How To: Find Financial Help

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

If you resolved to get your financial house in order this year, then you’re probably going to encounter some questions and problems along the way. If so, where will you turn for help?

Patrica Packwood knows firsthand what it’s like to be a victim of identity theft…

“Somethings not right here, I called Capital and said I just tried to use my credit card and it wouldn’t go through.”
-Patricia Packwood

Seems simple enough, but after dozens of calls and letters, her bank refused to take the $1,700 of fraudulent charges off her statement. So as a last resort, she turned to a Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

“I said the first thing you need is to call the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, re-contact again all 3 credit reporting agencies letting them know the situation, also resend the copies back to the lender advising them of what you’ve done”
-Judy Damian, Consumer Credit Counseling Service

“She put me at ease right away, she took quite a lot of pressure off me just talking to her… Capital One eventually wrote me a letter, gave me credit for everything and said all was cleared up.”
-Patricia Packwood

Most of us think of credit counselors as people you turn to when you’re drowning in debt, and that’s true, but they can also help with simple advice on practically anything from saving more to building a budget to identity theft.

Bottom line? Obviously if you’ve got a major problem going to a place like consumer credit is a great idea, but what you might not know is whatever your questions are, whatever you need help with, try them first. They’re free, they’re helpful.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.