CESI is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and offers services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
CESI’s services and fees
CESI provides services available at most credit counseling agencies. Agencies differ based on fees and accessibility. However, CESI no longer offers debt management plans.
CESI’s services include:
General budgeting and advice. Financial education workshops and classes are offered via community organizations and partners; CESI also offers free online educational resources.
Bankruptcy counseling. CESI offers the two court-mandated sessions for those seeking bankruptcy, one before you file and one before your debts are discharged.
Housing counseling. CESI offers help for home buyers, homeowners considering a reverse mortgage and people struggling with mortgage or rent payments.
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
General budgeting and advice |
|
Debt management plan | Discontinued. |
Bankruptcy counseling |
|
Housing counseling |
|
How CESI compares
In general, credit counseling agencies offer similar services, although as noted above CESI has discontinued its debt management plans. The difference lies in where and how they offer those services. Here's how CESI stacks up:
Accreditation: CESI is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, and accredited through the Council on Accreditation, an outside body that ensures standards of practice among counselors and oversight of the agency.
Online support: Counseling services and educational resources are available on the website.
Availability: The agency operates in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
If you're struggling with debt
If debt is a problem, you might want to consider contacting another nonprofit credit counseling agency for a DMP. In a debt management plan, you enroll several debts and commit to one monthly payment; in return, creditors reduce your interest rate. The payment plan usually runs three to five years.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A DMP:
If you're struggling to make monthly payments on debt.
If your consumer debt is 15% to 40% of your annual income.
If you don’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan.
Before signing on to a DMP, know that other debt relief options might be better for your financial situation.
