A Real Solution.
To SAVE OUR HOMES.
To SAVE OUR JOBS.
To Fix the Economy.
Hours of Operation
As of October 29th Lighthouse Customer Service:
Monday through Thursday:
9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
Friday:
9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Counseling is also available via email. Contact us today!
Resource Center
Read our articles to study up on a variety of financial topics, including money management, understanding credit, savings and investing, and mortgages, loans and insurance.
1-800-339-2361
Client Services Has Changed Our Hours to Better Serve You Monday - Thursday 9am to 6pm Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Credit Counseling
What is Credit Counseling?
Credit Counseling describes the partnership created when a consumer and a credit counselor work together to improve the consumer’s financial situation or financial understanding. This service is available to anyone who has the desire to manage their money, credit or debts more effectively. This unique, one-on-one opportunity provides consumers with an opportunity to:
Discuss the current financial situation
Do an in-depth, comprehensive budget analysis
Identify root causes of financial difficulties
Establish financial goals
Discuss viable debt management solutions
Develop strategies to achieve financial success
Depending on the level of debt or severity of the situation, credit counseling may also address participation in a debt management program or seeking advice from a bankruptcy attorney.
What are the roles of a Certified Credit Counselor? Certified Credit Counselors can be thought of as “personal financial trainers” who work closely with consumers to help them achieve financial success. The roles of these counselors include:
Maintaining confidentiality of all information obtained from consumers
Assisting consumers in establishing financial goals
Assessing the current financial situation of consumers
Facilitating strategies to resolve financial problems
Presenting alternative spending strategies based on sound financial practices
Educating consumers on money management techniques
Providing necessary educational materials to consumers
Monitoring progress of consumers
Motivating and encouraging consumers to accomplish their goals
Communicating effectively with consumers
Interpreting creditor actions and responses for consumers
Being empathetic and establishing positive relationships with consumers
Providing accurate and honest counseling, advice and feedback
Encouraging and supporting client education in all areas of finance
Lighthouse Credit Foundation’s counselors also abide by the Credit Counseling Code of Ethics to ensure each relationship with a consumer is professional and built on trust, respect, and acceptance.
How do the counselors become certified? Our credit counselors are certified by the Institute for Financial Counseling (IFC). In preparation for the certification exam, counselors participate in training classes during an 8-week period of time. The counselors must also meet the testing requirements set forth by the IFC. After becoming certified, each counselor must complete 8 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their professional designation of Certified Credit Counselor.
