Consumer Credit Counseling (CCC), a private, nonprofit corporation, was founded in 1982. The purpose of CCC is to provide consumers with assistance in planning and following budgets, with assistance in making arrangements with creditors to replay delinquent obligations, and with money management education.
Private financial counseling is provided at no cost to families and individuals who are experiencing financial difficulties or who want to improve their money management skills. Money management educational programs are provided for schools, community groups, and businesses. A debt management program is offered as an alternative to bankruptcy. Through this program, CCC negotiates with creditors on behalf of the client for special payment arrangements. The client makes a lump-sum payment to CCC that is then disbursed to creditors.