Learn
How to Manage Your Debt and Stave
Off Debt Problems
OACCS member agencies offer preventative
counselling and coaching to improve
your budgeting and money management
skills. If you are someone whose
financial situation has undergone
recent changes, a student or a
senior, a confidential consultation
with a qualified Credit Counsellor
can give you the tools you need
to handle financial problems and
avoid them in your future. OACCS
member agencies will explain the
process, help you understand costs
and give you help that you can
trust.
Helping
You Reduce Stress
Finding
yourself in financial trouble
can be stressful. Whatever your
needs are, we are here to help
you. If you want to get a handle
on your finances, check out what
our OACCS member Credit Counselling
agencies have to offer. When you
contact an agency:
-
A professional counsellor
will be assigned to work with
you on a confidential basis.
-
You will be given the first
available appointment to talk
with a trained counsellor.
-
You will be asked to provide
some basic information so
your counsellor can fully
understand your situation.
Your
Session with a Credit Counsellor
During your first appointment,
a qualified Credit Counsellor
will take the time to understand
your values and attitudes toward
money. Together, you’ll
discuss your finances, handling
your expenses, payment obligations
and any other concerns. You and
your Credit Counsellor will find
a solution together, set out an
action plan and establish any
needed follow-up support plans.
This process usually takes about
an hour to 90 minutes.
Costs
Charges for services can vary
and most OACCS member agencies
offer low cost or free initial
consultation. If you choose a
debt management program, you can
expect a reasonable cost to establish
the program and a small monthly
service charge.
Funding
for not-for-profit OACCS member
agencies comes from a variety
of sources, including generous
support from creditors, United
Way donations, government grants
and voluntary contributions. This
allows agencies to offer professional
counselling at little or no cost
to you.
Brochures
and Publications
If
you prefer not to have a personal
consultation, you can ask the
agency for printed materials such
as informative brochures, publications
or videos and inquire if the agency
offers money management education
seminars in your community.
