Credit Counselors
Also known as: Accredited Financial Counselor, Branch Credit Counselor, Certified Consumer Credit and Housing Counselor (+37 more)
Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.
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What You'll Do
- Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
- Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
- Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
- Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
- Estimate time for debt repayment, given amount of debt, interest rates, and available funds.
- Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.
- Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.
- Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries.
- Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or payment plans.
- Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.
- Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
Common styles
Integrity, Dependability, Concern for Others, Attention to Detail, Self-Control
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Integrity (High importance: 4.96/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.76/5)
- Concern for Others (High importance: 4.68/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.64/5)
- Self-Control (High importance: 4.6/5)
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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