FCAA

The Financial Counseling Association of America

Debt Management

Debt Management Plans – What’s Holding You Back?

4 reasons people give for not signing up for a debt management plan and why they may be making a mistake


We’ve all heard motivational stories of people who have been in financial trouble, then pulled themselves up and are now wildly successful. While these stories are inspiring, not everyone has the means or the support to do the same.

When people get in financial trouble, they often contact the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) for help. One of our member agencies can review their unique situations and make recommendations, giving them pathways out of the financial holes.

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Understanding Your Credit Score and How to Build Good Credit

As you plan and set financial goals, many of those goals may require you to use credit to achieve them. However, the credit limits, rates and loans granted are not the same for everyone. Understanding your credit score is important to get the best rates and approvals needed to realize your dreams.

A high credit score can open doors to better credit terms, lower payments and interest rates and other opportunities. It can often save you money in the long term. Lower credit scores limit opportunities, often increase interest rates and may prevent you from obtaining loans.  

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Debt Advice – How to Know Who to Trust

Money is a top stressor for adults in the United States today. With overdue credit card debt at the highest level in decades added to student loan payments and mortgage debt, many Americans are struggling to get out of debt. And they don’t know where to turn to get trustworthy debt help. 

Determining how to pay off debt can be a challenge, though. Some can read a book and translate principles into their own financial lives. But others need help choosing the best debt relief method, setting a realistic budget and staying on course.  [Read more…] about Debt Advice – How to Know Who to Trust

Are Reverse Mortgages Beneficial?

Thousands of Baby Boomers are hitting retirement age each year, but many are not financially prepared for the next 20+ years of life. Rising healthcare costs, food costs and inflation are siphoning off seniors’ hard-earned retirement funds faster than expected. A reverse mortgage could be the solution.

Seniors who own their homes can obtain money for living expenses by tapping into the equity in their homes through a reverse mortgage.  [Read more…] about Are Reverse Mortgages Beneficial?

4 Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund Wisely

Tax season has arrived. This means you’ll either owe money for underestimating your taxes or the IRS will be sending a tax refund your way. While this seems like a compelling time to splurge on that thing you’ve been eyeing, the FCAA urges you to pause and look to the long term. Yes, we realize this isn’t the “fun” choice. However, choosing how to spend your tax refund wisely may make life a lot more fun and much less stressful in the years to come.  

In this article, we will share why you are receiving a refund and discuss four smart ways to spend your tax refund.  [Read more…] about 4 Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund Wisely

National Financial Literacy Month 2024

National Financial Literacy Month 2024 - FCAA branded logoApril is National Financial Literacy Month, and we’re celebrating! Financial literacy is so important to improve your marriage, your parenting and your life.

As a leading non-profit consumer financial education organization, the FCAA is pleased to provide a wide range of free educational resources. Please take advantage of these enlightening videos, tips and tools from our credit counseling agency members.

If you need help managing debt or building a budget, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with a certified non-profit credit counselor.

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