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 Tennessee, Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agencies are available to assist individuals with financial and debt-related issues. These nonprofit organizations, typically designated as 501(c)(3) by the IRS, offer a range of services to help consumers manage their debt, improve their credit, and enhance their overall financial literacy. Services provided by CCCS agencies include helping to eliminate late fees and over-limit charges, stopping collection calls, lowering interest rates regardless of credit score, consolidating bills into a single monthly payment, accelerating debt payoff, and improving budgeting and money management skills. They also offer guidance on debt collection management, credit and debt counseling, bankruptcy, understanding credit reports and scores, and navigating reverse mortgages. In Tennessee, these agencies must comply with both federal laws and state statutes that regulate credit counseling services, ensuring they operate fairly and transparently. Consumers seeking assistance from CCCS agencies in Tennessee should verify that the agency is properly registered and adheres to the applicable regulations to ensure they receive reputable and lawful financial counseling.