Consumer Credit of Des Moines -

The Financial Habits We Learned Without Realizing It

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Did your family talk about money when you were growing up?

You may have appreciated how your family handled money. Maybe they saved up for what they wanted or made the most of what they had.

You may also remember thinking, "When I grow up, I’m never going to do that." Maybe you didn’t like the stress around bills, or you wished money wasn’t such a difficult subject to talk about.

Either way, those experiences can stay with us. You might follow an example you grew up with, or work hard to do the opposite. Sometimes you don’t realize how much it has shaped your decisions until you stop and think about it.

And even when you decide to do things differently, life can get in the way. You may have promised yourself you would never carry a credit card balance, then had an expense you couldn’t cover any other way. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means your situation changed.

A few questions to think about:

What did I learn about money growing up? What do I want to keep doing? And what would I like to change?

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But understanding where some of your habits came from can make it easier to decide what works for you now.

Written by Lisa Ohnemus
Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Why Should You Consider a Debt Management Program?

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Have your credit card payments become difficult to make each month? Are you moving money around, putting off another bill, or wondering how you will cover everything before the next payday? Or maybe you are making every payment, but the balances do not seem to go down.

High interest rates can make it hard to keep up with your credit card payments, even when you’re doing your best to pay down the balances. It can feel like you are doing everything you can and still not getting very far.

If that sounds familiar, a debt management program may be worth considering.

Your payments could start making more progress

Through a debt management program, a nonprofit credit counseling agency works with your creditors to request lower interest rates. Rates and terms depend on each creditor, but when less money goes toward interest, more of your payment goes toward what you owe.

You still repay your debt. The goal is to make those payments more effective and give you a path to paying it off, typically within three to five years.

You have one monthly payment to manage

Keeping track of several credit cards, due dates, and minimum payments can be stressful. With a debt management program, you make one monthly payment to the agency, and the agency sends payments to the creditors included in your plan. That can make your monthly bills easier to manage.

You do not need to wait until you are behind

I talk with people who make every payment on time but see their credit card balances becoming harder to manage. You do not have to miss a payment to ask for help. Looking at your options now may give you more room to make a decision that works for you.

You can find out whether the payment fits your life

This is the part that matters most. A debt management program has to work alongside your housing, groceries, utilities, and other expenses. A payment that looks good on paper will not help if you cannot realistically make it each month.

When you meet with a counselor, you can review your whole budget and get an estimate of the monthly payment and payoff time. If the program is not a good fit, the conversation can still help you understand your options.

There are a few things to ask about before enrolling. Credit cards included in the program are generally closed, and the interest rates and terms vary by creditor. Your counselor can walk you through what the program would look like for your accounts.

At Consumer Credit of Des Moines, our counseling is free and confidential. We will talk through your situation and answer your questions. You can get a free estimate without any obligation to enroll.

If you are tired of making payments and wondering when you will finally see a difference, finding out whether a debt management program could help is a good place to start.

Written by Lisa Ohnemus
Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

A Few Ways to Protect Your Information Online

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I know “cybersecurity” sounds like a big topic, but there are a few simple things we can all do to better protect our information.

So much of what we do with our money happens online now. We check bank balances on our phones, pay bills through apps, and get texts when there is activity on a credit card. Scammers know that, too.

If an unexpected message says there is a problem with one of your accounts, take a minute to check with the company yourself.

You might get a text saying your bank noticed a suspicious charge and asking you to click a link. Another message might say there is a problem with a package delivery or that you need to update your payment information. Those are only a few examples. Scammers come up with new stories all the time, and their messages can look very real.

If you get a message like that, take a minute before doing anything. Go to your bank’s app yourself or call the number on the back of your card. Do not use the link or phone number in the message to find out if it is legitimate.

Be careful with your personal information

Never give out your Social Security number, bank account information, passwords, or verification codes in response to an unexpected call, text, or email. Even if someone says they are calling from your bank’s fraud department, you can hang up and call the bank yourself.

Check how you sign in to your accounts

Are you using the same password in several places? If so, start by changing the passwords for your email and financial accounts. Turn on the extra sign-in step if it is available, and keep your phone and apps updated.

These are small steps, but they can make a difference. The next time you receive a message asking you to click on a link or share information, take a moment to check it yourself. A little caution can help keep your personal and financial information safe.

Lisa Ohnemus
Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Budget Hacks That Can Make Managing Your Money a Little Easier

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Budgeting does not have to mean tracking every penny or creating a complicated spreadsheet. Sometimes a few small changes can make it easier to stay organized and feel more in control of your money.

Not every idea will work for everyone, but finding one or two that fit your life can make a difference.

Here are a few budget hacks that may help.

Use a Separate Account for Bills

Consider using one checking account for your regular household bills and another for everyday spending. Each payday, transfer enough money into the bills account to cover your upcoming expenses.

This can help you avoid accidentally spending money that you need for rent, utilities, insurance, or other monthly bills. It also gives you a clearer picture of how much you have available for groceries, gas, and other expenses.

Break Your Budget Into Weeks

A monthly budget can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make your money last until the next payday.

After paying your regular bills, divide the money you have left by the number of weeks until your next paycheck. This gives you a weekly amount for groceries, gas, and other expenses.

It can be much easier to manage your money one week at a time instead of looking at the entire month.

Make Saving Automatic and a Little Harder to Access

If possible, set up an automatic transfer to savings on payday. Even $10 or $25 at a time can add up. The amount does not have to be large. Starting small is still a good start.

Something that works well for me is keeping my savings at a different bank so it's not as easy to transfer the funds.

The money is still available if I truly need it, but accessing it takes a little more effort. That extra step gives me time to think about whether it's really worth using my savings.

Plan Meals Around What You Already Have

Before making a grocery list, take a quick look through your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. You may already have ingredients that can be used for several meals.

Planning around what you have can reduce food waste and help lower your grocery bill. It may also prevent those nights when you order food because you are not sure what to make.

Decide How Much You Can Spend Before Shopping

Whether you are shopping for groceries, clothing, or household items, decide how much you can spend before you go.

Having a number in mind can make it easier to make decisions and avoid adding extra items to your cart. If you are shopping online, leave the items in your cart for a day before completing the purchase. You may decide you do not need everything after all.

Review Your Automatic Payments

Automatic payments are convenient, but they can also make it easy to forget what you are paying for.

Take a few minutes to look through your bank and credit card statements for subscriptions, memberships, apps, or services you no longer use. Canceling even one or two could free up some money each month.

Keep a Small Amount for Yourself

A budget that leaves no room for anything enjoyable can be difficult to follow. If your budget allows, include a small amount for something you enjoy.

Giving yourself permission to spend that money may help you avoid feeling so restricted that you give up on the budget altogether.

Start With One Change

You do not have to try every budgeting idea at once. Pick one that feels doable and try it for a few weeks. If it helps, keep going and build from there. A budget can change as you figure out what works for you.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How Is Your Credit Score Calculated?

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Most people know their credit score is important, but a lot of people are not really sure how that number is figured.

It can definitely be confusing.

Your credit score is based on information in your credit report. Different scoring models can calculate things a little differently, but the traditional FICO model generally looks at five main areas.

35% Payment History

This is the biggest part of your score.

Payment history looks at whether you make your payments on time and whether you have had late payments, collections, or other serious delinquencies.

A payment that is just a few days late may result in a late fee, but it is generally not reported to the credit bureaus as late until it is at least 30 days past due.

This is why making your payments on time is so important.

30% Amounts Owed

The amount of debt you are carrying also matters, especially when it comes to credit cards.

One thing scoring models look at is your credit utilization. That is simply how much of your available credit you are using.

For example, if you have a credit card with a $5,000 limit and a $4,000 balance, you are using 80% of that available credit.

Even if you are making every payment on time, carrying a high balance compared with your credit limit can affect your score.

As those balances come down, your utilization may improve, which can help your score over time.

15% Length of Credit History

How long you have had credit also matters.

Scoring models may look at how old your accounts are, how long your oldest account has been open, and the average age of all your accounts.

That is one reason I would not automatically recommend closing an older credit card, especially if there is no annual fee.

10% New Credit

Applying for new credit can also affect your score.

When you apply for a loan or credit card, the lender may do what is called a hard inquiry on your credit report.

One inquiry usually is not a big deal, but several applications in a short period of time can have more of an impact.

Opening several new accounts can also lower the average age of your credit history.

10% Credit Mix

Credit scoring models also look at the different types of credit you have.

That may include:

Credit cards
Auto loans
Mortgages
Student loans
Personal loans

You do not need to have every type of credit to have a good score, and I would never suggest opening an account just for the sake of improving your credit mix.

It is simply one part of the overall picture.

What I Want People to Remember

Your credit score is not based on just one thing.

It is a combination of how you pay your bills, how much debt you are carrying, how long you have had credit, whether you are opening new accounts, and the types of credit you use.

That is also why your score can move up or down from month to month.

I would not get too caught up in every small change.

Instead, focus on the things you can control. Make your payments on time, keep your credit card balances as low as you reasonably can, be careful about opening unnecessary accounts, and check your credit reports to make sure the information is accurate.

Good credit usually comes from good habits over time.

And if high credit card balances are making it harder to manage your monthly payments, we are here to help.

At Consumer Credit of Des Moines, our counseling is free and confidential. We can look at your budget and debt with you, help you understand your options, and help you develop a debt plan.

Sometimes just understanding how your credit works can make the whole process feel a little less confusing.

Written by Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor

Consumer Credit of Des Moines

When You Can’t Make a Budget Work

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Sometimes you can sit down with your budget, go through everything, cut where you can, and still come up short.

There just is not enough money to make everything fit.

I see this more often than people probably realize. Someone may be working, paying their bills, cutting back, and trying hard to make good decisions, but the numbers still don't work.

That can be incredibly frustrating.

A budget is a great tool, but it can only do so much. It can help you see where your money is going, but it cannot create extra income when your basic expenses and debt payments are already more than you can handle.

Sometimes people come in thinking they must be doing something wrong.

But when I look at the numbers with them, that is not always the case.

Maybe they have already cut back on groceries, canceled subscriptions, stopped eating out, considered a second job and put off anything that is not necessary. There may not be much left to cut.

That is when I think it is important to stop looking only at the budget and start looking at the whole situation.

First, make sure you can cover the basics. Housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, and other necessary expenses need to come first.

Then look at what is left for credit cards and other debt.

If those payments take up a large part of your income, it can make everything else feel impossible. High interest rates can make it even harder because you may make payments every month and barely see the balances move.

It is also worth checking to see if there are community resources that can help. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable asking for help, but if programs are available for food, utilities, rent, transportation, medical expenses, or other basic needs, they may give you a little breathing room.

In Iowa, 211 can be a good place to start. They can help connect you with local programs and resources based on what you need.

For some people, a debt management program with our agency can help by lowering credit card interest rates and combining payments into one monthly payment.

For others, even a reduced payment may still be too much.

And sometimes, if the budget truly does not work, bankruptcy may need to be considered.

That does not mean bankruptcy is the right answer for everyone, but I do think it is important to be realistic. If you don't have enough money to cover basic living expenses and debt payments, it’s important to look at all of your options.

A free credit counseling session can help you look at your income, expenses, debts, and payments and figure out what may make sense for your situation.

Sometimes we find a few changes that can help. Sometimes community resources can make a difference. Sometimes a debt management program is a good option. And sometimes another path needs to be considered.

If you have gone through your budget over and over and still cannot make it work, do not assume you are failing.

Sometimes the numbers just do not work.

When that happens, the question may not be, “What else can I cut?”

It may be, “What other options do I have?”

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor

Consumer Credit of Des Moines

September Is Suicide Prevention Month

Lisa Ohnemus — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s a good reminder to check in on the people around us and to remember that it’s okay to ask for help when life feels like too much.

There are times when life can just feel heavy. It may be finances, family, work, health, relationships, or a combination of several things all at once.

In our office, we talk with people every day who feel stressed about money. They may be trying to keep up with credit cards, pay their regular bills, and make everything stretch far enough. Sometimes they have already cut back where they can and still feel like they are falling behind.

That kind of stress can take a real toll.

Sometimes the first step is simply talking it through with someone.

If finances are part of what is weighing on you, talk to someone who can help you look at the situation and your options. You do not have to have all the answers before you ask for help. Sometimes having another person look at the numbers with you can make things feel a little more manageable.

But this is about more than finances.

Whatever is going on in your life, please talk it over with someone. A friend, family member, counselor, doctor, pastor, coworker, or someone else you trust. We all have times when things feel like too much, and sometimes just saying it out loud can make a difference.

If you’re struggling, please know this: you matter, your life matters, and it's ok to reach out for help.

Reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

And for all of us, let’s be the people who notice.

Let’s be the people who ask.

Let’s be the people who stay and listen.

One conversation can change everything.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor

Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How Social Media Can Influence the Financial Decisions We Make

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

I think most of us have seen something on social media that made us stop and think, “Maybe I should be doing that too.”

It might be a budgeting tip, a way someone paid off debt, a credit card trick, a side hustle, or a new way to save money. Some of those ideas can be helpful, and I have definitely seen some good ones.

But the important thing to remember is that just because something worked for someone online does not mean it will work the same way for you.

What worked for someone else may not be the right financial choice for you.

An influencer may share how they paid off thousands of dollars in debt in a short amount of time. What we may not see is the whole picture. Maybe they have a larger income, received a bonus, had help from family, or simply have very different monthly expenses.

The same goes for budgeting advice. You may see someone say you should save a certain percentage of every paycheck, use a certain budgeting method, or pay off debt in a specific order. That might work great for them, but it may not be realistic for you and your family.

I think social media is a great place to get ideas. I just would not treat every financial tip you see as something you have to follow.

Before You Follow Financial Advice Online

Before making a financial decision based on something you saw online, take a minute and ask yourself:

Does this really fit my budget?
Do I understand the costs or risks?
Is this person giving general advice, or do they actually understand situations like mine?
Is there more to the story that I am not seeing?
Does this make sense for my goals and my financial situation?

Another thing to keep in mind is that financial advice online is often very general. Your income, expenses, debt, interest rates, credit history, and goals all matter. What looks like the “best” option in a short video may not be the best option once you look at the full picture.

That is why I think it is important to use social media as a starting point, not the final answer.

If you hear about a financial tip, debt payoff method, or credit strategy that sounds great, do a little homework before jumping in. Ask questions, look at your own numbers, and make sure you understand how it could affect you.

And if you are struggling with credit card debt or just are not sure what your best next step is, it can help to talk with someone who can look at your whole financial picture.

Consumer Credit of Des Moines
Our counseling is free and confidential. We can help you look at your budget, your debt, and your options and come up with a plan that works for you.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

What Should You Do With a Bonus Check?

Lisa Ohnemus — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Getting a bonus check is exciting. I know when I have extra money coming, I can usually think of about 10 different ways I could spend it before I even get it. Something for the house, a little shopping, a weekend away, or something I have had my eye on.

That is why it can help to make a plan before the money shows up.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying some of your bonus. You worked for it. But it can also be a good chance to do something that makes your finances a little easier.

Pay down debt.

If you have credit card debt, putting part of your bonus toward a balance can help more than you might think. You do not have to use the whole check. Even paying a chunk toward a high-interest card can save money and help you see some progress.

Add to your savings.

If your emergency fund is lower than you would like, this is a great opportunity to add to it. Having some money set aside for an unexpected car repair or other expense can make life a lot less stressful when something comes up.

Think about what is coming up.

Maybe you know you will need tires soon, have a home repair you have been putting off, or already know the holidays are going to cost more than you would like. Setting some money aside now can help you avoid putting those expenses on a credit card later.

Use some toward a goal.

Maybe you are trying to pay off a loan, build your savings, or save for something bigger. A bonus can give you a nice head start without having to change your regular monthly budget.

And spend some of it.

I would probably do this too. If there is something you really want, set aside a little and enjoy it. The goal does not have to be to save or pay down every single dollar.

I think the best approach is a little bit of both. Enjoy some of it, but use some of it in a way that will make things easier for you later.

Written by Lisa Ohnemus
Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How Credit Counseling Can Help You Take Control of Your Debt

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

If you are struggling with credit card debt, sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out where to start.

That is where credit counseling can help.

A credit counselor can sit down with you and go over your income, monthly expenses, and debts. Sometimes just seeing everything together can make things feel a little more manageable.

Take a Look at Your Budget

You may find areas in your budget that can be adjusted. Or you may realize there really is not much left to cut. Either way, it helps to have a better picture of where things stand.

Understand Your Debt

A counselor can also help you look at your credit card balances, interest rates, and monthly payments. When you have several cards, it can be easy to just keep making the minimum payments without really knowing how long it will take to get them paid off.

Learn About Your Options

Credit counseling does not mean you have to sign up for a debt management program. It is really about looking at your situation and understanding what options may be available.

If a debt management program is a good fit, it may help lower interest rates, give you one monthly payment, and help you pay off your debt in three to five years. You also do not have to be behind on your payments to talk with a counselor.

Sometimes You Just Need a Place to Start

Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through everything and come up with a plan.

At Consumer Credit of Des Moines, our budget and debt counseling is free and confidential. There is no obligation to enroll in a debt management program.

Not sure where to start?
Give us a call at 800-955-5765 or schedule an appointment www.consumercredit-dm.com.

Written by Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Celebrate the Small Wins and Give Yourself Some Grace

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

I think sometimes we are way to hard on ourselves when it comes to money.

We make a budget, set a goal, tell ourselves we are going to do better, and then life happens. An unexpected bill comes up, we spend more than we planned, or we just have a month where nothing seems to go quite right.

That does not mean you failed.

We need to get better at noticing the small wins too.

Maybe you paid $25 extra on a credit card. Maybe you packed your lunch instead of eating out. Maybe you walked away from something you really wanted to buy. Maybe you finally sat down and looked at your bills instead of putting it off.

Those are wins.

They may not feel like much at the time, but those little choices really do add up.

Do not let one small setback stop you from continuing to work toward your goal. Give yourself a little grace.

It is easy to think, “ Well, I already messed up, so what is the point?” But one setback does not undo everything you have already done.

Figure out what happened, make an adjustment, and keep going.

You do not have to be perfect with money. None of us are. You just have to keep trying to make better choices when you can.

So celebrate the small stuff. Paying a little extra. Saving a little more. Saying no to something you did not need. Even just being willing to look at your finances and make a plan.

Progress is still progress, even when it feels small.

Sometimes talking it through with someone can make things feel a little more manageable. If you are struggling with debt and are not sure what your next step should be, Consumer Credit of Des Moines offers free and confidential counseling.

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

A New School Year Is a Good Time for a Money Reset

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

There is something about the start of a new school year that feels like a reset. Even when your kids are older, I think that back-to-school time still has that feeling of getting back into a routine. Summer schedules are different. We may eat out more, travel, spend more on activities, and just be a little less structured. Then school starts, fall is right around the corner, and life seems to get busy again. It is also a good time to take a quick look at your budget.

Look Back at Summer Spending

Summer spending can sneak up on you. There are vacations, day trips, eating out, extra gas, activities, and all those little purchases that do not seem like much at the time. I do not think you need to go through every single transaction. Just take a look at where you may have spent more than usual. Sometimes simply noticing it helps you reset.

Think About What Changes With School Starting

Back-to-school expenses are not always just school supplies. There may be activity fees, sports, lunches, clothing, gas, fundraisers, or other expenses that start popping up again. When my daughter was in school, it always seemed like there was something else coming home that needed to be paid for. Looking ahead a little can help keep those expenses from catching you off guard.

Get Back Into a Meal Routine

This is a big one when schedules get busy. It is so easy to grab takeout when everyone is going in different directions.

You do not have to plan every meal perfectly. Even having a few easy meals at home can make a difference. Sometimes just knowing what you are going to make for dinner keeps you from spending $40 or $50 on food because you are tired and do not feel like figuring it out.

Yes, It Is Already Time to Think About the Holidays

I know, nobody wants to hear that in August. But the holidays really do come around fast. Even putting a small amount aside now can help later. It does not have to be a lot.

A little saved in August, September, and October is better than trying to come up with everything in December.

Pick One Thing to Reset

Pick one thing that would make life a little easier. Maybe it is packing lunch more often, eating out one less time each week, putting a little money into savings, or just paying more attention to the small purchases.

A financial reset does not mean making big changes all at once. Sometimes a few small adjustments are enough to help you feel more in control as you head into a new season. The important thing is simply taking a little time to look at where you are and where you want to go.

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Sending Your Child Off to College: A Few Money Tips From One Parent to Another

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Sending your child off to college is one of those moments you know is coming, but it still seems to arrive too quickly. You are proud, excited, nervous, and probably wondering whether you have taught them everything they need to know. Between buying bedding, packing clothes, and trying not to forget the phone charger, money may not be the first thing anyone wants to talk about. Still, a few honest conversations now can make things much easier later.

Be Clear About Who Is Paying for What

Before move-in day, talk about what you plan to cover and what your child will be responsible for. Will you pay for books, groceries, gas, or the phone bill? Will they need to cover eating out, entertainment, coffee runs, or extra shopping?

There is no right answer. Every family handles this differently. What matters most is that everyone understands the plan before the first “Can you send me some money?” text arrives.

Make a Simple Budget Together

College students can spend money surprisingly fast. A few meals out, a late-night food delivery, and a quick trip to the store can add up before they realize it.

Sit down together and create a simple monthly budget. It does not need to involve a complicated spreadsheet. Just help them think through how much money is coming in, what has to be paid, and how much is left for fun.

They may not follow it perfectly, but having a plan gives them somewhere to start.

Talk About Credit Cards Before One Shows Up

Credit card offers may start arriving once your child is in college, and they can sound very tempting. Make sure they understand that a credit limit is not extra income.

A few small purchases can turn into a balance that hangs around for months, especially once interest is added.

It may help to talk about what a credit card should be used for. Some families prefer emergencies only. Others allow regular purchases as long as the balance is paid in full each month.

The important thing is making sure your child understands the responsibility that comes with it.

Help Them Get Comfortable With Their Bank Account

Before they leave, make sure they know how to check their balance, understand pending transactions, and avoid overdraft fees. Setting up low-balance and transaction alerts can be a big help.

This is also a good time to remind them about scams. They should never share passwords, banking information, or verification codes, even when a call or text looks convincing.

Plan for the Things No One Plans For

Something unexpected will probably happen. A laptop may stop working, the car may need repairs, or they may need to make an unplanned trip home.

Even a small emergency fund can make those moments less stressful. It may not cover the entire expense, but it can keep every surprise from turning into a bigger problem.

Make Sure They Understand Student Loans

Student loans can feel like something to worry about years from now, but it is important for students to understand what they are borrowing today.

A refund check can look like extra spending money, but it may be money they will eventually repay with interest.

Encourage them to borrow only what they truly need and to keep track of how much they are taking out each year.

Keep the Conversation Open

Your child may make a few money mistakes. Most of us did when we first started managing money on our own. Try to keep the conversation open without making every check-in feel like a lecture.

Ask how things are going. Listen before jumping in with advice. Remind them that it is always better to ask for help early than to hide a problem and hope it goes away.

Sending a child off to college is a big step for them, but it is a big step for us as parents too. We cannot prepare them for every situation, no matter how much we would like to.

We can give them a strong starting point, stay available when they need us, and trust that they will keep learning along the way.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How Social Media Influences Your Spending Without You Realizing It

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Have you ever bought something after seeing it over and over on social media? I have. At first, I scroll past it. Then I see it again, and again. Before long, I start wondering whether I need it too. Sometimes I even regret the purchase after the item arrives.

That is how social media can quietly influence our spending.

Advertising Does Not Always Feel Like Advertising

Many ads are worked into videos, product reviews, and everyday posts. A person may show a kitchen gadget, outfit, or home item while talking about how much they love it. It can feel more like a recommendation from a friend than an advertisement.

The more often we see something, the more familiar and tempting it becomes.

It Is Easy to Feel Like Everyone Has More

Social media gives us a look at other people’s vacations, homes, clothes, and purchases. What we usually do not see is how they paid for those things.

The product may have been free, the vacation may have taken years to save for, or the purchase may be sitting on a credit card.

We are often comparing our everyday lives to someone else’s best moments.

Shopping Takes Only Seconds

You can see a product, click a link, and check out without leaving the app. With saved payment information, there is very little time to stop and think.

A purchase that once required a trip to the store can now happen from the couch in less than a minute.

Your Feed Learns What Tempts You

Social media platforms pay attention to what you watch, like, search for, and click on. Pause on one product video, and you may start seeing similar items everywhere.

After a while, it can feel like everyone is buying them, when really your feed is simply showing you more of what caught your attention.

Give Yourself Time Before Buying

Try waiting at least 24 hours before making an unplanned purchase.

Remove saved payment information, turn off shopping notifications, and unfollow accounts that constantly tempt you to spend.

It can also help to ask yourself: Would I have wanted this if I had not seen it on social media?

Sometimes the answer will still be yes. Other times, the urge will pass once you step away from the screen.

Most of us will make an impulse purchase once in a while. The goal is not to be perfect.

The important thing is to recognize what is influencing us, pause before buying, and make sure our spending reflects what we actually want and can afford.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

What to Cut First When Your Budget Is Too Tight

Lisa Ohnemus — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

When your budget is stretched too thin, it can be hard to know where to start. You may feel like everything you spend money on is necessary, and in some cases, it probably is. The goal is not to cut every enjoyable thing out of your life. It is to find a few places where you can lower your spending and give yourself some breathing room.

Start With the Easy Cuts

Take a look at your bank and credit card statements from the last month or two.

You may notice expenses you forgot about or purchases that are happening more often than you realized. Some common places to start include:

Streaming services you rarely use
Subscriptions and memberships
Takeout and food delivery
Convenience store stops /coffee stops
Online shopping
Entertainment and impulse purchases

You do not have to eliminate everything. Even cutting back can make a difference.

Look at Your Monthly Bills

Some bills may not be as fixed as they seem. It may be worth calling your phone, internet, streaming, or other service providers to ask if a less expensive plan is available.

You may also want to shop around for insurance plans. Sometimes the same coverage with a different company can have lower premiums. Just be careful about cutting important coverage, such as insurance, simply to lower a monthly payment.

Cut Back on Flexible Spending

Groceries, gas, household supplies, and personal care items are necessary, but they are also areas where many people can make small adjustments.

Meal planning, shopping with a list, using what you already have at home, and making fewer trips to the store can all help. You do not need a perfect budget. Small changes that you can stick with are usually more helpful than a plan that feels impossible.

Protect Your Basic Needs First

When there is not enough money to cover everything, focus first on the expenses that keep you safe and able to work. This usually includes:

Housing
Utilities
Food
Transportation
Insurance
Necessary medical expenses

Credit card payments are important, but missing rent, mortgage, utilities, or insurance can create a more immediate problem.

Do Not Wait Too Long to Ask for Help

If credit card minimum payments are taking up too much of your income, cutting a few subscriptions may not be enough. A credit counselor can help you review your income, expenses, and debts. Depending on your situation, a debt management plan may help lower interest rates and combine eligible unsecured debts into one monthly payment.

Take a Look at the Bigger Picture

Sometimes the problem is not overspending. The cost of housing, food, insurance, and other necessities may simply be more than your income can comfortably cover. When that happens, the answer may involve a combination of spending changes, additional income, or a different repayment plan.

Consumer Credit of Des Moines also offers a free budget worksheet to help you list your income, monthly bills, and expenses that come up throughout the year.

You can download it at www.consumercredit-dm.com/budget-worksheet.aspx .

We also offer free and confidential budget and debt counseling. We can help you take a closer look at your debt and budget, understand your options, and create a plan for moving forward.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Should You Use a Home Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Lisa Ohnemus — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Using a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance to pay off credit cards may sound like a good way to lower your interest rate and combine several payments into one. It can help in some situations, but there are important risks to consider.

Possible Benefits

You may be able to get a lower interest rate than you currently have on your credit cards. Combining several balances into one payment can also make your monthly bills easier to manage.

A fixed home equity loan may also give you a clear monthly payment and payoff date.

Possible Drawbacks

The biggest concern is that you are turning unsecured credit card debt into debt secured by your home. If you cannot make the payments, your home could be at risk.

A lower monthly payment may also mean stretching the debt out for many more years. This could cause you to pay more interest over time.

There may also be closing costs, appraisal fees, and other charges.

HELOC rates can change, which means your payment could increase.

Another risk is paying off the credit cards and then using them again. You could end up with a home loan and new credit card balances.

Consider All Your Options

Using home equity may make sense in certain situations, but it should not be an automatic decision simply because the monthly payment is lower. Compare the total cost, repayment period, fees, and risk.

A nonprofit credit counseling agency can also help you review your budget, debts, and available options. Depending on your situation, a debt management plan may help lower credit card interest rates and combine payments without placing your home at risk.

Consumer Credit of Des Moines offers free and confidential budget and debt counseling.

A certified credit counselor can review your situation and help you determine which option makes the most sense for you.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How Can a Debt Management Plan Affect Your Credit Score?

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

One of the first questions many people ask about a Debt Management Plan is, "What will happen to my credit score?" Your credit score may change when you begin a DMP, but that does not mean the program will ruin your credit. Many people may see their scores improve over time as they pay down debt and make consistent monthly payments.

You May See a Drop at First

The credit cards included in a Debt Management Plan are usually closed.

This can temporarily affect your credit score by reducing your available credit and changing the average age of your accounts. How much your score changes depends on your credit history, including your balances and whether you already have late payments or collection accounts.

What Does the Research Show?

Study shows the score will increase.

A TransUnion study followed consumers who enrolled in and successfully completed a Debt Management Plan. The average Vantage Score was:

597 when participants started the program
659 after 24 months
678 after 48 months
680 after 60 months

The study found that participants had higher average credit scores after two years, with scores continuing to improve over time.

Everyone's credit history is different, so results are not guaranteed. However, the findings show that paying down debt through a structured repayment plan may have a positive effect on credit.

Look at the Bigger Picture

Your credit score is important, but it is only one part of your financial health.

Paying down debt, lowering interest costs, and making consistent payments can help you build a stronger financial future.

Consumer Credit offers free and confidential counseling.

A certified credit counselor can review your budget and debts, explain your options, and help you decide whether a Debt Management Plan may be the right next step.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

How to Choose a Debt Management Agency You Can Trust

Lisa Ohnemus — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Looking for help with debt can feel overwhelming. There are many companies online, and they do not all offer the same type of help. Before enrolling in any program, take time to learn about the agency, understand the service being offered, and ask questions.

A trustworthy credit counseling agency should review your full financial situation before recommending a program. A counselor should look at your income, expenses, debts, and financial goals, then explain the options that may fit your situation.

You should also receive clear answers about:

How the program works
What your estimated monthly payment may be
What fees are charged
How long the program may take
How and when creditors are paid
What happens if a creditor does not accept the proposed terms

Be cautious of companies that pressure you to enroll quickly or make promises that sound too good to be true.

It is also important to understand the difference between debt management and debt settlement because they are not the same.

With a debt management plan, you repay your debts through a single monthly payment to a nonprofit credit counseling agency. The agency then sends payments to your creditors. Depending on the creditor, benefits may include lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, and the elimination of certain fees. The goal is to help you repay your debt in a more manageable way. Typically, a debt management plan is paid off within 3-5 years.

With debt settlement, a company attempts to negotiate with creditors to accept less than the full amount owed. These programs often involve stopping payments to creditors while money is saved for possible settlements. This can have a major impact on your credit because missed payments and delinquent accounts may be reported during the process. Debt settlement companies may also charge high fees, which can add to the overall cost.

Balances may continue to grow because of interest and fees, and creditors may continue collection activity or take legal action. Settled debt may also have tax consequences.

Before choosing an agency, check its history, reviews, Better Business Bureau profile, and professional memberships. Membership in organizations such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) can also show that an agency follows established standards and supports professional credit counseling.

You should feel comfortable asking questions and never feel pressured into making a decision.

Consumer Credit of Des Moines has provided nonprofit credit counseling since 1987 and is a member of both the NFCC and FCAA. Our certified credit counselors provide free and confidential counseling to review your financial situation.

Call 800-955-5765 or schedule an appointment at www.consumercredit-dm.com/book .

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Warning Signs of a Debt Problem

Lisa Ohnemus — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Debt problems do not usually happen all at once. Many times, the warning signs start small and build over time. Recognizing those signs early can help you take action before the situation becomes more stressful.

You may be experiencing a debt problem if:

Your required monthly payments to creditors total 20% or more of your take-home income, not including rent or mortgage.
You are using savings to pay for daily expenses.
You are using cash advances from credit cards to pay other creditors or cover everyday expenses.
You are only paying the minimum amount due on your bills, or paying less than the minimum.
You are not sure how much you owe.
You are receiving calls or letters from creditors because payments are not being made on time.
Money problems are causing stress or arguments at home.
You are facing creditor lawsuits, repossessions, or wage garnishments.

If any of these signs sound familiar, you may be in or heading toward serious financial trouble. Reaching out early can give you more options and help you feel more in control.

Consumer Credit offers free and confidential counseling.

A certified credit counselor can review your budget, your debts, and options, then help you create a plan to move forward.

Call now for your free, no-obligation consultation at 800-955-5765 .

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines

What Happens During a Free Credit Counseling Session?

Lisa Ohnemus — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Reaching out for help with debt or budgeting can feel a little intimidating. You may wonder what questions will be asked, what information you need, or if someone is going to judge you for the situation you are in. A credit counseling session is simply a conversation. It is a chance to sit down with someone, look at your finances, and talk through your options.

It is free, confidential, and judgment-free

At Consumer Credit of Des Moines, counseling sessions are free and confidential.

You do not have to be behind on your bills to talk with a counselor. Many people reach out because they can feel things getting tight and want to know what options they have before it gets worse. The session is meant to help you understand your situation more clearly and decide what steps may make sense for you.

We will look at your monthly budget

Your counselor will ask about your income and your regular monthly expenses.

This may include your rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, gas, insurance, medical costs, and other bills.

Putting everything together in one place can be really helpful. Sometimes people realize their budget just needs a few adjustments. Other times, it becomes clear that the debt payments are taking up too much of the monthly income. Either way, the goal is to help you see the full picture.

We will talk through your debts

Your counselor will also review your unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, or collection accounts, and do a soft pull of your credit report. This does not affect your credit score, and it can help us see what is listed on your report, review your debt information, and make sure we have a clearer picture of your situation. This helps the counselor understand what you are dealing with and what options may be available.

You can ask questions

This is also your time to ask questions. You may want to know why your balances are not going down, what happens if you miss a payment, how interest rates are affecting you, or whether a Debt Management Program could help. No question is too small. If something has been confusing or stressful, this is a good time to talk about it.

We will explain your options

After reviewing your budget and debts, your counselor will go over possible next steps.

That may include ideas for adjusting your budget, ways to prioritize payments, or information about a Debt Management Program.

A Debt Management Program may help consolidate unsecured debts into a single monthly payment. It may also help lower interest rates and stop late or over-limit fees.

There is no pressure

Having a counseling session does not mean you have to sign up for anything. It is just a way to get information, ask questions, and understand your choices.

Our goal is to help you make a decision that feels right for your situation.

Taking the first step

If credit card payments, medical bills, or monthly expenses are starting to feel hard to manage, a free counseling session may be a good place to start. We are here to help you look at your budget, understand your debt, and talk through your options. You do not have to wait until you are behind to ask for help.

Give us a call at 800-955-5765 or schedule an appointment online at www.consumercredit-dm.com to get started.

Written by

Lisa Ohnemus

Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines