Increasingly, credit counsellors can also be found on the World Wide Web. Another good source is the Credit Counselling Service of Sault Ste. Marie and District. While all three of these sites are based in Ontario, they may be able to direct you to similar services in your home province. If you are facing a debt load that you do not think you can realistically carry, contacting a credit counselling service is probably the first step you will need to take.
Most services operate as non-profit organizations offering free initial consultations.
After the first meeting, you may be expected to pay a nominal fee based on what you can afford. Credit counsellors will probably recommend one of a number of different approaches to resolve your debt crisis. They may suggest that you attempt to begin a debt repayment program, which is meant for people who are unable to afford their regular monthly payments. The counsellor will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf in an attempt to have your payments reduced to a level you can afford. Because counsellors have invested time in building a reputation within the financial industries, they have a much better chance than you do of winning your creditors' confidence.