3. Talk to a credit counsellor

If you have a lot of debt or if you often struggle to pay your bills, you can get help from a non-profit credit counselling service.

They can give you ideas about how to manage your debt. With their help, you can learn how to avoid the same problems in the future. This can help improve your credit score.

For example, they can help you:

• make a budget
• understand how you got into debt
• understand how to get out of debt
• talk with your creditors to reduce your debt
• make a debt repayment plan

The first appointment to discuss your options is usually free. If you want more help, you have to pay a fee. Non-profit credit counsellors aren't in business to make a profit from you. If you can't afford their fee, you can ask for a reduced fee. They might even agree not to charge you at all.

To find a non-profit credit counselling service near you, contact:

• Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services
• Credit Counselling Canada

Only the credit counsellors listed on these websites are accredited. This means they promise to complete training and follow a code of ethics.

Non-profit credit counselling services are different from credit repair agencies and debt settlement companies.