Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Credit Counselor
What credit counselors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a credit counselor?
Counsel a client by phone. From there, the day usually includes review client budgets, explain debt options, and set up debt management plans. Full time, with some evening classes.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a credit counselor working full time.
- Counsel a client by phone.
- Build a budget together.
- Set up a debt management plan.
- Call a creditor about rates.
- Teach a homebuyer class.
- Provide pre-bankruptcy counseling.
- Document sessions.
Where credit counselors work
Counselors work in nonprofit agencies, banks and credit unions, often by phone or video.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with some evening classes.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Review client budgets
- Explain debt options
- Set up debt management plans
- Negotiate with creditors
- Provide bankruptcy counseling
- Teach financial classes
- Coach homebuyers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Client management systems
- Budget software
- Credit reports
- Phone and video systems
- Spreadsheets
- Teaching materials
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people in hard times
- Nonprofit mission
- Remote options
- Steady demand
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Emotional conversations
- Repetitive cases
- Some clients don’t follow through
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help people with money
- I’m non-judgmental
- I’m good with budgets
- I’m patient
- I like teaching
- I like mission-driven work
Not sure? Take the free Credit Counselor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect client financial data
- Follow consumer protection laws
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Refer clients in crisis to help