Confidentiality
I understand that I will be provided with a confidential money management interview. In order to evaluate staff and services, and for the purpose of research, the agency I select may send or receive information about me, including but not limited to any information I provide the Agency, to one or more third parties. Such information will be kept confidential or used in an aggregate manner that does not identify me.

Course of Action
I will be sent a written assessment outlining a suggested action plan that will be based on one of the following options: a) I will handle any financial concerns on my own. b) A DMP (Debt Management Program) in which the agency serves as a neutral third party negotiating with creditors to liquidate financial obligations.

Dual Role
Our DMPs serve the dual role of helping you repay your debts and helping creditors to receive the money that you owe them.

Funding
Most of our funding comes from voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in Debt Management Plans ("DMP"). Since creditors have a financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make contributions to help fund our agency. These contributions are usually calculated as a percentage of the payments that you make through your DMP - up to fifteen percent (15%) of each payment received. However, your accounts with your creditors are to be credited with one hundred percent (100%) of the amount that you pay through us and we will work with all of your creditors regardless of whether they contribute to our agency.

Impact on Credit
Your participation in a debt repayment program will not change anything which is already on your credit report. If your credit report reflects that you have paid as agreed in the past, a debt management plan can have a negative impact on a credit worthiness decision by a potential creditor, landlord, or employer in the future. In addition, creditors may report that you are on a debt management plan and are not paying as originally agreed although they have accepted the reduced payment.

Bankruptcy
You should also be aware that debts to creditors you repay through the plan may be able to be discharged through bankruptcy. Counselors cannot provide legal advice about bankruptcy.

Research
At some time in the future, my information may be used for confidential research and/or a neutral third party may contact me to request an evaluation of the agency's services.