The typical job of credit counselor is to help people in debt. But the
recent rise in the number of people with wealth has given credit counselors
a new job.
"Our information specialists field calls from people with various problems,"
says Michael Kidwell. He is the vice-president and co-founder of a credit
counseling service in Rockville, Maryland.
"We work with crisis plans, which are for people who have more debt than
income. But we also help people who are current with all of the bills but
need better spending plans or people who have come into wealth and are not
sure how to handle it," he adds.
"The service that we provide to consumers is immeasurable," says Kidwell.
"People call me who are at their wit's end. They are consumed by depression
because the pressure of debt is so great. To listen and help them -- you can't
measure that."
There are some tough aspects to listening to people, though. "We're not
trained to be counselors for people who are depressed or suicidal, but sometimes
we are faced with those situations. Our job is to listen and direct consumers
to people or publications that will help them."
And then there are the times when the people you are trying to help don't
really want your help. "If you're someone who enjoys helping people, this
is not a job. It's a passion. But you do run into times where people cannot
help themselves. All you can do is show them the solutions. The rest is up
to them."
Kidwell says that people skills are essential.
In fact, the people are what the career is all about for Kidwell. "Until
you're there and you see the faces of the people you help, you can't know
how important our services are."
Margaret Johnson is a credit counselor. She says that for her, the best
part of being a credit counselor is helping people reduce the stress that
comes from being in debt.
"By giving knowledge, you have given back control to their lives. Most
people I see feel they have failed. I explain to them that if they put bankruptcy
papers on my desk, that does not tell me who they are. It simply tells me
where they have been financially. Nothing more."
But that doesn't make it easier for Johnson to tell someone they need to
file for bankruptcy.
There is more to her job than just helping to straighten out or establish
budgets, however. Johnson also teaches about credit and debt.
"The most interesting session I have had is with a third grade class,"
she says. "I asked the class where money comes from and one little girl said
'the machine.' When I asked what happens if the machine doesn't give you any
money, she replied 'go to another one.' I realized I had a lot of work to
do."
The passion that Johnson has for the job that she does is what drives her
to teach and to counsel people who need her expertise. "I believe that all
people should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their situation.
This job allows me to do just that," she says.
"I became a credit counselor because of my desire to help people that were
falling victim to the collection industry tactics of 'anything goes' to collect
an account. I believe that all debts should be repaid if the debtor has the
ability. If not, the debtor should be fully informed as to the options available
to them."
That passion for helping people is what Johnson says is the most important
skill for the job. "I would encourage professionals to enter this field if
they have a desire to help people. The benefits are not in terms of dollars.
They are in the faces of the people that I help," she says.
"Knowledge is power," she says. "Don't look back. Plan for the future --
where are you going and how are you going to get there and how will you know
you have arrived?"