Many Mid-Southerners are burdened by money troubles that will eventually destroy their relationships, families, and can sometimes even threaten their lives.

The problem is a lack of financial planning and an unwillingness to develop a realistic budget. Professional counselors at Consumer Credit Counseling Service help families get out of debt and teach them how to stay out of debt.

Consumers who are experiencing, or are at risk of developing, financial or money management difficulties are the target population of this service. These problems are addressed through budget counseling, a debt management program, and consumer education.

Budget counseling assists persons in developing a realistic budget, improving money management skills, and solving financial problems. This service is offered free of charge to the general public.

The Debt Management Program, an alternative to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, provides consumers the opportunity to participate in a plan for the orderly liquidation of their debt. It is designed for persons who need the agency's assistance in developing and administering a repayment plan. The basic requirement for participation is that clients have sufficient income to repay their debts according to the plan that is agreed upon with their creditors. Usually, the plan will involve a lower monthly payment to grantors of unsecured credit (such as credit cards), with the balance being paid off over an extended period of time.

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service acts on behalf of the client/customer in negotiating a repayment plan with creditors. The creditor voluntarily decides to accept an adjusted payment, just as the client freely chooses to participate in the Debt Management Program.

Clients in the Debt Management Program are charged a fee of 3% of their monthly deposit, up to a maximum of $20.00 per month, as set by Tennessee State Law. The only exception is that clients seen at an office in Mississippi are not assessed a fee, per state law. Creditors are requested to contribute 15% of the funds returned to them by the program.

Educational workshops are available to agencies, churches, schools, businesses, etc. Topics include budgets, establishing and re-building credit, marriage and money, how to afford a baby, special money management workshops for youth.

Office Locations

Offices are located at:

2158 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 323-4909

Jackson, TN
(901) 668-7355

Southhaven, MS
(662) 342-4084

Bartlett, TN
(901) 383-2193

Hickory Hill
(901) 362-0490

Dyersburg, TN
(901) 285-8876

Call toll free in TN or MS
1-800-710-8902

Funding to support the service is received from the United Way, client fees and creditor contributions.