can help you improve your finances. Many budget counselors work for nonprofit organizations, so you may be able to get assistance at no cost.
Even if there’s a cost involved in working with a budget counselor, that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. When you’re dealing with large amounts of debt or chronic struggles with money management, working with a trained counselor is likely worth a small investment.
Types of guidance you can get from budget counseling
Let’s talk about some of the types of help a budget counselor might be able to offer you. This way you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Help with managing your money
Money management is one of the key ways you could benefit from budget counseling. A trained financial counselor can guide you through steps to help you manage your money, such as evaluating what you need to improve.
Money management includes things like setting up your budget, monitoring your credit, and planning ahead for big expenses rather than being surprised by them.
Help with creating a budget
Since money management is a rather broad goal, here’s one key skill your budget counseling sessions can help you develop: budgeting. You could learn about different budgeting methods, like the 30-30-30-10 budget or the cash envelope budget.
Budgeting is just knowing how much you have coming in and how you’ll spend or save it. You might do best with a strict plan for how every cent is used. Or you may need a looser strategy that gives you just a few categories, like the 70-20-10 budget.
Working closely with a credit counselor or budget counselor could help open your eyes to the way you relate to money. They can also guide you through the process of creating and sticking to a budget.
Credit score monitoring
Unfortunately, keeping tabs on your credit score is something too many of us neglect in our money journeys. We think that everything will be fine as long as we pay our bills.
However, you need to monitor your credit score because it is so key in determining whether you can get financing. You could be unable to rent an apartment or buy a car at a decent interest rate if your credit score has dropped significantly.
Consider talking to a budget counselor if you’re unsure of how to keep track of your credit scores. It’s actually pretty simple to check your credit score regularly, and a budget counseling expert can help you take steps to raise your score if it’s down.
Guidance in paying down debt
Another important aspect of budget counseling is often learning how to attack your debt. A credit counseling organization is usually well-trained in how to help people out of debt.
Often, debt can be one of the most painful parts of your money story. The idea of lots of debt can weigh you down, bring you feelings of shame, and make you feel hopeless. Talking to a budget counselor can help you deal with debt stress and figure out a game plan.
A recent report by the American Psychological Association, “Stress In America 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis,” noted that 64% of Americans see money as a “significant source of stress.” Talking to a budget or debt counselor can help you find your way beyond debt.
Identity theft protection
Although identity theft is one of those things you probably don’t expect will happen to you, it’s a real risk. Budget counseling could provide assistance if your identity has been stolen, which is a horrible situation to have to sort out.
With cyberattacks and fraudulent activity on the rise, we’ve all got to be vigilant. In fact, according to Experian, about 1 in 20 (5%) of Americans are affected by identity theft each year.
Credit counselors can help you figure out the best way to prevent identity theft and fraud, as well as help you if you’ve already been a victim. They can talk with you about whether you should freeze your credit and other preventive steps.
Dealing with predatory lenders
We’re all aware there are some shady players out there, and the world of finance and lending is no exception. Sadly, many lenders have predatory practices—they may be deceptive or coercive and convince borrowers to take on loans that could ruin them.
When going through budget counseling, your counselor can help you learn to spot red flags of predatory lenders. (Watch out for payday loans, for example!) You can find out ways to deal with or report a lender that’s breaking the law.
How much budget counseling costs
As you’ve read about the benefits of budget counseling, you’re likely wondering one key question: how much will it cost? The good news is that you can find places that offer free counseling. For instance, you can try our completely free financial courses right here at Clever Girl Finance!
In addition to our courses, here are some other options to check into as well:
For-profit budget counseling
In spite of the fact that budget counseling or debt counseling may imply you don’t have a lot of excess cash, some organizations do charge for their services. These are for-profit budget counseling agencies.
Even if an agency is for-profit, their fees may be quite reasonable. Ask upfront before selecting a credit counselor if they charge and how much. And you’ll want to look for free options first in order to focus on getting your finances in order.
Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission reports that credit counseling agencies should, at a minimum, give free information about their services. (If they charge even for basic information, run the other direction!)
Non-profit budget counseling
Plenty of non-profit budget counseling agencies exist, so you’ll want to examine your options in that arena first. Of course, your first step is simply gathering information. If you find there are several organizations in your area, read over their websites or call to request info.
Some places that may offer free budget counseling include your local consumer protection agency, credit unions or banks, universities, housing authorities, and military bases.
One warning: the term non-profit may not mean the agency’s services are totally free. So even if an agency is labeled as a non-profit, you still have to do a little more homework to find out if they charge for debt or budget counseling sessions.
Where to find a budget counseling service?
First off, you’ll want to try locating a budget counseling service that is free of charge. However, in some cases, you may need to sign up for a debt management program (DMP), which will usually have a cost.
If you are interested, you may be wondering "Where do I find budget counseling near me?" Well, the good news is thanks to the following sites you can find a budget counseling service that can help you get on track with your finances!
Financial Counseling Association of America
The Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) is an organization with financial counselors available to help you. You can get basic budget counseling at their various agencies as well as debt management plans.
The FCAA is a non-profit organization. You can find resources like articles on specific types of financial assistance, housing assistance, bankruptcy information, and more on their website, fcaa.org.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Another reputable nonprofit credit counseling option is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. They can help connect you to a member agency that will offer debt relief solutions.
The NFCC does charge a monthly fee for services related to debt settlement (whether for-profit or nonprofit) or to bankruptcy. However, even a one-time credit counseling session of 30-60 minutes can help you come up with action steps to improve your financial health.
Questions to ask to help you choose the right budget counseling service
When you’re deciding on a budget counseling option, it’s a good idea to look into several different agencies or types of counseling. What you choose will depend on how severe your needs are along with other factors.
Any decision about working with a credit counselor or going through budget counseling requires you to ask a few key questions. You can look online for these answers, of course, or try calling or emailing a representative at a few agencies.
Here are some questions to get you started.
What services are available?
Naturally, you’ll want to find out what types of services an agency offers. If they specialize only in debt management and you’re looking for more basic budgeting guidance, you can look elsewhere.
How can I access budget counseling (online, phone, or in-person)?
You’ll likely figure out the answer to this question with your initial investigation. Try your preferred method of contact first and then you can ask what types of counseling they provide.
What free information is available?
Whenever you’re talking to a representative or reading online resources, you can find out about free resources. Most reputable credit counseling or budget counseling organizations will provide information at no charge. If they charge you even to give out information on their services, that’s a bad sign.
Is there a formal contract to sign?
Ask any budget counseling agency you’re considering about contracts. What level of counseling is offered, how many sessions are there, and are you obligated to sign any recurring contract with fees?
How are your budget counselors trained or certified?
Knowing what kind of training the counselors at agencies go through will help you make an informed decision. Plus, it will give you peace of mind knowing you have an expert that is able to help you make the right financial moves.
Consider budget counseling to get your finances in order
You may think you’re a lost cause when it comes to finances. Please, don’t believe that for a moment. You can take control of your money and your future, and budget counseling just might be the tool you need to make that happen. Leverage the tips in this article to create a plan and seek out the support you need.