Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland and Delaware

Are You Financially Fit?

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service has assisted thousands of people like you with debt management programs since 1966. CCCS is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

If you think that you may have a financial problem, take a few seconds to answer the questions below.

Financial Fitness Checklist
Question	Yes	No
1.) Are you using more and more of your income to pay your debts?
2.) Do you make only the minimum payments due on your loans and credit cards each month?
3.) Are you near, at, or over the credit limit on your credit cards?
4.) Are you paying your bills with money intended for other things?
5.) Are you borrowing money or using credit cards to pay for things you used to buy with cash?
6.) Do you often pay your bills late?
7.) Are you dipping into your savings to pay current bills?
8.) Do you put off visits to the dentist or doctor because you can't afford them?
9.) Has a collection agency called recently about overdue bills?
10.) Are you working overtime or a second job to make ends meet?
11.) If you or your spouse lost your jobs, would you be in financial trouble right away?
12.) Do you worry about money a lot?

If you answered "Yes" to more than five of the questions on the Financial Fitness Checklist, you may already be in serious financial trouble. But don't despair. There is a way to get your finances in shape. A call now to Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD & DE, Inc. can help you begin the process of paying off your bills and learning to live within a realistic budget.

When choosing a Counseling Service...

Be advised that all credit counseling services are not alike. A new breed of counselor has emerged that may not have your best interests in mind. To help you decide, here are some of the questions you should ask:

How long has the agency been in business? Organizations with a long history of helping consumers are more likely to be reputable. Check with the Better Business Bureau or State Consumer Protection Division to see if any complaints have been lodged against the agency.
Is the counseling service affiliated with a national trade association? CCCS of Maryland & Delaware, Inc. is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Membership in the NFCC signifies that the agencies meet the highest quality standards including maintaining a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
Is there a cost for service? There are no upfront costs. Ask if there are consultation or setup, or monthly maintenance fees.
Is the counseling service accredited? CCCS of Maryland & Delaware is accredited through The Council on Accreditation. Rigorous quality and professional performance standards must be met to achieve and maintain this distinction.
Are the agency's counselors certified? Counselors that are trained and tested on their knowledge of financial education and debt management are more likely to provide accurate and professional advice. Counselors at CCCS of Maryland & Delaware achieve certification through a series of tests developed jointly by the NFCC and Purdue University and updated by Accel eMedia.
Is the agency in compliance with the MD Debt Management Services Act? The Maryland Debt Management Services Act requires agencies that are providing debt management services to Maryland residents to be licensed and bonded. The law also limits the amount of fees that can be charged to a maximum of $50.00 for set up and $8.00 per creditor included in the debt management program up to $40.00. CCCS of MD & DE - License #14-1.

For additional information please continue on with this presentation or call us toll free at

1-800-642-2227

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