Financial & Housing Counseling


How Financial Counseling Works

We help you identify your needs and goals

We help you create a plan for success

With our support, you achieve your goals



a happy woman shakes a financial counselor's hand as her husband sits behind her.

Upcoming Webinar!

Financing your Education

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

11:00AM - 12:00PM CST

This is an online webinar.

RESERVE A SPOT

 

Whether you are looking to buy a home, reduce debt, or save for retirement, we’re here to support you.

Schedule a meeting to talk with one of our counselors and get on the path to financial success today.

Schedule a Screening


Financial Counseling

Interested in improving your overall financial health? Our NCHEC and HUD-Certified counselors can advise you on virtually every aspect of your finances. Whether looking for immediate relief or planning for brighter futures tomorrow, we will create a customized plan to help achieve your goals!

With our convenient and confidential financial counseling, you can work with a professional endorsed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC).

Our team at GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment can also advise you on how to deal with debt and build your credit.

Financial Planning & Budget Assistance

  • Set and achieve financial goals
  • Manage income and expenses
  • Action plan to decrease debt
  • Choosing and comparing financial products

Credit & Debt Assistance

  • Review credit reports and scores
  • Increase your credit score
  • Negotiate with debt collectors
  • Fix credit report errors
  • Access credit building products

Loan Assistance

  • Assistance with loan product and feature comparison
  • Avoid fees and scams
  • Know Your Rights

Housing Assistance

Looking to make a purchase or in need of rental or mortgage assistance? GLCU’s expert NCHEC and HUD-Certified counselors can walk you through every step of the process. Let GLCU guide you through the home buying, rental experience, or home maintenance process.

There are other specific pandemic-related options to help keep you in your home, and we can help you with those too.

Home Buying Assistance, Home Maintenance and Foreclosure Intervention

  • Receive your First-Time Homebuyer Certificate
  • Assess affordability
  • Qualify for down payment assistance
  • Understand fees and costs
  • Understand your Rights
  • Prepare for future maintenance and repair
  • Ensure household safety and energy efficiency
  • Understand tax exemptions and homeowner insurance
  • Evaluate loss mitigation options
  • Negotiate with junior lien holders and homeowners association
  • Receive referrals to home maintenance programs

Rental Assistance

  • Referrals to tenant networks and legal aid
  • Rent vs buy analysis
  • Access to affordable rental resources
  • Referrals to rental assistance programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Counseling

  1. No. Not at all, and usually it’s the opposite. People who participate in financial counseling usually improve their financial situation and credit score.

  2. Typically, a session or meeting lasts about 45-120 minutes. But all counseling sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, so the exact length of the sessions varies.

  3. No. If you participate in counseling through GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment there is no charge or cost. This is one of the benefits of being a Great Lakes Credit Union member.

  4. Yes. Absolutely. Everything you discuss is confidential. Our counselors are professionals who abide by the highest standards and are endorsed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)and the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC).

Take Charge of Your Finances

We’re a trusted source of information and support within our community. Our confidential and certified housing and financial counselors can offer a range of services to help you achieve your goals.

Schedule a screening to talk with one of our professional housing and financial counselors.

Schedule A Screening

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Workshops & Education

GLCU Housing and Financial Counselors offer monthly workshops open to anyone in our community. To register for a workshop visit glcu.org/workshops

To register for our online homebuyer course visit https://www.ehomeamerica.org/glcu