If you are having a problem using Institute for Financial Literacy Online, please contact our helpline at help@FinancialLit.org or toll-free (866) 662-4932.
If have questions regarding Institute for Financial Literacy Online, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Or you may contact our helpline at help@FinancialLit.org or toll-free (866) 662-4932.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I have questions about my bankruptcy case, my rights during the process, and about what my creditors can and can’t do according to the law. Can you provide some guidance to me?
Answer: No. Since we are not attorneys, to attempt to address such issues would constitute the illegal practice of law on our part. Consequently, we highly suggest that you work with legal counsel to resolve these sorts of questions.
How long does the counseling session take?
Answer: Everyone is different, and your finances may be more complex than others. On average, our clients spend about an hour completing the online program and the telephone counseling.
Can I do the entire counseling session online?
Answer: No. Even after completing the online portion of this program, in order to complete the counseling and receive your certificate, you must call and speak with one of our credit counselors. They will review your information and may make additional recommendations to help your specific financial situation.
Will I be working with "certified" credit counselors?
Answer: Yes. Our counselors become certified through the Center for Financial Certifications at the Institute for Financial Literacy.
Are you approved to administer this program through the Executive Office of the United States Trustee (EOUST)?
Answer: Yes. We have been approved* by the EOUST to provide the pre-bankruptcy credit counseling certification program since December 2005. We were also approved in April 2006 to provide the post-bankruptcy debtor education course.
* Approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.
I’m filing jointly with my spouse. Do we BOTH have to sign up for this program?
Answer: Yes. Currently, if you are filing jointly, both you and your spouse are required to complete the online portion and the telephone counseling section of this program.
After completing this certificate program and filing for bankruptcy, will I still need to take a debtor education course?
Answer: Yes. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 stipulates that bankruptcy filers get both the pre-filing credit counseling certificate AND the post-filing debtor education course certificate.
Does Institute for Financial Literacy administer a post-bankruptcy debtor education certificate program as well?
Answer: Yes. Go to www.FinancialLit.org, choose "Bankruptcy-Related Services" and follow the link to the post-bankruptcy debtor education course.
Do I have to use Debt Reduction Services to receive my post-bankruptcy debtor education certificate?
Answer: No. However, we certainly take pride in our service and customer satisfaction, so we know you will not be disappointed by coming back to us for our post-bankruptcy debtor education program. Please go to www.FinancialLit.org, choose "Bankruptcy-Related Services" and follow the link to the post-bankruptcy debtor education course.
If you are having a problem using Institute for Financial Literacy Online, please contact our helpline at help@FinancialLit.org or (866) 662-4932.
To use Center for Financial Certifications Online, you must have been issued a username and password by the Center for Financial Certifications and you must have been registered for a program. If you have not been issued a username and password or registered for a program, please contact our helpline at help@FinancialLit.org or (866) 662-4932.