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Non-profit credit counseling organization offering debt management plans, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education since 1991. Free confidential counseling with certified advisors.
Data compiled from public sources
Credit Advisors Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1991 that has helped thousands of consumers address debt and financial management issues. Based in Omaha, Nebraska with additional offices in Scottsdale, Arizona and Council Bluffs, Iowa, the organization operates with a mission to empower consumers to effectively manage finances, create economic security, and realize equality of access and opportunity. The organization maintains a Quality Assurance Program designed to measure performance and ensure consistency across all service delivery.
The organization offers multiple debt and financial counseling services including credit counseling and budgeting, debt management plans (DMP), bankruptcy counseling, housing and rental counseling, and comprehensive financial education classes. Their debt management plans consolidate multiple bills into a single affordable payment while negotiating with creditors. They provide free confidential counseling through certified personal finance counselors trained in consumer credit. The organization also offers educational resources, financial publications, and speaker services on credit responsibility and consumer financial issues. Counseling is available in Spanish, Korean, and Thai languages.
Credit Advisors Foundation distinguishes itself through its 30+ year track record since 1991, multi-state operations, certified counselor staff, and emphasis on client advocacy. The organization collects and analyzes performance data at all organizational levels and maintains stakeholder engagement with clients, creditors, regulators, and community partners. They specifically highlight payment reductions up to 50% and credit rating improvements over time as program outcomes, with client testimonials supporting their approach.
As a non-profit with established operations and certifications, Credit Advisors Foundation appears legitimate and mission-driven. However, the website lacks specific information about certification bodies (NFCC, AICCCA status), detailed fee structures beyond "free" counseling, success rates, or average outcomes. The marketing emphasis on "50% payment reductions" requires context about whether this applies universally or to specific debt types. Prospective clients should verify current certifications and ask detailed questions about their specific situation before committing.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Council Bluffs, IA. It does not confirm that Credit Advisors Foundation or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Iowa Division of Banking
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
According to CFPB data (2023-present), Credit Advisors Foundation has a 100% response rate to consumer complaints, with 66.7% of those responses delivered within the CFPB's 15-day window. Response rate measures whether the company replied — not whether the consumer's issue was resolved in their favor.
Credit Advisors Foundation offers 11 services including Free confidential credit counseling and budgeting, Debt management plans with creditor negotiation, Bankruptcy counseling and pre-filing guidance, Housing and rental counseling, Mortgage assistance and home purchase counseling, and 6 more.
Credit Advisors Foundation is best suited for Consumers with multiple debts seeking consolidation into single manageable payment, Those considering bankruptcy seeking counseling before filing, Homeowners struggling with mortgage or rental payments, Spanish, Korean, or Thai-speaking consumers needing multilingual financial counseling.
Key strengths: Non-profit organization with 30+ year operational history since 1991; Free confidential counseling with certified personal finance counselors; Debt management plans consolidate multiple creditors into single affordable payment. Areas to consider: Website does not specify NFCC certification or other accreditation status; No detailed fee structure disclosed beyond claiming 'free' services.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (Home, Inc.). Each company has different strengths — compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records to find the best fit.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Credit Advisors Foundation is best for consumers with multiple debts who need professional guidance consolidating payments and negotiating with creditors, or those considering bankruptcy seeking pre-filing counseling. Primary caveat: verify current accreditation status (NFCC certification) and request specific outcome data for your situation before enrolling, as the website does not clearly disclose these details.
Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
* Percentage of consumer complaints that received a company response (does not indicate the complaint was resolved in the consumer's favor)
** Percentage of responses delivered within the CFPB's 15-day window
Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-05-22
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency is a government department that oversees housing-related services and governance for Iowa's capital city.
Best for: Des Moines residents seeking housing policy information or appeals, Community members wanting to attend public housing governance meetings
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing and provides community support services to low-income families in central Iowa.
Best for: Low-income families seeking long-term affordable homeownership in the Des Moines area, Community members wanting to volunteer and contribute to housing solutions
Des Moines-based nonprofit housing counselor providing HUD-certified education and counseling for renters, homebuyers, homeowners, and landlords throughout Iowa.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Iowa seeking free education on the homebuying process without sales pressure, Iowa renters needing to understand their legal rights and responsibilities under state landlord-tenant law
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Read guide →Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Credit Advisors Foundation and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence editorial reviews, page order, or recommendations; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.