GETTING STARTED

Getting started with Family Financial Education Foundation is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow the steps below and find out just how soon you can be out of debt!

Step #1: Is debt management right for you?

It is true that a debt management program is not the right answer for everyone. However if you qualify for the program, it is a much better option than bankruptcy, and much less stressful than a legal settlement.

YES! I'm ready: Go to step #2

NO: I need more information:

The following criteria can be used to determine if you are a good candidate for a debt management program:

• You can no longer afford to make the minimum payments to your creditors, but you can afford to make a payment.
• You are 30 to 90 days late in making payments or on the verge of being late.
• Your income has been reduced significantly making it impossible to stay current with payments in the future.
• Your credit report reflects multiple late payments.
• Upon reviewing your budget, it is determined that you cannot make full payments.
• You have a source of steady income.
• You have high interest rates on your credit cards.
• You have not opened any lines of credit recently.

It can be easy to suppose that any debt management or credit counseling agency out there will provide the same level of service, yet time and time again, the news tells a different story. Not all debt management companies are designed the same, and many only have their own interests in mind. How can you decide which program is going to be the best for you and your family?

Read through the FAQ's section of this site to learn more about debt management agencies, what to look for in a good company, and what you need to know prior to enrolling in a debt management program.

Have more questions? Feel free to call us for more information!

Step #2: Gather Information

Once you decide that debt management may be right for you, you will need to gather the following information for a free financial analysis:

• Current billing statements from all of your creditors along with a list of account numbers and total amounts due.
• A basic monthly budget list of additional bills that you pay every month (car, utilities, memberships, gas, food).

Forms are available or can be obtained by calling and speaking with a counselor.

Step #3: Call one of our certified counselors at (877) 789-4172 for a FREE financial analysis

Your Free Financial Analysis is the first step to determining your best course of action for eliminating your debt.

During your analysis with a Certified Credit Counselor, you will find out if a Debt Management Program is right for you and the benefits of enrolling in a Debt Management Program such as:

• How much your interest rates will be reduced
• How much lower your monthly payment will be
• Your total interest savings
• Your debt free date
• The advantage of making only one monthly payment
• The power of Rollup in accelerating the pay off of your debt
• Ongoing education and support

When a Debt Management Program is not the best solution for you, alternative options will be discussed so that you are well informed as to services and programs available to you and the pros and cons of each.

If you enroll in our debt management program, your FFEF credit counselor will provide you with the following information and forms that you will need to complete and submit.

• FFEF Engagement Agreement with State Addendum — The Engagement Agreement explains the relationship between the client and FFEF. The signed agreement also serves as an authorization to act in the clients' behalf with his creditors. Depending on the state in which an individual resides, an Addendum specifying his state regulations is included in the Agreement. Upon enrollment, the individual must sign and return the Agreement to FFEF.
  
  
• AutoPay Transfer of Funds — Clients who have a checking or savings account and a regular income are encouraged to enroll in the AutoPay service to have their monthly scheduled payment deducted on the same day each month.
  
  

Take advantage of other services offered by FFEF

Once you have taken the first step to being debt free by calling us to receive a free financial analysis, you may find that you would benefit from some of our other services! Read more on our services page.

Financial Education

A significant part of FFEF services consists of Consumer Education. FFEF is dedicated to helping people become debt free. This is done, in part, by sending clients free financial education materials. Each month clients receive a timely newsletter with useful financial information and tips. Individuals also receive access to the Family Financial Training Course. FFEF Certified Credit Counselors also coach individuals regarding how to set up a budget, the importance of tracking their expenditures, using credit wisely, their consumer rights, and other money management skills.

FFEF's Credit Score Review

The Credit Score Review provides a quality 3-in-1 credit report from all three major bureaus. This is the same report used by mortgage companies. The review will teach you how to read and understand your credit report by reviewing it line by line and addressing any concerns. A certified Credit Report Reviewer will counsel you on how you can improve your credit score and dispute any errors. The cost is $39.00 for a single report and session and $49 for a joint report and session (with spouse only).

Pay Accel Program

A program designed by FFEF for clients who are financially able to meet all of their monthly obligations. The program may include unsecured as well as secured debts. FFEF makes monthly payments to the client's creditors after drafting the payment from the client's bank account. This service is offered at the state-regulated fee or if a fee is not disclosed, the monthly fee is $35.00.

Additional Information

**FFEF will assist all clients who seek service, regardless of their ability to pay, whom they owe, or how much is owed and will provide these services within a reasonable time frame and at times and means convenient to the public. FFEF will maintain a low fee structure of which payment is voluntary. FFEF is committed to meeting customer needs and following all statutory and regulatory requirements as applicable.