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How Credit Counseling Can Help You Take Control of Your Debt
Posted 8/31/2026 by Lisa Ohnemus

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

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