HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE HAVING MONEY PROBLEMS?

Do you feel that any of the following warning signs pertain to you?

• You don't know how much debt you have or, even worse, are afraid to find out.
• Each month the total amount you pay for past purchases is getting larger and you seem to be charging more.
• You are only paying the minimum on revolving charge accounts or have a card at the limit.
• You are financing daily living expenses, things like food and gas, with credit.
• You are arguing with your spouse over bills.
• If you lost your job you would be in immediate financial difficulty.
• You are juggling who you pay each month.
• Some bills or a visit to the dentist has to be put off for right now.
• You are starting to receive calls from people you owe money to.
• You are using credit card cash advances to pay other bills.
• The word repossession has come to mind more than once.
• Someone has suggested legal action.
• None of those warning signs pertain to me but I still feel my financial ratio is out of line.

If so, you may want to talk with one of our counselors.

Trust Your Debt To The Local Folks

Non-Profit

Please contact us at 800-856-0257 or email cccs@cccsnct.org .

HOW WE CAN HELP

Want to change your financial status? CCCS is a non-profit community service that has been offering confidential financial counseling to families and individuals since 1951.

During your counseling session we will analyze your overall financial situation and make recommendations like creating a budget, suggesting ways to solve debt problems on your own, and discussing a Debt Management Plan (DMP).

With a Debt Management Plan CCCS works with your creditors for a lower monthly payment. In most cases, creditors will reduce or stop interest and other fees while you are on a DMP. If you choose this option, there is a one-time set-up fee of $50, which can be paid out over several months, and a monthly maintenance fee of $30. You can terminate the program at any time with no obligation or future fees. CCCS does not hide any fees.  What we list above is all there is for this program.

Debt Management Plans (DMP) 

One of your options may be a Debt Management Plan. This program is for families and individuals who are having trouble making regular payments to creditors, but have the capability of making some form of payment. Through this plan CCCS works with your creditors for a repayment program.

Our DMP's serve the dual role of helping you repay your debts and helping creditors collect the money owed them. Since your creditors want to get paid many of them are willing to stop or reduce interest and other fees while you are on a DMP.

In order to qualify for a Debt Management Plan you must be on a balanced budget. This means you must have adequate income to cover all your living expenses with enough discretionary income so reasonable proposals can be sent to your creditors.

Here are a few frequently asked questions that may help you decide if a DMP is for you.

• If my budget doesn't balance, how can I qualify?
• If I don't qualify can I come back?
• If I qualify, can I sign up today?
• What happens if I enter the DMP and then have problems keeping my commitment to the program?
• What will it cost me?
• How is CCCS funded?

If my budget doesn't balance, how can I qualify?

Your financial counselor will outline your options during the counseling session. Some options may be to review your current monthly expenses for possible reductions, or seek a source of additional income. Remember the counselor will bring various options to your attention, but you will make the decision on which option will work for you.

If I don't qualify now, can I come back?

YES!   After you know what your options are, and you have made the necessary adjustments to your budget, simply contact us for a second appointment.

If I qualify, can I sign up today?

The DMP requires a real commitment from you, generally a period of twenty-four to sixty months. When making such a commitment it's only natural for you to take time to evaluate it. Your financial counselor will review your obligations when you enter a DMP and will generally ask you to take the information home with you and take time to review your financial goals and objectives. However, if you are sure of your decision you may sign up immediately.

What happens if I enter the DMP and then have problems keeping my commitment to the program?

Communicate! Making a financial commitment isn't easy, and unforeseen circumstances most always happen that will affect your carefully outlined plan. The key to remember is that CCCS and your creditors understand. However, we must communicate so we can assist you in resolving the problem and so we can alert your creditors of the problem.

What will it cost me?

Financial counseling (not including bankruptcy counseling) is $35 for the first session and additional sessions are free.  If you only need budget work and need to come back again, there will be no charge for 90 days.  Should you have the need and become one of our Debt Management Clients, all counseling while on the program will be FREE.

How is CCCS funded?

We are a non-profit community service that is funded primarily by creditor contributions, local businesses, grants and minimal client fees.