Q:  What can Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) do for me?           
A:  Our agency offers you confidential counseling by a Certified Consumer Credit Counselor.  When appropriate for your situation we offer a Debt Management Program to assist you in paying off your debts.  Our agency is also committed to providing you with the resources and financial literacy education you may need to handle your finances successfully.

Q:  Where do you get your funding?
A:  We receive funding from various sources. Currently we receive funding from United Way and other organizations and foundations who award us grants.  We also receive contributions from businesses.  These grants and contributions provide the majority of the support for our services.  There are some services we offer where clients pay a fee.  Client fees are kept at minimum amounts to cover costs.  No one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay fees. 

Q:  What is a Debt Management Program (DMP)?                                          
A:  A Debt Management Program, is in a sense, a debt consolidation program where you can make one payment a month to CCCS and we disburse payments to your creditors for you.  This is a structured program whereby CCCS acts as a liaison between you and your creditors;  and, you agree not to incur any additional debt to maintain cooperation from the creditors. Most creditors reduce interest, stop late and over-limit fees and agree to monthly payments through CCCS.

Q:  Can CCCS just help me figure out how to handle my monthly budget without going on a DMP program?                                                                   
A:  CCCS has Certified Consumer Credit Counselors on staff who will work with you to develop a realistic budget that fits your needs, allowing for monthly expenses, periodic expenses and savings.  You will also have access to our resource library that is full of information on wise money management.   

Q: How do I determine if I should pay my creditors on my own or pay them through your Debt Management Program?
A:  If you have been missing payments or making payments late, you may benefit from our Debt Management Program (DMP). If agreeable reduced payments will fit into your budget, a DMP will allow you to meet credit obligations while covering your housing and other living expenses; lower interest rates and waived late and over-limit fees mean more of your payment goes toward principal; and "re-aging" of your account means your credit report can start looking better.  Also, consolidation under the program means no more calls from creditors and no more juggling bill payments.

Q:  What will happen to my Credit Report if I get involved with a Debt Management Program through CCCS?                                                      
A:  Participation in a debt repayment program may change information which is already on your credit report.  If your credit report reflects that you have paid creditors as agreed in the past, a Debt Management Program could have a negative impact on a credit worthiness decision by potential creditor, landlord, or employer while you are on the program.

Q:  How much is a Debt Management Program going to cost me?                 
A:  There is a one-time set-up fee of $0-$50, and a small monthly administration fee of $0-$65 that is based on your individual plan and ability to pay.  No one is refused services because of an inability to pay fees.

Q:   How do I get started with Consumer Credit Counseling Service?           
A:  Fill out the First Step Worksheet , read and sign the Privacy Notice and Statement of Counseling , and then fax all the forms to us at (541) 267-7044. You also have the option of going direct to our Online Counseling Application to fill out and submit the information needed for your counseling appointment.

Q:  How do I know that I won't be better off filing for bankruptcy?
A:  Before you can file bankruptcy you are required to seek Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling which will provide you with the options available for you to make the appropriate decision for your situation. CCCS of Coos-Curry is approved by the Executive Office of the United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide you with your required counseling and give you the Certificate needed to present to an attorney if you choose to file.

Q:  Where is CCCS located and what are the hours?                                       
A:  The office is located at 375 South 4th Street, Suite 100 in downtown Coos Bay (Nasburg & Company Building).  Office hours are  8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Q:  Could someone from CCCS speak to my group or organization?              
A:  Yes, our professional staff will make a presentation to any group in the community about our services.  We are also available to present group classes.  Please call us  at (541) 267-7040 or (800) 248-7040 to schedule a presentation or class.