(800) 432-0310
Get Started

Debt Relief Solutions for Champaign, Illinois

For over two decades, Money Fit has been a trusted provider of debt relief services for Champaign residents. Our skilled team has assisted numerous individuals in managing their credit cards and other forms of unsecured debt.

three dimensional stack of four credit cards

Struggling with credit card debt, collection accounts, payday loans, or medical bills?

Our nonprofit organization specializes in helping individuals and families find solutions to their debt. If you’re struggling with debt, we can provide the options and help you need to overcome financial burdens.

Here are Just a Few of the Major Credit Card Companies Money Fit Works With for Consolidating Debt:

The Money Fit debt management program isn’t a new loan substituting your existing debts. We’re your ally, actively negotiating with your credit card companies to alleviate your financial burden.

If you’re facing financial difficulties and struggling with debt in Champaign, Money Fit is here to help. Our experienced team offers personalized debt relief solutions and support to help you regain control of your finances. Don’t wait to seek help – let us work with you to create a customized plan that fits your unique needs and goals. Visit our website or call us today to learn more about our debt relief services in Champaign. We’re committed to helping you achieve a brighter financial future.

Why Debt Relief is Important in Champaign, Illinois

Managing debt can be a daunting task for anyone, and for those living in Champaign, Illinois, it can be especially challenging due to the high cost of living in the city. With the cost of housing, healthcare, and other expenses higher than the national average, it can be difficult to stay on top of expenses and manage debt.

Furthermore, the job market in Champaign can be competitive and fluctuating, with some industries experiencing changes in employment opportunities. This can lead to financial instability and make it difficult to keep up with debt payments.

However, debt relief services can help residents regain control of their finances and reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with being in debt. Money Fit offers personalized debt relief solutions to help you manage your debt and get back on track. Whether you’re struggling with credit card debt, medical bills, or other forms of debt, we can help you find a solution that fits your unique needs and goals.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, don’t hesitate to contact Money Fit today. Our experienced team can provide the guidance and support you need to take the first step toward a brighter financial future in Champaign.

Tips for Saving Money in Champaign

Managing your finances in Champaign, Illinois, can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to save money and reduce your expenses while enjoying all that the city has to offer. Here are some tips to help you save money in Champaign:

Explore the city’s many parks and free attractions, such as the Champaign County Historical Museum or the Krannert Art Museum. These activities offer entertainment without having to spend money.

Shop at local farmers’ markets like the Champaign Farmers’ Market or Urbana’s Market at the Square to support local farmers and artisans while finding fresh and affordable produce and other goods.

Consider carpooling, public transportation, walking, or biking to get around the city and save money on transportation costs. Champaign has a public transportation system that offers a variety of options and walking or biking can also be a great way to explore the city while getting exercise.

Take advantage of energy-saving programs offered by local utility companies. Many utility companies in Champaign offer incentives and rebates for homeowners who install energy-efficient appliances or make other upgrades to their homes. By using energy-efficient appliances and smart home technologies, you can also save money by reducing energy waste.

By following these tips, you can save money and reduce your expenses in Champaign while supporting local businesses and enjoying all that the city has to offer. If you’re struggling with debt, consider reaching out to Money Fit for personalized debt relief solutions. Our experienced team can help you get back on track and regain control of your finances.

Signs You May Need Debt Relief

Debt can quickly become overwhelming, but it can be difficult to know when to seek help. Here are some signs that you may need debt relief services:

  • You’re struggling to make minimum payments on your credit cards. If you’re only able to make minimum payments on your credit cards, your debt is likely to continue to grow. This can lead to high-interest charges and late fees, making it even more challenging to get back on track.
  • You’re getting calls from debt collectors or receiving threatening letters about your debt. If you’re receiving frequent calls from debt collectors or receiving letters threatening legal action, it’s a sign that your debt has become unmanageable. Debt relief services can help you negotiate with creditors and find a solution that works for your unique situation.
  • You’re using credit cards to pay for basic necessities, such as rent or groceries. If you’re relying on credit cards to pay for basic expenses, it’s a sign that you may need debt relief services. Using credit cards to pay for necessities can quickly lead to high levels of debt and financial stress.
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your debt. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your debt, it’s important to seek help. Debt can take a toll on your mental health and well-being, and it’s important to address it before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Money Fit for debt relief services. Our experienced team can help you find a personalized solution to manage your debt and regain control of your finances.

How to Get Debt Relief in Champaign

If you’re struggling with debt in Champaign, Illinois, Money Fit can help. Here’s how to get started with our debt relief services:

Contact Money Fit to learn more about our debt relief services in Champaign. Our experienced team can help you find a personalized solution that fits your unique needs and goals. Schedule an appointment with one of our certified credit counselors to discuss your situation and develop a customized debt relief plan. Our team will work with you to create a plan that works for your budget and financial situation. Our debt relief services may include debt consolidation, credit counseling, and other personalized solutions designed to help you get back on track. We’ll work with you every step of the way to help you regain control of your finances.

How to Get Started with Money Fit

Getting started with Money Fit is easy. Here’s how:

Enter your information to get started with our debt relief services in Champaign. Our online form is simple and easy to use.

Call our toll-free number to speak with a certified credit counselor and get started right away. Our experienced team can provide the guidance and support you need to begin your financial well-being journey.

As a resident of Champaign, you may also be eligible for local assistance programs designed to help individuals and families struggling with debt. Contact your local government or community organizations to learn more about available resources. With the right support and resources, you can overcome debt and achieve financial freedom.

The toll-free number is (800) 432-0310.

Sources

Additional Links and Resources

Money Fit by DRS, Inc. is licensed and provides Debt Relief Services in the State of Illinois.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington St. 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/DFI.asp

License Number: DM 0000203

Additional Resources

Champaign Debt Relief

Debt
Consolidation

Consolidate your debt into a more affordable monthly payment.

Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief

Credit Card
Debt Help

Regain control of your finances.

Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief

Payday
Loan

Get help with your payday loans and break the borrowing cycle!
Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief

Medical
Debt Help

We can help you remove the stress of repaying your medical bills.

Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief

Budget
Calculators

Our free budget calculators will help you track where your money is going and get you ahead with your finances.

Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief

Money Fit
Academy

We have courses to help you build your financial capability.

Learn More
Champaign Debt Relief
Champaign Debt Relief
Debt Solutions
Financial Education
About Money Fit
Connect With Us
Champaign Debt Relief
Champaign Debt Relief
fcaa member logo financial counseling association of america

© 2024 Money Fit by DRS
6213 N. Cloverdale Rd, Suite 130, Boise, ID 83713
Money Fit is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We do not lend money.

This Website Is Using Cookies. We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing, you agree to our cookie use.

Continue
Learn More

Client Credit Report Authorization

You hereby authorize and instruct Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS, dba Money Fit by DRS) and/or its assigned agents to:
  • Obtain and review your credit report, and
  • Request verifications of your income and rental history, and any other information deemed necessary for improving your housing situation (for example, verifying your annual property tax obligations and homeowner’s insurance fees)
Your credit report will be obtained from a credit reporting agency chosen by DRS. You understand and agree that DRS intends to use the credit report evaluate your financial readiness to purchase or rent a home and/or to engage in post-purchase counseling activities and not to grant credit. You understand you may ask any questions pertaining to your credit report. However, while DRS will review the information with you, the company is not able to furnish you with a copy of your credit profile. You hereby authorize DRS to share your information from your credit report and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the entities listed below to help DRS determine your viable financial options.
  • Banks
  • Counseling Agencies
  • Debt Collectors
  • Landlords
  • Lenders
  • Mortgage Servicers
  • Property Management Companies
  • Public Housing Authorities
  • Social Service Agencies
Entities such as mortgage lenders and/or counseling agencies may contact your DRS counselor to evaluate the options for which you may be eligible. In connection with such evaluation, you authorize the credit reporting and/or financial agencies to release information and cooperate with your DRS counselor. No information will be discussed about you with entities not directly involved in your efforts to improve your housing situation. You hereby authorize the release of your information to program monitoring organizations of DRS, including but not limited to, Federal, State, and nonprofit partners for program review, monitoring, auditing, research, and/or oversight purposes. In addition, you authorize DRS to have your credit report pulled two additional times to conduct program evaluations. You also agree to keep DRS informed of any changes in address, telephone number, job status, marital status, or other conditions which may affect your eligibility for a program you have applied for or a counseling service that you are seeking. Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.

Client Privacy, Data Security, and Client Rights Policy

NOTE: This sheet is to inform new or returning clients about our services, records, fees, and limitations that may affect you as a consumer of our services. This form also discloses how we might release your information to other agencies and/or regulators. If you do not understand a statement, please ask a Debt Reduction Services (DRS) counselor for assistance.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS) has put into place policies and procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information. This notice explains our online information practices and how we use and maintain your information to conduct our financial education and credit counseling sessions and to fulfill information and question requests. This privacy policy complies with federal laws and regulations.

To provide our financial education and credit counseling services, we collect nonpublic personal information about you as follows: 1) Information we receive from you, 2) Information about your transactions with us or others, and 3) Information we receive from your creditors or a consumer reporting agency. We do not share this information with outside parties.

We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and services, but we do not disclose anything that could be used to identify you as an individual.

You hereby authorize DRS, when necessary, to share your nonpublic personal, financial, credit, and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the following entities in order to help DRS provide you with appropriate counseling or guide you to appropriate services: third parties such as government agencies, your lender(s), your creditor(s), and nonprofit housing-related and other financial agencies as permitted by law, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We limit access to your nonpublic personal information to our employees, contractors and agents who need such access to provide products or services to you or for other legitimate business purposes.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. complies with the privacy requirements set forth in the HUD housing counseling agency handbook 7610.1 (05/2010), including the sections 2-2 Mc, 3-1 H(2), 3-3, 5-3 F, and Attachment A.5. At all times, we will comply with all additional laws and regulations to which we are subject regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of individually identifiable information.

  1. Services: DRS provides the following housing-related services: counseling that includes Homeless Assistance, Rental Topics, Pre-purchase/Homebuying, and Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase); Education courses that include Financial literacy (including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding use of credit), Predatory lending, loan scam or other fraud prevention, Fair housing, Rental topics, Pre-purchase homebuyer education, Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop (including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners), and other workshops not listed above.

Please refer to DebtReductionServices.org for details of our services.

  1. Limits: Our services are limited to our normal weekday business hours. We do not provide individual counseling or education services after hours or on weekends, although our education courses are available 24/7.
  2. Fees: We do not charge fees for our financial management counseling and education. However, if you use them, you may have to pay for our Debt Management Program, Student Loan Counseling, Bankruptcy Certificate Services or certain financial education courses (homebuyer education, rental topics, fair housing, predatory lending, and post-purchase-non-delinquency including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners).
  3. Records: We maintain records of the services you receive, including notes about your progress or other relevant information to your work with us. You have the right to access and view your records by making a request to your counselor.
  4. Confidentiality: We respect your privacy and offer our services in confidence with the understanding that we may share such information with auditors and government regulators. Certain laws or situations may also lead to disclosing confidential issues, such as those involving potential child abuse or neglect, threats to harm self or others, or court subpoenas.
  5. Refusal of Services: You have the right to refuse services without any penalty or loss.
  6. Disclosure of Policies and Practices: You will be provided our agency disclosure statement.
  7. Sharing of Information: Sometimes we will need to contact other agencies or we may need to share your information, including your records, with other agencies or with regulators. We will do this only if you sign this form that gives us permission except for limited reasons; please see # 5 above for examples of such situations.
  8. Other: You have the right to be treated with respect by our staff, and we expect the same from you in return. We encourage you to always ask questions if something is not clear. We also encouraged you to express your thoughts and advocate throughout our services.

You acknowledge that this authorization will remain in effect for the duration of time that DRS serves as your housing counselor or financial education provider. You also acknowledge that should you wish to terminate this authorization, you will notify DRS in writing.

Close

Disclosure  Statement

NOTE: If you have an impairment, disability, language barrier, or otherwise require an alternative means of completing this form or accessing information about our counseling services, please communicate with your DRS representative about arranging alternative accommodations.

Program Disclosure Form

Disclosure to Client for HUD Housing Counseling Services

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. and its financial education arm, Money Fit by DRS, offer the following housing counseling and educational services related to housing, personal finance, and bankruptcy certificates to consumers:
  • Housing Education Courses: DRS offers many online self-guided education programs classified as Financial, Budgeting, and Credit Workshops (FBC), Fair Housing Pre-Purchase Education Workshops (FHW), Homelessness Prevention Workshops (HMW), Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops (NDW), Predatory Lending Education Workshops (PLW), Pre-purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops (PPW), and Rental Housing Workshops (RHW). These courses help participants increase their knowledge of and skills in personal finance, including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding the use of credit, as well as predatory lending, loan scams, and other fraud prevention topics, fair housing, rental topics, pre-purchase homebuyer education, non-delinquency post-purchase topics including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners, homeless prevention workshop, and other workshops not listed above relating to personal finance and housing. Course details are found below under “Housing Workshops.”
  • Home Equity Conversation Mortgage (HECM) Counseling (RMC): Via telephone and virtual platforms, we offer the required HECM counseling nationwide in addition to in-person counseling in Boise, Idaho. We also offer in-home counseling options in thirty counties across southern Idaho for an additional fee to cover our travel and additional staff time costs.
  • Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase) (FBC): Clients receive counseling and materials on the proper maintenance of their home and mortgage refinancing. Clients can find help and resources by phone, in our Boise office, or virtually on all topics related to stabilizing their long-term homeownership.
  • Services for Homeless Counseling (HMC): Clients receive phone, virtual, or in-person (Boise) counseling to evaluate their current housing needs, identify barriers to and goals for housing stability, establish a path to self-sufficiency, and connect with emergency shelters, income-appropriate housing, and/or other community resources (e.g. mental healthcare, job training, transportation, etc.).
  • Pre-Purchase Counseling (PPC): Clients receive counseling through the entire homebuying process. Assistance may involve creating a sustainable household budget, understanding mortgage options, building their credit rating, and putting together a realistic action plan to set and achieve homeownership goals.  Additionally, clients will receive materials and resources about home inspections and other homeownership topics relevant to successfully maintaining a home.
  • Rental Housing Counseling (RHC): Via phone, in-person appointments (Boise, ID), or virtual platforms, clients receive housing counseling relevant to renting, including rent subsidies from HUD or other government and assistance programs. Topics can also address issues and concerns having to do with fair housing, landlord and tenant laws, lease terms, rent delinquency, household budgeting, and finding alternate housing.
DRS also offers the following services:
  • A Debt Management Program (DMP) for consumers struggling to pay their credit cards, collections, medical debts, personal loans, old utility bills, and past-due cell phone accounts;
  • The Budget Briefing and Debtor Education Certificates that are required during the Bankruptcy filing process;
  • A Student Loan Repayment Plan Counseling and application service.

Relationships with Industry Partners

Through such services, DRS has established financial relationships with hundreds of banks, credit unions, and creditors such as American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, Credit One, Discover, Synchrony, US Bank, USAA, Wells Fargo, and others.

No Client Obligation

The client is not obligated to receive, purchase or utilize any other services offered by DRS or its exclusive partners to receive financial education or housing counseling services. Alternatives: As a condition of our counseling services, in alignment with meeting our client services goals, and in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling Program requirements, we may provide information on alternative services, programs, and products available to you, if applicable and known by our staff. Alternative DMP services include negotiating better repayment terms directly with your individual creditors, paying your debts as agreed, or, in extreme cases, filing for personal bankruptcy. Alternative credit and education services can be found through MyMoney.gov or the Jump$tart Clearinghouse of online financial education resources. Housing counseling alternatives can be found through HUD at www.hud.gov/findacounselor.
Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.
Close

Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).

Close

Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).