NONPROFIT MASSACHUSETTS CREDIT COUNSELING

The Ultimate Guide to Massachusetts Credit Counseling

Massachusetts Credit Counseling from DebtWave can help you understand your credit card balances, monthly payments and repayment choices. Additionally, a financial review can show how debt fits within your household budget. Eligible Massachusetts residents may also qualify for a Debt Management Program. However, a traditional DMP does not require another loan.
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Free initial consultation  • No new loan  • No obligation to enroll

Massachusetts Credit Counseling and credit card debt assistance
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Since 2001 Helping Consumers
NFCC Member Agency
No New Loan Debt Management Option
HELP ACROSS THE BAY STATE

Massachusetts Credit Counseling for Residents Across the State

Financial pressure can affect households throughout Massachusetts. Therefore, DebtWave helps eligible residents review credit card debt and household expenses. You can complete counseling remotely, so you do not need a nearby DebtWave office. Additionally, residents can begin online or speak with a counselor by phone. For example, Boston residents can use the same counseling process as consumers in smaller Massachusetts communities.
Learn More About Credit Counseling →
Boston waterfront representing Massachusetts residents seeking credit counseling
Boston
Worcester
Springfield
Cambridge
Lowell
Brockton
Quincy
New Bedford
Lynn
Fall River
START WITH YOUR COMPLETE FINANCIAL PICTURE

How Massachusetts Credit Counseling Works

During Massachusetts Credit Counseling, a counselor looks beyond one monthly payment.

Instead, the review considers how debt, income and household expenses work together.

1
Review Your Credit Card Debt
Start with balances, APRs and minimum payments. Additionally, include other unsecured debts that affect your budget.
2
Look at Your Monthly Budget
Next, compare income with housing, transportation, food and other expenses. Consequently, you can see how much room remains for debt repayment.
3
Compare Repayment Options
Finally, review strategies that may fit your situation. For example, choices may include self-payment, hardship assistance or a DMP.
DO THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?

When Massachusetts Credit Counseling May Be Worth Considering

You do not need to wait until your accounts become seriously past due.

In fact, reviewing your options earlier gives you more time to plan.

Therefore, consider whether any situations below sound familiar.

Minimum payments barely reduce your balances.
High credit card APRs consume much of each payment.
You manage several different credit card bills.
Monthly debt payments strain your household budget.
You use credit cards for basic expenses.
You are considering another loan to repay your cards.
Your estimated payoff date feels too far away.
You want help comparing repayment strategies.
Compare Debt Consolidation Options Calculate My Current Payoff Date
ANOTHER WAY TO REPAY CREDIT CARD DEBT

Massachusetts Credit Counseling and Debt Management Programs

A Debt Management Program may provide another way to repay eligible unsecured debt. Instead of borrowing money, qualifying clients make one scheduled program payment. DebtWave distributes appropriate amounts to participating creditors. Additionally, some creditors may offer reduced interest rates or other concessions. However, creditor participation and program terms vary by account. Therefore, a counselor should review your creditors before you rely on an estimate.
Estimate My DMP Payment & APR Learn How a DMP Works
COMPARE YOUR NUMBERS

Estimate a Massachusetts Debt Management Plan Payment

When researching Massachusetts Credit Counseling, it can help to compare your current terms with estimated DMP terms.

For example, you can compare the account's current payment, APR and finance charges.

Enter one account below to generate an estimate. However, actual creditor terms depend on the account and current creditor guidelines.

Enter One Credit Card to See Your Estimate

COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS

Compare Your Massachusetts Credit Counseling Options

Self-directed repayment and a DMP both focus on paying debt.

However, their payment structures and potential creditor terms differ.

Therefore, compare each approach before deciding what fits your situation.

Feature Paying on Your Own Debt Management Program
New loan required? No No
Interest rate Your existing creditor rate Potential participating-creditor concessions
Payments You manage creditors separately One scheduled program payment for participating accounts
Credit counseling Not normally part of self-payment Included with the counseling process
Borrow additional money? No No
DEBT MANAGEMENT ESTIMATOR

Estimate Your Debt Management Plan Payment

A monthly payment can look manageable while interest keeps a balance around for years. Therefore, compare your current terms with estimated DMP terms. The DebtWave calculator includes many participating creditors. However, actual terms can change and individual results vary.
Open the DMP Calculator
REVIEW YOUR COMPLETE DEBT PICTURE

Massachusetts Credit Counseling for Multiple Credit Cards

Many consumers carry balances with more than one creditor. Consequently, solving one account may not provide enough relief. A Massachusetts Credit Counseling review can examine your larger debt picture. For example, you may have balances with several major banks or retail-card issuers. Use the creditor guides below to explore account-specific hardship information. However, creditor participation and program terms vary by account. Therefore, use estimates as a starting point.
American Express Explore hardship and payment options → Bank of America Explore hardship and payment options → Capital One Explore hardship and payment options → Chase Explore hardship and payment options → Citi Explore hardship and payment options → Discover Explore hardship and payment options → Synchrony Explore hardship and payment options → Wells Fargo Explore hardship and payment options →

Don't see your creditor listed? Additionally, DebtWave's Debt Management Plan Calculator includes many additional creditors.

INDEPENDENT CONSUMER RESOURCES

Trusted Financial Resources for Massachusetts Consumers

Independent information can help you evaluate financial services. Therefore, consider government and nonprofit resources alongside DebtWave information.

Massachusetts Consumer Guidance
Massachusetts provides consumer information about managing credit and debt. For example, the state discusses budgeting, creditor payment plans and credit counseling. Review Massachusetts Credit and Debt Guidance →
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB explains credit counseling, budgeting assistance and Debt Management Programs. Therefore, it provides useful independent background. Read the CFPB Guide →
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
DebtWave belongs to the NFCC. Additionally, consumers can review nonprofit counseling resources through its directory. View the NFCC Directory →
NONPROFIT FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

Why Choose DebtWave for Massachusetts Credit Counseling?

DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Moreover, DebtWave has helped consumers with financial education and debt repayment since 2001. As an NFCC member agency, DebtWave also participates in a national network of nonprofit financial counseling organizations. Additionally, counselors can help you review your household budget and repayment choices. Most importantly, counseling does not require DMP enrollment. Instead, you can review your options before choosing a next step.
✓
Nonprofit Credit Counseling
Start with a review of your debt, income, expenses and financial goals.
✓
NFCC Member Agency
DebtWave belongs to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
✓
No Obligation to Enroll
Review repayment choices before deciding whether a DMP fits your situation.
MASSACHUSETTS CONSUMER PROTECTION

Massachusetts Credit Counseling Rules and Consumer Protections

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 180, Section 4A defines several forms of credit counseling.

Therefore, the law addresses budgeting guidance, credit education and certain creditor repayment plans.

For a plan in which a consumer provides funds for distribution to creditors, Massachusetts places specific limits on who may provide that service. Additionally, qualifying nonprofit credit counseling corporations must follow applicable public-charity reporting requirements. The statute also separates credit counseling from legal advice.
Nonprofit Credit Counseling
Massachusetts law specifically recognizes nonprofit credit counseling. Moreover, Chapter 180 permits nonprofit corporations to organize for that purpose.
Debt Repayment Plans
Section 4A describes plans in which an organization distributes agreed consumer payments to creditors. Therefore, state law directly addresses this type of repayment service.
Legal Advice
A credit counseling corporation cannot practice law. Instead, consumers who need legal advice should receive a referral to an appropriate attorney or legal resource.
Review Massachusetts Chapter 180 §4A Review Massachusetts Consumer Guidance
MASSACHUSETTS CLIENT EXPERIENCE

What Massachusetts Clients Say About DebtWave

People often want to hear from someone who has already used a counseling service.

Therefore, the following feedback comes from a Massachusetts DebtWave client.

“I have recommended your helpful program to family and friends. Thanks for everything!”

Massachusetts client testimonial. Individual experiences and results vary.

START YOUR FINANCIAL REVIEW

Start With Free Massachusetts Credit Counseling

High-interest credit cards can make financial progress difficult. However, you do not need to choose a repayment strategy without understanding your options. Begin with Massachusetts Credit Counseling and review your balances, payments and household budget. Afterward, compare the strategies that may fit your circumstances.
Get Started Online Call (888) 686-4040

Free initial consultation  • No obligation to enroll

QUESTIONS FROM MASSACHUSETTS CONSUMERS

Massachusetts Credit Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massachusetts Credit Counseling?
Massachusetts Credit Counseling helps residents review debt, income and household expenses. Additionally, a counselor can explain repayment strategies that may fit the situation.
Is Massachusetts Credit Counseling available statewide?
DebtWave helps eligible residents throughout Massachusetts. Therefore, you do not need to live near a DebtWave office.
Do I have to be behind on my credit cards?
No. You can review your options while accounts remain current. In fact, exploring choices earlier gives you more time to plan.
Is Massachusetts Credit Counseling free?
DebtWave provides an initial credit counseling review at no charge. Moreover, counseling does not require you to enroll in a DMP.
DEBT MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS

More Massachusetts Debt Management Questions

Can a Massachusetts DMP lower my interest rates?
Participating creditors may offer reduced rates or other concessions. However, creditor terms vary by account and can change.
Is a Debt Management Program a consolidation loan?
No. A traditional DMP does not require replacement financing. Instead, you repay eligible debts through a structured program payment.
Can credit counseling help with several cards?
Yes. A counseling review can include several eligible unsecured accounts. Consequently, you can examine your overall debt rather than one card.
Does Massachusetts regulate nonprofit credit counseling?
Yes. Chapter 180 defines nonprofit credit counseling and addresses certain repayment-plan services. Additionally, covered organizations must follow applicable state requirements.
MASSACHUSETTS CREDIT CARD DEBT HELP

Get Help With Credit Card Debt in Massachusetts

Whether you live in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge or another Massachusetts community, DebtWave can help you understand your credit card debt. Additionally, Massachusetts Credit Counseling can help you compare your current repayment strategy with other options. Start with a financial review or estimate potential DMP terms. Ultimately, you decide which approach fits your goals.
Start My Free Financial Review Estimate My DMP Payment
Massachusetts resident reviewing credit card debt and repayment options
Debt Management Program eligibility, creditor participation, interest rates, monthly payments and concessions vary by creditor and individual account. Calculator results are estimates and do not guarantee specific creditor terms, savings or program eligibility. DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not lend money. Information on this page is educational and should not be considered legal or tax advice.