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.