Starting a debt management program begins with a credit counseling session with a certified credit counselor who will work with you on your budget, goals, and questions. During the process of developing your personal action plan, the certified credit counselor may recommend you to the option of a debt management plan. Once you decide to commit to the debt management plan and your documentation and first payment is received, notifications (known as ‘proposals’) are sent to each of your creditors with information such as the amount of the monthly payment the DMP will provide them. The proposal also requests a variety of concessions for your accounts from creditors during the duration of your program.