Need credit counseling - nonprofit options

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Since the goal is to buy a home remember that is long term. No quick ways to do that so be wary of scams, etc. And you need to be sure to avoid anything that could make the credit situation worse just to get short-term help.
For options, a nonprofit credit counselor can go over the debts, your budget and credit situation first and maybe help with a debt management plan if that makes sense. The NHPB Boston credit counseling page has local options here. Some examples it lists ABCD in Boston at 617-348-6329 for financial coaching/budget help and the Boston Home Center at 617-635-4663, which may also be useful since buying another home is the goal.
Also be really careful on scams, especially in the mortgage industry. As you may still even now will see companies advertising “debt relief,” “credit repair,” or promising to wipe out debt fast. The FTC says a company asking for money upfront before settling debts, guaranteeing results, or contacting you out of the blue asking for financial information are major scam signs. The CFPB also warns that some settlement companies tell people to stop paying creditors, which can add late fees, damage credit further and even lead to lawsuits — probably the opposite of what you want if trying to qualify for a mortgage.

There is also the NHPB national nonprofit counseling directory at https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... ncies.html gives more options too. It even lists NFCC/FCAA options and other established nonprofits as well as scam stuff too.

Good day, I am interested in receiving debt counseling and assistance. I reside in Boston MA. I need desperate help in this matter because I must be able to purchase a home, due to my ex-husband has taken out all the equity out of the home and me? I will need to move… and I need to buy a home for my two boys and myself. Please help. Most grateful for any assistance that you provide. Thanks a bunch. Jud

[Game Thr]

Good day, I am interested in receiving debt counseling and assistance. I reside in Boston MA. I need desperate help in this matter because I must be able to purchase a home, due to my ex-husband has taken out all the equity out of the home and me? I will need to move… and I need to buy a home for my two boys and myself. Please help. Most grateful for any assistance that you provide. Thanks a bunch. Jud

[Shirley Straw]

Hi, I am a single dad of two. A two-year-old and a four-year-old, mom walked away a year and a half ago. I’ve been trying my hardest to keep everything going but way behind on my bills, in debt and feeling like a mess. I have recently started receiving food stamps and finally got help with daycare. I am employed but was left with a ton of bills and still climbing out of a hole, recently lost the house we were renting found another but unable to come up with the deposit for electric and credit card over 15% rate I own 5,000 plus too. We reside in Paso county FL.
Thank you
Andrew

[Amheretohelp]

Morning there! All states have one. Why say that? What state live in? Try this for the federal approved ones. https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit ... 11-usc-111
Also did you use this link, as they have national ones listed too with the phone numbers so just do a remote credit counseling service https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... ncies.html

Hello
I was searching your website and cannot find a credit counseling company. Do you know of any and what to do if my state doesn't have one?
Thank you

[Leroy Thompson]

Hello
I was searching your website and cannot find a credit counseling company. Do you know of any and what to do if my state doesn't have one?
Thank you

[Matteo Romano]

My name is Lakeisha
I came across this email while I was looking for assistance to help with my credit cards. I am employed at Fort Drum area and husband in military but I work part time don’t get a lot of hours. I did have a full time job but they let everyone go because they moving the company to another state, so I had to find something quick which is the part time job I have now. And my B of A card is past due it’s 1400 and they saying it’s has to be paid. So I’m reaching out of anyone could direct me to who I need to talk to I would be grateful, thank you

[Iamthehelper]

That is a tons of stuff you need - car, insurance, etc. For the options of financial help try this for resources https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... tance.html
For the credit counseling stuff look here https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... vania.html
We hope those directions help you

Hello, I am in Westmoreland county, New Kensington PA. I'm in-between jobs but also have social security fixed income. It taking a little longer than expected to get this new job started and I need help with my car and insurance payment as well as some groceries and possibly credit card payments as well. If you could send me a few links to credit counseling for people with no income other than fixed from the government or if you could point me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Jeans]

Hello, I am in Westmoreland county, New Kensington PA. I'm in-between jobs but also have social security fixed income. It taking a little longer than expected to get this new job started and I need help with my car and insurance payment as well as some groceries and possibly credit card payments as well. If you could send me a few links to credit counseling for people with no income other than fixed from the government or if you could point me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Lisa and others,
If you want financial help for a trailer, such as lot rent, look here for info. As some non-profits may help pay the for trailer payment. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... _rent.html

As far as general credit counseling, whether for a trailer or something else, that information can be found here. As there are government certified counselors too. https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit ... 11-usc-111

[Mariner]

Hi, my name is Lisa and I'm desperately looking for even 1time help with paying down the debt on my trailer or a counselor to advise me have an older remodeled travel trailer, although it's difficult to find places that will rent to someone with an older trailer it's not impossible. Even some of the more seedy travel parks are asking for a ridiculous amount to move in and since I am in so much debt I cannot pay it. I would so appreciate any ideas on solutions to my situation from a non-profit credit counseling group. Thank you, Lisa

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi all,
There are non-profits that offer free credit counseling services, and the incomes in this thread would seem to qualify everyone. There are phone and in person consultations, and find free credit counseling agencies. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... ncies.html

Another option, since one person mentioned faith based options, is Christian Credit Counseling. This is generally not free, but very low cost. Obviously there are pros and cons to a faith based debt relief program, but read about it. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... ncies.html

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Joseph
Thank you for your service. There are a few different programs that help veterans with debt, including non-profits and the government. Both the non-profits and government may be effective, and read more on and find veteran debt relief.

Morning, my name is Joseph I serve 12 years in the military. I am a combat veteran and did multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and now my debt is very high and credit is low. I'm also 90 percent VA disabled. Currently I'm homeless living with my friend and going through a hardship. I recently got out of Prison in December 2021 and haven't been able to find a job due to my back ground and availability due to my Parole. I'm trying to move in to my own apartment due to the fact that the mother of my children drop them off and left me in charge of them due to some issues she is going through with my monthly salary and my conviction is been hard to get accepted by any apartment. Can you please contact me if you all know of any apartment that might work with me or credit counseling services for military members too. I have family violence in impeding breath felony. My credit score is low 550 for to being in the military. But I make enough off disability to get something small for my kids sake. Thank you.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Not sure if you need credit counseling or legal help. But if you want to start with counseling for information on the garnishment, that is fine. There are free non-profit services, and find online credit counseling from non-profits.

Good afternoon, My name is Jimmy and my fiance and 2 daughters rent a 2 bedroom condo for $1425.00 per month. We have have a huge financial impact on us over the past few months with my wages being garnished due to an old bank account where fraud happened and I lost everything I had. I now need some financial help as well as credit counseling to get back on track. I know owed thousands in overdraft charges after the person was able to continue to purchase things without having a positive balance.
Please let me know if I'm looking in the right place or not for credit counseling. I put my contact info below but should be able to respond on this email.

[Anthony Jones]

Good afternoon, My name is Jimmy and my fiance and 2 daughters rent a 2 bedroom condo for $1425.00 per month. We have have a huge financial impact on us over the past few months with my wages being garnished due to an old bank account where fraud happened and I lost everything I had. I now need some financial help as well as credit counseling to get back on track. I know owed thousands in overdraft charges after the person was able to continue to purchase things without having a positive balance.
My wages are garnished. My rent has been over due since the 1st of the month. I was able to pay my land lord $225 out of the 1425 I owe, and now he's demanding the remaining balance or is going to start the eviction process. What can I do to get back on track?
Please let me know if I'm looking in the right place or not for credit counseling. I put my contact info below but should be able to respond on this email.

[Aaron Martinez]

Morning, my name is Joseph I serve 12 years in the military. I am a combat veteran and did multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and now my debt is very high and credit is low. I'm also 90 percent VA disabled. Currently I'm homeless living with my friend and going through a hardship. I recently got out of Prison in December 2021 and haven't been able to find a job due to my back ground and availability due to my Parole. I'm trying to move in to my own apartment due to the fact that the mother of my children drop them off and left me in charge of them due to some issues she is going through with my monthly salary and my conviction is been hard to get accepted by any apartment. Can you please contact me if you all know of any apartment that might work with me or credit counseling services for military members too. I have family violence in impeding breath felony. My credit score is low 550 for to being in the military. But I make enough off disability to get something small for my kids sake. Thank you.

[AsianGirl]

My name is Elizabeth Horace and I live on a fixed income. Max Pierce referred me to you for free counseling. My electric services are due to be shut off tomorrow for a past due balance in debt that I was unaware of.
I've exhausted any and all resources that I could when I moved into a new house and called to transfer services. I was informed of a 669.41 balance if not paid by today.
I'm scheduled to be disconnected tomorrow 250.00 has been accredited towards my balance. I'm still trying to get 419.00 debt that is due and I hope counseling helps with that. If you could please contact me it would be greatly appreciated, Thank you

[Doglover12]

I'm disable an live in an duplex and about to be eviction out my home and in debt. Thank God for help and if possible can I get section 8 voucher. I can't hardly pay my rent and light, water, trash, etc.
I'm on a fixed income and need some type of budgeting and debt counseling advice. I can't get no apartment because housing authority say I own them and I'm in the private owned my rent. It is 495 and my light run 206. My water 46. My check is 556 so is there anyway I can get voucher please. Help me I'm disabled. I've had 3 surgery on my back, Please help me with rental assistance voucher and with credit cards. May God BLESS YOU ALL and I'm 54 year old and disabled. Thanks for listening.

[Heather Mac]

I am living on a fixed income and got behind on the phone bill.
My family lives out of state and I'm unable to stay in touch with them.
Also I have paid and am still paying on Dr. and dentist bills with debt counseling.
Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Kelly lynn]

It need some help with my rent on my trailer this month. It's been a struggle for several months now but by the grace of God and a couple good friends we were able to pay it but this month has been more difficult. Seems like just when you think your going to make it something happens. If at all possible I would like to keep stability in my childrens' lives, so a counselor would be great. I do not want not have to uproot them from the trailer they've known as their home for 9 years. Thank you for your time.

[Cara]

Hi, I'm 30 years old and have major debt! I live in Venice beach CA.
I am a licensed hairstylist and have a job opportunity this Sunday for a possible long term job.
I need help getting my credit out of debt. I have made poor decisions early adult hood and now am paying the price. Please help with any referrals to credit counselors who are non-profit as I have absolutely NO money to pay up front.