Consumer Financial Advice | Get Help from the FCAA

7 Steps to Build Back After Personal Bankruptcy

December 10, 2024

Declaring bankruptcy is hard. Few people care to admit they have exhausted their financial options and cannot repay their debts. While personal bankruptcy provides debt relief, managing your finances and rebuilding your credit afterward requires hard work.

In this article, FCAA member financial experts share seven ways to rebuild after bankruptcy.

Consider the consequences before declaring bankruptcy

If you are considering bankruptcy, the FCAA encourages you to exhaust all other options first. Bankruptcy is personally and financially challenging, and it should truly be a last resort.

Credit Counseling for Veterans and Active Military

November 11, 2024

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) recognizes the commitment and sacrifices of our veterans and military service members. Not only do they dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, but they also experience unique financial challenges as a result of their service. Thankfully, credit counseling agencies can be a financial lifeline to veterans, active military personnel and their families.

From frequent relocations and deployments to adjusting to civilian life and healthcare challenges, service members face very different financial strains than the average American. This makes finding military-minded, trustworthy financial advice important.

Credit Counseling Isn’t Just for People in Financial Trouble

October 6, 2024

Non-profit credit counselors help people review their financial situation and find ways to build a successful financial future.

Feeling financially stuck is common. Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, making their monthly payments, but their balances either go up or don’t budge. Others gradually chip away at their balances but wish they knew how to pay off their debts faster. Consumer credit counseling can help.

Consumer credit counseling services are recommended for people in serious financial trouble. But, they are also a valuable resource for people who need affordable, unbiased financial advice.

Debt Management Plans – What’s Holding You Back?

September 5, 2024

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.

FCAA Partners With Piere to Offer Financial Management App

August 20, 2024

Partnership combines Piere’s financial management app with non-profit financial counseling from Financial Counseling Association of America members to benefit consumers

BOCA RATON, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2024) – Consumers will now have smarter financial tools available to help them with money management through a new partnership between the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) and Piere, a pioneering intelligent personal financial management platform.

This collaboration will help empower consumers on their journey to financial stability and debt relief by combining Piere’s innovative financial tools and insights with FCAA’s expert financial education and counseling. When consumers visit FCAA’s website, they will be able to access and download the Piere app for free, with more robust reporting and automation available for an upgrade fee.

Understanding Your Credit Score and How to Build Good Credit

August 8, 2024

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.