 TITLE: How to Know Whether You Need a Credit Counselor CONTENT: How to Find a Good Credit Counselor\n-----------------------------------\nThere are several organizations that offer credit counseling, but not all of them are created equal, so it's important to know how to find a good one. The best credit counseling agencies are nonprofit organizations accredited or certified by the NFCC or Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA).\nYou can find a list of reputable organizations in your area through the U.S. Department of Justice website or your state's attorney general.\nTake your time and pick a few credit counselors to compare. Ask each one about their certifications and set up a preliminary meeting in person or over the phone. This initial meeting should be free, allowing you to share your situation and pick the right counselor for you based on how they respond.\nAs you go through this process, here are some potential red flags that you should avoid:\n*   An organization pushes a debt management plan without spending time analyzing your situation.\n*   A credit counselor charges for general financial advice.\n*   The agency isn't a nonprofit organization or certified by the NFCC or FCAA.\n*   The agency has a minimum debt requirement. END