You don’t have to figure out your finances all on your own.
Whether you’re looking for guidance in bankruptcy, budgeting, credit, or home loans, initial financial counseling is available to you at no cost.
Personal Finance
If you’ve ever struggled to stick to a budget, wanted advice about student loans, or been the victim of a financial crime, you’re not alone. And CCCS is here to help.
Personal Budgeting
Creating a budget you can realistically stick to can be the first step on a road to financial stability for you and your family. Imagine if you didn’t worry about unexpected expenses or pinch pennies until payday. If you’re struggling to stick to your budget, you aren’t alone—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our certified counselors can help you create a personalized budget plan based on your income, expenses, and savings goals. Providing insights to help you reduce expenses and save for the future, we can help you reach your goals of financial freedom.
The best part? Our initial budgeting counseling session is available at no cost to you.
Student Loan Counseling
If you’re struggling to repay your loans or find a repayment option that works for you, the experienced student loan counselors at CCCS can help. We can help you examine your options, and even help with the application paperwork.
We know there are a lot of options when it comes to student loan repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs. We’ll help simplify the process and discuss your options in detail, so you feel confident that you’re making the best choice for your financial future. We will discuss your situation and provide resources during your free appointment.
For those who request it, we will assist you with the completion and submission of student loan repayment or forgiveness paperwork for a fee of $50 per hour. You are under no obligation to utilize this paid service, and you can make a free appointment to discuss your options before having to decide. Using this service will ensure that your information is properly submitted, but it is not a guarantee of acceptance or admittance to any federal plan or program.
Check out the Student Loan Debt Report with the Chamber of Commerce >>
Identity Theft and Scams
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a financial crime, it is not your fault. That said, there are some steps you can take to prevent identity theft and scams from happening to you.
Start by keeping crucial information secure, including your:
- Social security number
- Bank account information
- Credit cards
- Driver’s License and passport
- Phone and utility information
Take these steps to deter scams and identity theft:
- Shred anything that has your address or personal account information on it, as well as credit card applications you receive in the mail.
- Check all credit card and bank account statements carefully for anything suspicious.
- Check your credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com.
- Stop pre-approved credit card applications in your mail by calling 888.5OPT.OUT or visit optoutprescreen.com.
- Do not provide personal information over the phone, through emails or website pop-ups.
Take these steps to avoid credit card theft:
- Sign new cards as soon as they arrive
- Never lend your credit card to anyone
- Report questionable charges immediately
- Call credit bureau to report identity theft
If you are a victim of identity theft, you should:
- Contact your credit card companies and banks.
- Contact a credit agency to get an extended fraud alert placed on your account.
- File a police report.
- Document all correspondences as it relates to the situation
- For the most up-to-date, comprehensive list of current scams and Do’s and Don’ts, go to www.USA.gov/common-scams-frauds
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, here are additional agencies who can help you.
State of Wisconsin Consumer Protection 800.422.7128
USA Government www.usa.gov/common-scams-frauds
AARP Fraud Watch Network 877.908.3360
BBB Wise Giving Alliance www.give.org
National Fraud Information Center 800.876.7060
Wisconsin No-Call List 866.966.2255
