Consumer credit counseling services (CCCS) agencies provide financial and debt-relief information in one-on-one counseling sessions, and in online services. Credit counseling agencies help persons of all income levels (1) eliminate late fees and over-limit charges; (2) stop collection calls; (3) lower interest rates (regardless of credit score); (4) consolidate bills into one smaller monthly payment; (5) pay off debt faster; and (6) improve spending, budgeting, and money management skills.

CCCS often include issues such as (1) debt collection management; (2) credit and debt counseling; (3) bankruptcy; (4) credit reports and credit scores; and (5) reverse mortgages.

CCCS agencies are Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that will help you find a workable solution to financial problems—usually free of charge.

In Kentucky, Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) are available to assist individuals with managing their debt and improving their financial literacy. These agencies are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, which means they are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt entities organized for charitable purposes. CCCS agencies offer a range of services, including helping consumers to reduce or eliminate late fees and over-limit charges, stop collection calls, lower interest rates regardless of credit score, consolidate bills into a single monthly payment, pay off debt more quickly, and enhance budgeting and money management skills. They also provide counseling on debt collection management, credit and debt issues, bankruptcy, understanding credit reports and credit scores, and reverse mortgages. While many of these services are offered free of charge, it's important for consumers to ensure that any agency they work with is reputable and accredited by an organization such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA). Kentucky consumers should also be aware of the state's consumer protection laws, which are designed to protect them from deceptive and unfair business practices, and can seek assistance from the Kentucky Attorney General's Office if they encounter issues with credit counseling services.