Consumer Credit of Des Moines has been Iowa's largest credit counseling agency since 1987. We are large enough to provide the efficiencies that come with volume, yet small enough to give you the one-on-one quality customer service you need for a program such as this.

Consumer Credit of Des Moines offers free counseling and is supported primarily through creditor contributions. If a debt management program is set up, a nominal fee may apply. All fee information is explained during the counseling session.

Your security concerns are taken very seriously. All information submitted electronically is protected by a secure website. No outside party has access to your information, and it is not released or sold to any outside company. Only the creditors involved in your program will be contacted on your behalf.

Working together, we will review your income, expenses, debts, and overall financial situation to help you determine the best way to move forward. In some cases, a budget and recommendations may be all you need. If a debt management plan is a good option for you, your counselor will explain how the program works, including your monthly payment and estimated payoff time.

During the counseling session, we can also answer any other financial concerns you may have. Counseling is free and confidential, and there is no obligation to enroll in a debt management program.

Generally, only your unsecured debts such as credit cards, unsecured bank or finance company loans, medical bills, and bills with collection agencies are included in the debt management program. We can advise you on any difficulties you may be having with your mortgage, auto loans, utilities, etc.; however, you will continue paying these on your own and within the budget we will help you develop.

Not all creditors stop or reduce interest, as each company has its own policy. However, most major national credit granters will reduce interest, and some stop the interest altogether. Your counselor will advise you as to their individual policies.

We can successfully work with creditors in most cases; however, there is no guarantee that impending legal action can be stopped. Reaching out before the situation becomes more serious may give you more options.

Consumer Credit does not report information to the credit bureaus. Credit reporting is handled by your individual creditors.

Because accounts included in the debt management program are closed, you may see an initial drop in your credit score. However, studies have shown that credit scores may increase during a debt management program as you make consistent, on-time payments and your balances decrease. If you are already past due or close to your credit limits, the initial impact may be less noticeable.

You will continue to receive monthly statements from each of your creditors. Consumer Credit will also provide you a statement each month showing the receipt of your payments, as well payments made to your creditors.