Credit counseling agencies in Arkansas, including that may provide free services.
Credit counseling agencies based in Arkansas, or that are certified to operate in the state but are based elsewhere, provide residents with a variety of services. The counselors from a non-profit will provide low-cost, or free (based on the client’s income) credit repair services or help people reduce their debt. The work is usually done by certified counselors who review income, basic living expenses, and all debts, then recommend steps that fit the household’s actual monthly capacity. Learn about, and find, a non-profit credit counseling agency in Arkansas below.
Types of help provided by credit or debt counseling
The core services offered by nonprofit credit counseling commonly include a full budget and financial review. They then try to help people prioritize essential bills and debts to pay as well as arrange financial education to prevent recurring late payments. Many agencies also provide credit report reviews and guidance on disputing potential errors through the correct credit reporting channels. Note that reputable agencies cannot remove accurate negative information from a credit report, but it can improve credit scores over time by stabilizing payment history, reducing revolving balances, and preventing new delinquencies.
The most common structured program offered by nonprofit credit counseling agencies is a debt management plan for unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans including BNPL, and certain medical bills. In addition to the credit card company assistance programs, Counselors from a non-profit in Arkansas also try to negotiate on behalf on consumers and explore other options. As an example, creditors may agree to reduced interest rates or fee adjustments for accounts if someone is using a reputable credit counseling agency or DMP, but terms vary by creditor and the consumer’s situation.
For Arkansans trying to avoid foreclosure or stabilize rent costs (even including rent payments), many nonprofit agencies also provide housing counseling. This can include, but is not limited too, mortgage delinquency counseling, landlord-tenant mediation and pre-purchase homebuyer education.
List of non-profit credit counseling agencies that cover Arkansas
The organizations listed below provide free or affordable, income-based services in Arkansas. There are also national nonprofit that serve the state by telephone and online, particularly in smaller towns with limited in-person appointments. While terms and conditions vary, as do income guidelines for no-cost consultations, it is important to verify nonprofit status, ask for a written schedule of fees or if qualified for free credit counseling, and confirm the agency’s accreditations or memberships.
Credit Counseling Of Arkansas is one of the leading non-profit debt and credit counseling organizations in Arkansas with housing counseling also available from the HUD agency. They operate in person offices and online throughout the state. Get everything from help with debt consolidation, free budgeting advice, up to and including access to HUD approved foreclosure counseling or help with medical bills, including medical debt help. The offices are listed below.
- 1111 E Zion Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Call (479) 521-8877
- 3200 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Main number is 800-889-4916
- 1730 SE Moberly Lane, Bentonville, AR 72712. Call 479-521-8877
The Department of Justice lists approved, certified agencies as well. The website here https://www.justice.gov/ust/credit-counseling-by-state/Arkansas will show nonprofits that provide free budgeting advice, credit, and housing counseling along with credit report reviews and debt management plans.
Credit.org (formerly Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management, Inc.)
This is a national non-profit that also offers assistance in Arkansas. The toll free number is 888-425-3453. They focus on, among other things, low income families who owe money on payday or salary advance loans, medical debt reduction, and other maybe non-standard debts. Find details on payday loan debt alternatives.
GreenPath Financial Wellness
The organization is national nonprofit that offers free financial counseling and debt counseling services in Arkansas - over the phone or online. The agency may help with evaluating whether a debt management plan or some other option, life refinancing, is appropriate. GreenPath also publishes consumer education resources and promotes counselor-led budgeting and repayment planning. The counselors are highly trained and committed to helping families get back on track with their finances.
Money Management International
Address - 400 W Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201. Call (501) 399-4322
The local office of the national MMI credit counseling agency. Learn about debt management plans (DMP), how to improve credit scores, access foreclosure counseling, and other support from the non-profit. They offer both local and national debt management plans - DMP that help consumers with unsecured financial obligations.
Southern Bancorp Community Partners
Location is 400 Hardin Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211. Call (800) 789-3428
The organization provides financial education and counseling alongside housing-focused services as they are HUD approved. This organization can be relevant when unpaid debt concerns or low credit scores intersect with housing costs and mortgage issues.
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