Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Credit Counseling

Filed Under » , , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Credit Counseling'

Personalized counseling services that provide guidance and support for those who have gotten in over their heads financially. The objective of most credit counseling is to help the creditor avoid bankruptcy, as well as provide basic education on financial management. Many counseling services also negotiate with creditors on behalf of the borrower to reduce interest rates and late fees.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Credit Counseling'

Bankruptcy law mandates that anyone filing for bankruptcy must first undergo credit counseling before being approved. Many counselors charge reasonable fees for their services, but the consumer counseling industry is fraught with misrepresentation and even fraud. As such, those who seek a credit counselor should avoid any company that charges large upfront fees or make unrealistic promises. In addition, legitimate credit counseling firms are affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Credit, Debit And Charge: Sizing Up The Cards In Your Wallet

    Not all plastic is equal! Learn the difference between the three kinds, and how each can affect your finances.

  2. How Much Debt Can You Handle?

    Follow these five steps to manage debt without cutting up your credit cards.

  3. Digging Out Of Personal Debt

    Find out why good intentions can put consumers in an even bigger hole than before.

  4. Top 7 Most Common Financial Mistakes

    Choose fortune over disaster by avoiding these money traps.

  5. Stop Keeping Up With The Joneses - They're Broke

    Conspicuous consumption could be robbing you of future wealth.

  6. What's On A Consumer Credit Report?

    A look at the various components and considerations that go into one's credit report and credit score.

  7. 7 Unconventional Ways Businesses Can Borrow Money

    Find out how your business can get the money it needs - even when the bank says "no".

  8. Taxable Rewards To Be Aware Of

    Find which benefits from reward programs count as income in the eyes of the IRS.

  9. Financial Solutions For Young Women

    Break through the stereotypes and find out how to manage your life to meet your needs.

  10. Bloated Budget? How To Trim The Fat

    Blood, sweat and tears should belong in the gym, but your money deserves some training time too.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.

  2. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.

  3. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.

  4. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.

  5. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.

  6. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
Trading Center