Certified Financial Counselor School: Part I
Topics & Objectives

Please note that the Topics/Objectives listed below are subject to change.

Communication Process for a Financial Counselor

• Understand several important communication principles
• Discuss the different ways in which members communicate
• Identify factors that influence and also create obstacles in the communication process
• Understand the important role of listening skills

Creditor and Consumer Rights & Remedies

• Discuss the variety of creditor remedies used today
• Establish members’ options for stopping or preventing garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures
• Explore the bankruptcy process from both the lender and consumer viewpoint
• Review the legal issues with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

Designing & Implementing a Financial Counseling Program

• Learn how to determine member needs and institutional attitudes
• Analyze department structure and program personnel
• Discuss the development of training programs, adequate counseling facilities, and effective policies and procedures

Financial Counseling Overview & the Role of the Financial Counselor

• Identify myths and goals of financial counseling
• Examine a model for your budget counseling process
• Learn ways to help members clarify and resolve their financial problems
• Learn how the real cost of credit can discourage over-spending

Helping Members Work with Creditors

• Identify the financial counselor’s role
• Learn to teach members how to negotiate with creditors honestly and fairly
• Learn how to help members construct a letter for creditors
• Discuss what to do when members are unable to make payments due to job loss, disability, and other severe financial problems

Investigating Financial Solutions & Options

• Identify options and practical solutions to credit problems
• Learn ways to help members understand their financial situation and options
• Identify resources and opportunities to help reduce your member’s monthly deficit

Problem Prevention, Education & Information Programs

• Discuss credit union awareness for "best practices"
• Determine tools and resources to help members prevent credit issues
• Establish just-in-time intervention tools to keep members on the "straight and narrow"

Public Agencies & Community Resources

• Determine when members are eligible for assistance
• Identify what resources may be available on the state, regional, and national level
• Develop a resource guide to use for referrals

Spending Plans

• Explore ways to show members how to develop spending, bill paying, and saving plans
• Learn how to help members build savings on a tight budget
• See a demonstration of two ways to accelerate debt reduction
• Understand a member's alternatives to bankruptcy

Understanding & Improving Creditworthiness

• Learn the six factors lenders look at when considering a loan
• Understand how credit scores are determined
• Discuss what members can do to improve their credit scores

Understanding Your Member's Financial Issues

• Understand the environment your member operates in
• Discuss why your members act the way they do
• Identify financial problems and their impact
• Distinguish differences between financial crises, emergencies, and problems

After class each day you may participate in optional review and exam sessions to obtain your Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) certification.

For more program content information or to request a brochure call 800-356-9655, ext. 4249, or email elearning@cuna.coop. For registration questions, call 800-356-9655, ext.4400 or e-mail reginfo@cuna.coop.