Credit counsellors use a three-step approach: 1. They assess your financial situation. Credit counsellors do this by looking at your income net of taxes, the value of your assets, your expenses such as groceries, gas, and utilities, and your credit card debt, including minimum payments and interest. 2. They will use the information to develop some solutions for you. Some examples are a consolidation loan, creating a realistic budget to manage your expenses, a debt management proposal, or referring you to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. 3. They will explain the options and help you with money management basics to avoid financial difficulties in the future.