Too many Americans learn about their finances the hard way - by making mistakes. Bankruptcy offers one way to wipe the slate clean. But filing for bankruptcy is serious business and has severe consequences. We believe consumers should know both the pluses and the minuses of declaring bankruptcy. And for those about to emerge from bankruptcy, we want to help you make the most of this fresh start by teaching you how to keep your finances in order and to learn to use credit wisely.

Any individual who plans to file for bankruptcy is required to complete a pre-filing counseling session given by a credit counseling agency approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. Additionally potential filers are required to take part in an approved follow-up personal financial education course before his/her debts can be discharged.

Most NFCC member agencies are approved to provide either bankruptcy pre-filing counseling sessions or bankruptcy pre-discharge education classes. Many offer both. Contact an NFCC member in your area using the Member Agency Locator.

NFCC Educational Resources
The NFCC has developed educational bankruptcy workbooks to assist consumers in conjunction with both their pre-filing counseling session and pre-discharge education course.