The Benefits of NFCC Credit Counseling
When consumers seek help with their finances, particularly high-interest debt, they are more vulnerable than they realize. That’s because the world of debt relief can be complicated, and the distinctions between different services (such as debt management, debt consolidation and debt settlement) are often difficult to understand. On top of this, there aren’t many “good guys” out there, and some companies have built business models designed to make profits from unsuspecting consumers. Luckily, there is one reputable organization that helps make this much more clear—the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), and Clearpoint is proud to be a member agency of the NFCC. Working with an NFCC member agency like us brings some key benefits, and you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you are in good hands.
Your Financial Advocate. Backed by The Nation’s Best—NFCC.
When it comes to your financial well-being, we’re in your corner. No matter who you are and what your money situation is, you’re not alone. We’re at your side ready to resolve any financial issue you might be facing. Our job is to help you find a solution that’s right for you and your family—by working with you every step of the way. As your financial advocate, we’re not done until you feel relief and are empowered to take charge of your financial future.
How do we do this? Clearpoint is dedicated to the financial health of everyone in our community. We’re here to provide the solutions and real-world advice you need to create a plan that will put you and your money in a better place—economically and emotionally.
What’s behind it all? We are members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s first and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the financial well-being of people like you. We are COA-accredited and held to the highest standards of excellence by 18 NFCC member quality standards that are more rigorous than any others.
To ensure a consistent quality experience, our NFCC® Certified Consumer Credit Counselors are required to take ongoing classes in continuing education and training. It’s a lot of work, and the standards are high, but it’s the only way to make sure we can provide the best possible service and financial solutions to people like you—who deserve to be treated with honesty, integrity and respect.
Look for the NFCC member logo when you need a knowledgeable and dedicated financial advocate on your side.
COA
One significant requirement to be a member of the NFCC is to obtain accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA) every four years. This is a rigorous process, and the COA reviews eight important areas:
- Mission and Purpose
- Quality Assurance
- Governance & Administration
- Human Resources
- Service Environment
- Financial Management
- Professional Practices
- Service Delivery
In addition to this review, there are other strict standards to which the agency must adhere, including offering a variety of deposit methods to clients and providing significant educational materials and resources.
Certified Counselors
Speaking of high standards, all credit counselors at NFCC member agencies are certified, which means they have studied counseling principles, understand consumer rights and responsibilities, and have passed examinations to show proficiency in these and other areas.
Emphasis on Education
A big part of quality counseling is providing education to the client, but NFCC members take this a step further and incorporate education into the core of their business. They frequently give workshops in the community and make online financial education tools freely available.
Variety of Options
Credit counseling agencies that are part of the NFCC have a unique approach to the way that they counsel, because they take the client’s individual situation into consideration. This means that they don’t give blanket answers or force a “one size fits all” approach. It also means that they don’t force their paid programs onto consumers. For example, if it’s in a client’s best interest to pay down debt on their own (without a Debt Management Program), then that is what the counselor will suggest.
Affordability
Lastly, the NFCC member agencies offer their services at no or low costs. Budget and credit counseling (the initial, basic session in most cases) is always free of charge, and other services are frequently made more affordable as a result of grant funding or limits set by the states.
Working with Us
Clearpoint is proud to be a member of the NFCC, and we take our mission to provide Consumer Health through Financial Education seriously. If you are looking for a credit counseling agency that will provide education, personalized solutions and affordable fees, then look no further. You can get started with our services today.