National Foundation for Credit Counseling

They may ask

• some intake questions, to work out which credit counseling services fit you best
• what you want a review for, such as credit card debt, household budgeting, or foreclosure prevention, plus your name, zip code, email, phone and preferred language (English or Spanish), if you use the online form

They can

• connect you with an NFCC-certified credit counselor for a confidential consultation
• review your financial goals and budget with you one on one and create a personalized financial action plan
• work with you and your creditors on a debt management plan, which can potentially stop collection calls and legal action if you keep your part of the agreement
• help you find an NFCC member agency in your area, through the Agency Finder or on 800-388-2227
• make you an appointment with a counselor in person, online or by phone, and tell you how to prepare, which may mean gathering certain financial documents first

They cannot

• promise it is free: most NFCC-member agencies offer free credit counseling, but some charge for specific services and fees vary by agency and state law
• contact your creditors unless you set up a debt management plan or other payment plan
• keep your online form between you and NFCC: by sending it you agree they may share it with member agencies and other third parties, who may call, text or email you
• promise the calls and legal action will stop: their page says they can potentially stop, and calls are likely to stop if you keep your part of the agreement