If you are not sure you need a credit counselor, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do you live paycheck to paycheck?
• Are you having trouble paying bills or repaying loans and credit cards?
• Do you argue about money with family members?
• Do you feel your spending is out of control?
• Do you have trouble saving money?
• Do you find it difficult to budget your money and plan for the future?
• Do you have difficult financial decisions to make due to a life-altering situation (death in the family, divorce, marriage, new baby, new house, unemployment)?
• Are you worried about money and your financial future?
• Do you put off making financial decisions?
• Are you thinking about filing for bankruptcy?

If you can say yes or maybe to any of these questions, we can help you. By working as a team to establish priorities and financial goals, we can empower you to manage your money in a positive way. Our Credit Counseling program could be your journey to financial freedom.

Whether you're interested in developing a workable spending and savings plan, getting out of debt, taking a look at your credit report, buying a home, or planning for your financial future, Congressional Federal Credit Union wants to help. That's why we've provided access to free and confidential financial counseling and education through BALANCE.

Your credit score says a lot about you. If you don't understand how your score is determined, you may end up paying higher interest rates on your loans, or even be denied employment or a rental home. Even consumers with good payment records could end up with less desirable scores based upon other factors.

The Consumer Federation of America offers this brochure about credit scores:

Know Your Score: Think Your Grade Point Average is Your Only Score That Matters?