Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Counseling Partner in Wisconsin & Minnesota
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) has been dedicated to improving financial wellness in Wisconsin and Minnesota communities since 1912. Our mission focuses on providing confidential financial assessments, counseling, and educational programs to help individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability. We offer personalized services including debt management, credit counseling, student loan guidance, and bankruptcy education, all delivered by certified professionals with extensive industry expertise. Our organization maintains accreditation through the Council of Accreditation and partners with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to ensure high standards of service. We emphasize transparency, ethical practices, and client empowerment through ongoing support and community partnerships.Our team combines decades of experience with continuous professional development to address evolving financial challenges. We serve clients through multiple local offices and virtual platforms, making financial education accessible to diverse populations. Our commitment to financial literacy extends to workplace programs and community workshops designed to build lasting money management skills. We measure success through client outcomes like reduced debt, improved credit scores, and increased savings. As a United Way agency, we maintain strong community ties while adhering to strict regulatory compliance and professional accountability standards.
Services
Financial Counseling
Debt Management
Credit Counseling
Student Loan Counseling
Bankruptcy Education
Homeownership Workshops
Identity Theft Protection
Workplace Financial Wellness
Budgeting Guidance
Foreclosure Prevention
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience in community financial services
- Our counselors hold NFCC certification and specialized training
- We offer free initial financial assessments and budgeting counseling
- We maintain multiple industry accreditations and state licenses
- Our services combine personalized guidance with proven debt reduction strategies
Associations and certifications
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
- Council of Accreditation
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- United Way Agency
What people say
Huge weight lifted
Learned a lot
Financial stability
No hidden fees
Certified experts
Services
Financial Counseling
Our certified counselors provide personalized financial assessments and tailored guidance to help clients create effective budgeting strategies. We help identify spending patterns, establish realistic savings goals, and develop debt repayment plans. With both in-person and virtual options available, our counseling services empower clients to make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial security through practical, customized solutions.
Debt Management
Our Debt Management Program helps clients consolidate multiple unsecured debts into a single monthly payment with reduced interest rates. We work directly with creditors to negotiate favorable terms while providing ongoing financial education. This structured program typically lasts 3-5 years and has helped thousands of clients successfully eliminate debt through systematic repayment plans combined with budgeting guidance.
Credit Counseling
We offer comprehensive credit counseling services to help clients understand credit reports, improve credit scores, and build healthy financial habits. Our counselors explain credit factors, identify report errors, and develop strategies for responsible credit use. Through educational resources and personalized action plans, we help clients establish strong credit foundations while avoiding common pitfalls that damage creditworthiness over time.
Student Loan Counseling
Our specialized student loan counselors help borrowers navigate repayment options, including income-driven plans and forgiveness programs. We provide detailed analysis of loan terms, assistance with application processes, and strategies for managing debt burdens. For a fee of $50/hour, we offer document preparation services while ensuring clients understand all available options before making important financial decisions about their student loans.
Bankruptcy Education
We provide mandatory bankruptcy education courses approved by the Executive Office of the U.S. Trustee. Our online and in-person programs help clients understand financial management during and after bankruptcy proceedings. The course covers budgeting essentials, credit rebuilding strategies, and responsible financial practices while meeting all legal requirements for bankruptcy discharge. We offer fee waivers for qualifying individuals to ensure accessibility.
People
Mark Edmond
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Mark oversees all educational and counseling programs, bringing leadership experience to CCCS's mission of financial empowerment through community-focused services.
Bridget Lemmer
Director of Operations
Bridget manages daily operations, ensuring efficient delivery of financial services while maintaining compliance with state and national regulatory standards across Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Alex Volten
Director of Counseling
Alex leads the counseling team, providing strategic direction for personalized financial guidance programs that help clients achieve long-term financial stability and independence.
Matthew Swanson
Board President
Matthew chairs the board of directors, guiding strategic planning efforts to expand financial wellness initiatives and strengthen community impact in Midwest regions.
Katie Tutas
Guardian Program Manager
Katie manages the Guardian program, supporting vulnerable populations with financial management services while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Questions
What financial services does CCCS offer?
We provide debt management, credit counseling, student loan guidance, bankruptcy education, homeownership workshops, and financial literacy programs tailored to individual needs.
Are your counseling services free?
Initial financial counseling and budgeting sessions are free, while some specialized programs like follow-up homeownership counseling have nominal fees.
Do you serve clients outside Wisconsin?
Yes, we serve both Wisconsin and Minnesota residents through local offices and virtual counseling platforms for convenient access.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Contact us at 1-800-350-2227 or complete our online intake form to schedule a consultation with a certified counselor.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain NFCC certification, Council of Accreditation status, HUD approval, and state licenses in Wisconsin and Minnesota for financial counseling services.
Can you help with student loan debt?
Our certified student loan counselors provide free guidance on repayment options and charge $50/hour for document preparation assistance with federal programs.
