Debt can be extremely difficult to overcome and for people with serious debt issues, getting help can be just what the doctor ordered. One of the common sources of help for those with debt problems is credit counseling. Taking the step of visiting a credit counselor for the first time can be a daunting task. Often consumers experience a great deal of fear and apprehension as they have no idea what to expect in a credit counseling session. A credit counselor can be a huge asset in your fight against debt problems but can also be a waste of time, so choosing wisely is essential.

The most important thing to realize before you ever set foot in a credit counselor’s office is that getting out of debt is going to take a lot of work. No credit counselor has a magic formula that will eliminate your debt problems, but a good debt counselor can provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to get yourself on the path to debt-free living. If you’re going to share every detail and misstep of your financial life with a credit counselor, it’s important to find one that you can trust. Here are some characteristics that are a hallmark of any good credit counseling agency.

Free: Plenty of credit counselors will try to charge you for your appointment and most of them will add to your debt problems instead of helping you find a solution. There are plenty of good non-profit organizations that provide free credit counseling. You should be able to find a credit counselor that will dedicate a block of time to you without trying to get anything in return.

Educational: Good credit counseling agencies should have resources that help you organize a strategy for getting out of debt. They should have resources like brochures and a website that you can use to continue your education after a credit counseling session. Many agencies offer group classes and lectures that you can attend at no cost to gain insight in addition to your individual time spent with a counselor.

Accreditation: There are independent organizations that rate and provide accreditations to credit counseling agencies. Ask your credit counseling agency if they have a current accreditation from either the Council on Accreditation (COA) or the International Standards Organization (ISO). You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if complaints have been lodged against an organization that you’re considering working with.

Great Service: Your credit counselor is going to be giving you advice that is essential to your financial health so don’t be afraid to search for one that is a good match for your personality. You shouldn’t have to wait in a lobby all day to talk to someone and you should be able to get help on simple matters over the phone or via e-mail. You have several options for credit counseling so if you feel like you’re not getting treated in a professional manner, shop around and find a better experience.

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