Credit counseling helps you start the year with a plan by transforming vague financial resolutions into a concrete, actionable roadmap.
By partnering with a certified credit counselor, you gain a structured budget, a clear understanding of your debt-to-income ratio, and access to tools such as Debt Management Plans (DMPs) that lower interest rates and consolidate payments, turning your desire for debt freedom into a sustainable reality.
Key Takeaways
- Structure over intent: Credit counseling transforms well-intentioned financial resolutions into actionable, sustainable plans.
- Debt Prioritization: Credit counseling provides the structure and support needed to tackle debt, particularly credit card debt, which is the top financial priority for many Americans in 2026. Understanding your financial situation is crucial. Credit counseling provides clarity on income, expenses, and debt, laying the foundation for realistic, achievable financial goals.
- Customized roadmaps: With American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), you can craft a personalized budget that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
- Interest Reduction: ACCC’s debt management plans simplify repayment and often reduce interest rates, making debt payoff more manageable.
- Long-Term Health: Unlike fleeting resolutions, a financial plan is adaptable and goal-oriented, promoting improved economic health, increased confidence, and greater control over your financial future.
Why Paying Off Debt is the #1 Financial Resolution
Paying off debt is the most common financial resolution for Americans heading into 2026. With rising credit card balances, higher interest rates, and post-holiday expenses, many households are starting the new year looking for ways to regain financial stability.
According to Jack Caporal of Motley Fool, paying off debt ranks as the No. 1 financial resolution for most Americans. This reflects a growing awareness that unmanaged debt doesn’t just impact finances—it affects stress levels, long-term goals, and overall well-being.
Why Debt Payoff Tops Financial Goals in 2026
For many people, debt has become harder to manage due to:
- Higher credit card interest rates
- Increased reliance on credit for everyday expenses
- Lingering holiday and emergency spending
- Limited room in monthly budgets
As the new year begins, many of us reflect on the past and contemplate what we want to change for the future. A New Year’s Resolution is a well-intentioned promise to improve something about us or our lives. But when it comes to debt, promises and motivation are not enough.
Financial Plan VS Financial Resolution
A resolution says, “I want to pay off my debt.”
A financial plan answers, “Here’s how I’ll do it.”
This is where credit counseling comes in. It bridges the gap between intention and action by providing a clear roadmap to debt repayment and financial stability.
What is Credit Counseling?
Credit counseling is a service provided by certified financial experts who review your entire financial picture – income, expenses, and debts – to offer personalized advice. It is not a loan or debt relief scheme, but an educational and strategic process. When an individual goes through a credit counseling session, the credit counseling agency will offer services such as:
- Budget counseling
- Financial education & ongoing support
- Debt management plans
“So a credit counselor to me is somebody who likes to solve puzzles. Every single client in person has their own puzzle, and to me, the joy I got out of this job is looking at the pieces and then finding out what is the best course of action.” -Kyle Liseno, American Consumer Credit Counselor
A reputable credit counseling nonprofit organization like American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) can be an invaluable partner in your financial journey!
5 Reasons to Start the Year with a Financial Plan
“Financial planning is the process of considering your financial objectives and goals and creating a roadmap to reach them based on actions you can take with your money.” – Miranda Marquit, “What Is Financial Planning?” 2025.
While resolutions are often vague and lack actionable steps, think of a financial plan as a roadmap with clearly defined goals and strategies. Here are 5 key reasons as to why you should start the year with a solid financial plan.
1. Clarity and understanding:
The first step in any financial journey is understanding your current position. ACCC’s counselors work with you to assess your current financial situation, including income, expenses, and debts. This comprehensive review provides the clarity needed to set realistic and achievable financial goals.
2. Customized budgeting:
A budget is the cornerstone of any financial plan. ACCC helps you create a budget that:
- Covers essential living expenses
- Allocates money toward debt repayment
- Supports savings and future goals
This personalized approach makes your plan practical and sustainable.
3. Debt management plans:
For many, high-interest debt is a significant hurdle in achieving financial goals. ACCC offers debt management plans that consolidate your debts into a single monthly payment, often with reduced interest rates. Some of the key benefits to ACCC debt management plans include:
- Consolidation: One payment date to remember.
- Lower Rates: Counselors negotiate with creditors to reduce interest rates.
- Faster Payoff: More of your payment goes toward the principal balance.
This approach simplifies debt repayment and can save you money over time, making it easier to stay on track with your financial plan.
4. Financial education:
Knowledge is power, especially in personal finance. ACCC provides educational resources that equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.
5. Ongoing support and accountability:
One of the biggest challenges with resolutions is maintaining momentum. ACCC offers ongoing support and check-ins to ensure you stay on track with your financial plan. This accountability can significantly improve your ability to achieve your financial goals.
4 Key Benefits of a Financial Plan Over Resolutions
While resolutions can often lose momentum, a financial plan offers a framework for sustainable change. Here are some benefits of starting the year with a financial plan crafted with the help of ACCC:
1. Goal-oriented approach:
A financial plan is focused on achieving specific, measurable goals. Whether it’s paying off a certain amount of debt, saving for a significant purchase, or building an emergency fund, having clear objectives increases your chances of success.
2. Adaptability:
Life is unpredictable, and financial plans must be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. With ACCC, you’ll have the tools to adjust your plan as needed. Ensuring it remains relevant and practical in the face of life’s uncertainties.
3. Improved Financial Health:
By following a structured financial plan, you’ll likely see:
- Lower debt balances
- Improved credit scores
- Increased savings and financial security
All of these positive changes contribute to a more secure, stress-free financial future.
4. Increased Confidence:
Knowing you have a solid financial plan in place can boost your confidence. You’ll feel more in control of your finances and better equipped to handle financial challenges as they arise
How American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) Supports Your Financial Journey
- Founded with a mission to empower consumers to regain control of their finances, ACCC offers comprehensive services that will be tailored to your specific financial situation.
- With a team of financially certified credit counselors, ACCC provides professional advice and solutions designed to help you achieve financial stability.
- Their expertise can guide you through to a personalized debt management plan, paving the way for financial freedom.
New Year, New Financial You
As the new year begins, consider transforming your financial resolutions into a concrete plan with the help of credit counseling. American Consumer Credit Counseling provides the guidance, support, and resources needed to make this transformation possible. By leveraging their expertise, you can move beyond resolutions and embrace a proactive approach to your financial health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is credit counseling, and how can it help me?
A: Credit counseling provides guidance and education on managing debt and finances. It helps individuals understand their financial situation, develop personalized plans, and access services such as budget counseling and debt management plans. This structured approach can turn resolutions into actionable plans.
Q: Why is ACCC a good choice for credit counseling?
A: American Consumer Credit Counseling is a reputable nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive services tailored to your financial situation. Their financial counselors are certified and provide professional advice and solutions, guiding you toward economic stability and freedom.
Q: What are the main benefits of having a financial plan over resolutions?
A: A financial plan is structured, goal-oriented, and adaptable, increasing your chances of achieving specific financial goals. It promotes improved economic health, adaptability to life’s changes, and boosts confidence in handling financial challenges.
Q: How does a debt management plan work with ACCC?
A: ACCC’s debt management plans consolidate your debts into a single monthly payment, often with reduced interest rates and fees. This simplifies repayment, saves money over time, and helps you stay on track with your financial goals.
Q: Will credit counseling affect my credit score?
A: Credit counseling itself does not directly affect your credit score. However, participation in a debt management plan may affect your credit score, depending on how creditors report your accounts. In the long run, adhering to a financial plan can improve credit scores!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
Read the full article here
