You can talk to a financial coach for help organizing a payoff plan and following it, a nonprofit credit counselor for budget counseling and possible debt management options, or your lender about hardship assistance. The best starting point depends on what is keeping you stuck.
Sometimes the hard part is finding someone who will look at the whole situation with you. You have balances, due dates, income and other goals, and you want help deciding what to do with the money coming in next.
You do not need to arrive with a perfect spreadsheet. First, work out what kind of conversation you need.
Who can help me with debt?
A financial coach: a plan and help carrying it out
Coaching may fit when you have income to work with but are unsure how much to pay, which debt to focus on or how to avoid borrowing again. At Goalpost, I help you connect debt payments with your budget, paydays and personal goals. We keep reviewing the plan as your circumstances change.
For the service details, see working with a debt coach. Goalpost does not lend money, settle balances or negotiate rates with creditors.
A nonprofit credit counselor: budget counseling and payment options
Credit counselors can help with budgeting and debt, and may offer a debt management plan when appropriate. Services and fees vary. The CFPB explains how to find and evaluate credit counseling, including questions to ask before signing up.
This is worth exploring if minimum payments are difficult to afford or you need to understand whether a formal repayment arrangement is available. You can also read our comparison of credit counseling and coaching.
Your lender: help with that account's payments
If you may miss a payment, contact the lender to ask about hardship assistance, due-date changes and what any arrangement would mean for you. Keep notes and request the terms in writing. Availability depends on the lender and your account; a coach cannot promise its answer.
If you have a lawsuit, a legal deadline or questions about bankruptcy, speak with a qualified attorney or legal aid service. Those questions need legal guidance.
Do you need a financial advisor for budgeting?
Some financial advisors include budgeting in broader financial planning. Others focus mainly on investments. Ask what their service includes and how they charge.
If your immediate need is someone to help you manage paydays, choose debt payments and follow a budget, a financial coach may be the service you were trying to find. Read financial coach vs. financial advisor if you are comparing the two.
What happens on a free call with me?
The free 30-minute call is a conversation about where you are, what you want to change and whether I can help. I will ask what feels hardest right now and explain how working together would look.
Rough balances, monthly take-home pay and your main question are enough to start. You might say, “I earn enough to cover the bills, but every extra debt payment seems to end up back on a card.” That gives us a useful place to begin.
A full financial plan or a guaranteed payoff date is not something I can promise from an introductory call. If coaching makes sense, we discuss the work and the cost. If another type of support is more appropriate, I will say so.
What changes when we work together?
We choose a goal, review your numbers and build a plan you can use between calls. That might mean selecting one debt to focus on, setting aside money for an expense that keeps surprising you, or building a checking-account buffer before increasing payments.
You have coaching calls every other week, your client portal, and text and email support between calls. We compare the plan with what actually happened and adjust together. You are involved in the decisions; I help you work through them and follow up.
When paying for coaching makes sense
Coaching is worth considering when you want ongoing personal support, are willing to review your numbers and try changes, and can make room for the fee without making essentials or required payments harder to cover.
You do not have to fit a particular salary range or debt amount. The question is whether this kind of support is useful and affordable for you. If you already have a plan you can follow, the free calculators may be enough. If money for essentials is short, start with creditor assistance and free or low-cost counseling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I talk to someone about debt for free?
Yes. Goalpost offers a free 30-minute introductory call to discuss your situation and whether coaching fits. Ongoing coaching is paid. Nonprofit credit counseling organizations may offer free or low-cost counseling; ask about any fees before enrolling.
Do I need all my statements before the first call?
No. Rough debt balances, take-home pay and the main issue you want help with are enough for the introductory conversation. We can discuss what information would be useful if you decide to work together.
Can I work with Sam if I live outside Florida?
Yes. Goalpost Finance provides virtual coaching nationwide. Sessions and ongoing support do not require visiting an office.
