Take Control of Your Credit

In my last post, I listed the top ten tips, as stated by NYC Habitat for Humanity, that can help you improve your score. If you still need help, don't panic, credit counseling is available. What exactly do credit counselors do? They help you negotiate with your creditors, fix errors in your credit report, and developed a personalized budget.

There are many credit counseling resources available.

For free general credit and debt help:

Financial Empowerment Centers
~Provide free confidential one-on-one credit counseling and may help lower your monthly debt payments
~ Have four locations across the city and are a great first-stop for advice and assistance
~ To find one in your neighborhood, visit
http://www.nyc.gov/html/ofe/html/poverty/fec/.shtml
~ Call 311 for an appointment or call these numbers
*Manhattan: 646-264-1365
*Bronx: 347-329-3929
*Brooklyn: 718-636-6994
*Queens: 646-810-4050 ext. 112

Credit Where Credit Is Due
~ Provides free financial literacy workshops in every borough
~ Has a relationship with a credit union where you can set up an account
~ Call 212-927-2870
~ Visit at http://www.cwid.org/

Single Stop USA
~ Offers help with financial counseling, legal assistance, benefits screening, finding a job, and other resources
~ Have various locations across the city
~ Call 212-480-2870
~ To see a list of all the locations in NYC, visit http://singlestopusa.org/

Take Charge America
~ Resource for credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education services
~ Services done over the phone or online
~ Call 866-528-0588
~ Visit http://takechargeamerica.org/

Resources for specific debt issues:

For medical debt:
The Access Project's Medical Debt Resolution Program
~Provides information about working with medical providers, insurers, and public programs to resolve medical debt
~ Use online intake form to request assistance
~ Call 617-654-9911
~ Visit http://accessproject.org/medical.html

For student debt:
Student Loan Borrower Assistance (A project of the National Consumer Law Center)
~ Provides general information on student loan issues
~ Call 617-482-0850
~ Visit http://www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/

For mortgage debt:
Neighborhood Housing Services
~ Offers counseling on mortgage issues, refinancing, and other housing topics
~ Visit http://www.nhsnyc.org/en/programs-and-services/foreclosure-prevention

For legal assistance:
CAMBA
~ Provides free legal counseling to low-income New Yorkers
~ Call 718-287-2600
~ Visit http://www.camba.org/

I hope these resources are helpful to those who are in need of credit counseling. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Use these resources to your advantage!

Want to own an affordable Habitat for Humanity home? Stay tuned to know if you qualify!