Credit Counseling of Arkansas (CCOA), Inc. has operated as a non-profit organization since 1995, serving thousands of families nationwide with financial guidance and debt solutions. The organization is HUD-certified for housing counseling and appears to be affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), evidenced by their client receiving an NFCC Brighter Financial Future award.
CCOA offers free, no-obligation financial consultations and counseling services across multiple areas: budget counseling, credit report reviews, debt management programs, pre-filing bankruptcy counseling, first-time homebuyer counseling, mortgage delinquency counseling, and reverse mortgage counseling. They claim their debt management program can reduce interest rates, stop fees, and halt collection calls. The organization provides free financial education resources and seminars, with counseling available via phone, in-person, or email (for budget and debt management only).
The company distinguishes itself through certified financial counselors, multiple physical locations in Arkansas (Fayetteville, Bentonville, Fort Smith), and a client-focused approach emphasizing personal relationships. Their reported client outcomes are notable: 93% report better control of finances, 94% use information from classes in their financial practices, and 97% report being closer to becoming debt-free. They accept clients nationwide despite having physical offices in Arkansas.
As a free-help organization, CCOA is appropriate for consumers seeking legitimate, non-profit financial counseling without cost barriers. The main caveat is that debt management programs, while non-predatory, still require commitment to a structured repayment plan, and results depend on individual circumstances and adherence to the counseling plan.