Sorting through the hundreds of services out there claiming to offer financial relief seems daunting. Here are a few points that will narrow the field. Good credit counseling services will hold national accreditation such as that achieved by adhering to the strict standards of the Council on Accreditation (COA). The agency will employ counselors who are certified in personal financial management. The organization will not only have a positive BBB ratings but will have been around for many years. A wide spectrum of services will be offered such as HUD approved housing counseling, EOUST approved bankruptcy counseling, involvement in community projects and easily available consumer education and resources. No solution should be offered until a complete financial assessment is completed and all options reviewed.