Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our clients. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What classes do you offer?
What topics do you teach?
What is the cost to attend one of your seminars?
I would like to schedule a CCOA education speaker for my college/business/organization. How can I do that?
What does the home buyer education course cover?
What are the income guidelines for home buyer assistance programs?
What happens in a counseling session?
I'm having trouble making payments to creditors. What should I do until my appointment?
Can I use a credit report to get started on the Debt Management Program (DMP) instead of creditor statements?
In what languages does CCOA provide services?
Can CCOA stop legal action?
I received my datasheet, but do I really need to fill it out before my session?
Do I have to put all my creditors on the Debt Management Program (DMP)?
Can you assist me with an account that has been turned over to a collection agency?
How can I reach my counselor to speak to him/her?
Will my employer or creditors know I have an appointment?
If I am living with someone, but not married, can we both be on the same Debt Management Program (DMP) together?
Do I have to be behind on my payments to start a Debt Management Program (DMP)?
How do I select a Credit Counseling Agency?
Why should I choose a Credit Counseling Agency over a Debt Settlement Company?
What will the Debt Management Program (DMP) do to my credit?
Will I be able to obtain a home loan or a vehicle loan while on the Debt Management Program (DMP)?
Does CCOA report late pays to the credit bureaus?
How can I improve my credit?
Credit scoring companies measure the amount of debt you're carrying compared to the credit limits on your accounts. You want to avoid being close to, or over your credit limits. In fact, it's best to be using only 25% or less of your established credit on any given account. Three other factors impact your credit scores. You can get more information on credit scores and tips to improve them by visiting Fair Isaac's website myfico.com, where they have some useful educational material.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also has some great information on the subject at their site: consumerfinance.gov.
CCOA offers a credit report review service. A counselor will sit down with you, pull a copy of your Experian credit report (with credit score), and review the strengths and weaknesses with you. The counselor will also give you personalized advice on how to take steps to improve your score. We only offer this service in-person. We also point out that you are entitled to get a free copy of your credit reports once per year from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies. You can access your reports at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.