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General Questions
Debt Management
How do I become a client?
You can become a client of Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling Services by calling 319-398-3576 or 1-800-826-3574 or by emailing solutions@horizonscccs.org.
Do I have to come into your office for my appointment?
No. Although the majority of our counseling is done in one of our convenient offices, we also offer telephone, and on line counseling.
Do your services cost anything?
Your initial budget counseling session is free. There are minimal fees for some of the other services we provide. You and your counselor will discuss the other services than may be help you reach your counseling goals. Any fees would be discussed at that time. WE DO NOT WANT FEES TO BE A BARRIER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE OUR SERVICES. Horizons CCCS will gladly consider your circumstances and adjust or waive fees accordingly.
What can I expect at my initial counseling session?
Whether you access our services in-person, by phone or online you can expect prompt, professional, confidential service from your Horizons counselor and staff. A Certified Consumer Credit Counselor will review the reasons you came to see us, do a thorough budget analysis, help you develop specific goals that you want to accomplish, and then assist you in devising a plan to meet those goals.
I'm embarrassed about my situation, will my counselor tell me what I am doing wrong, or yell at me?
Absolutely not. Horizons CCCS understands that bad things can happen to good people. We also know that financial decisions are very difficult to make, and from time to time people make decisions that seemed good at the time, but don't end up that way. Horizons counselors are professional and non-judgmental, who look for solutions, not blame. We are not here to tell you what to do; our job is to help you find ways to accomplish your goals.
Do I have to stop spending money the way I want to?
On the contrary. Budgeting and money management are all about spending money on the things that are important to you. That is why a Horizons certified counselor will spend time discussing what you want to accomplish. That doesn't mean you may not have to make some sacrifices, but those sacrifices will help you get the things that are most important to you.
Will my creditors stop charging me interest?
Some creditors have policies for working with clients of non-profit credit counseling agencies that include reducing or waiving the interest. These policies vary greatly from creditor to creditor. Most creditors will stop charging late fees and over-limit fees. Most creditors have a requirement that you make 3 consecutive payments through your debt management plan before giving these concessions.
Will being in a debt management plan hurt my credit rating?
Without knowing what your credit rating currently looks like, that is a very difficult question to answer. The fact that you are in a debt management plan does not have any impact on your credit score, which is what many lenders look at when making credit decisions. Your credit rating can be affected, either positively or negatively, by how your creditors report your payment history to credit reporting services.
Who will know that I am in a debt management program?
You, a Horizons Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, and your creditors. Some creditors report that their account is being paid through a credit counseling agency, so someone looking at your credit report may see that you are in a program.
Will I be able to get credit while I am in a debt management program?
Yes and No. The purpose of a debt management program is to help you get out of debt as quickly as possible, so getting new credit would be counter-productive. In fact, applying or receiving a new credit card is grounds for your creditors to drop you from the program. On the other hand, we understand that you may need to get a loan for a vehicle or home while you are in the program. You should discuss this with your counselor to see how the new payment will fit into your budget.
Will a debt management program leave me with out any money to live on?
No. It is Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling Services policy that if you cannot meet your basic living expenses, plus make the payments that can be arranged through your debt management program, we will not recommend a debt management program.
How long will it take me to get out of debt?
That depends on several things - the amount debt, the minimum debt management payment required by your creditor, and the interest rate the creditor is charging. A typical debt management program runs 48-60 months.
Do I have to stop using my credit cards?
Yes. If they have not been already, your accounts will be closed to further charging. This will help you reach your goal of getting out of debt.
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