Get Started

Congratulations! You're about to take the first step in reclaiming control over your financial health. It all begins with organizing your finances. It may seem overwhelming right now, but we assure you we can help make it easier. We've helped thousands of people like you become debt free

To help us gain a clear picture of your finances and recommend a course of action, please use the outline below to guide you through organizing your financial information. Please note that it's important you provide the most current financial information you have.

Once again, congratulations on embarking on this first step in achieving your goal of becoming debt free. Our counselors are friendly, supportive, certified professionals, and are happy to answer any questions you may have throughout this process.

Let's Get Started!

1. Your Monthly Income:
   • Gather your most recent pay stubs and jot down your approximate take home pay.
2. Your Monthly Living Expenses:
   • Gather all of your household and monthly living expenses and have your most recent bills in one pile. (You'll need these when you meet with us in Step 3!)
3. Identify Creditors:
   • Gather all of your debt information. Since we will need to know who you owe, how much you owe, as well as specific account information, we request that you have either the most recent billing statements available or collection letters if applicable.
4. Your Assets:
   • We need to know your financial assets, such as a car or home, and the approximate value of each.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: What if I don't have the most recent bills or collection letters any more?

We are able to use a copy of your credit report to do the appointment. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com

If you do not have access to the internet, we can pull a copy of your credit report for you for a very small fee. (Please be sure to mention that you will require this service when scheduling your appointment in Step 3).

Q: Does CCCS of Northeastern Iowa try to put a lien on my assets?

No. We simply ask for this information to assist us with setting you up with a budget based on your income and your living expenses. This gives us an accurate picture of your overall financial situation.

CCCS of Northeastern Iowa works with both clients and creditors to design a debt repayment program that minimizes monthly debt payments and interest associated with the debt. We create manageable, custom debt consolidation and repayment plans for each of our valued clients.

The information you submit will help our certified debt counselors evaluate your situation and be prepared to discuss a debt consolidation and repayment plan with you. After filling out and submitting the online application, our offices will call or e-mail you the next business day to set up an appointment with one of our certified counselors.

All information submitted in this application will only be used for the debt repayment services we provide. CCCS of Northeastern Iowa uses state-of-the-art security, to ensure your privacy. The information you enter in this application will remain confidential.

Step 3: Schedule An Appointment

You're doing great... you're well on your way in the process of becoming debt free. This up front work is the hardest part! Now comes the time when you meet with us personally, and we create a custom plan to help you successful reclaim your financial health.

We make scheduling your appointment easy. You can do your appointment in person or over the phone. We have a flexible counseling schedule and convenient appointment times to meet your busy lifestyle.

Appointment Times:

In-person and Telephone Appointments:

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-7:00pm
Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm
and Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm

General Office and Customer Service hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-8:00pm
Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern Iowa, Inc

1003 W. 4th Street
Waterloo, IA 50702
Phone: (319) 234-0661
Toll Free: (800) 714-4388
Email cccsinfo@cccsofiowa.org

What to expect at your first counseling appointment:

1. Review your financial situation with a certified counselor. Our certified counselors have the experience, compassion and desire to help you succeed with your financial goals. Since we know that each situation is different, your counselor will take the time to listen and help you make the choice that is right for you.
2. Prepare and discuss a monthly budget based on your personal situation.Your counselor will itemize your current monthly living expenses based on the information you provide. You and your counselor will then discuss recommended budget changes to help ensure your success in the debt management plan.
3. Learn about program benefits and guidelines. Your counselor will share with you the exciting financial benefits that you'll receive in the debt management plan. Compare total principle and interest payments on the debt management plan vs. total payments on your own while making the creditors minimum monthly payment.
4. Talk with your counselor about any questions or concerns that you may have. Talk openly with your counselor about your financial situation. Your counselor is here to answer any questions that you have and to help guide you through the initial start up phase of the plan. You can feel confident that your personal and financial information will be kept confidential. If you and your counselor determine that the debt management program is not the right step for you, your counselor will discuss financial alternatives with you and help you determine what your next step should be.

You have already made an important decision regarding your financial future, don't wait another minute, call now!