Nonprofit credit counseling and financial education organization (formerly HCCI, now part of Money Management International) offering free and low-cost debt, credit, and housing counseling services.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) operated as an independent nonprofit financial counseling organization until January 1, 2026, when it merged with Money Management International (MMI), the nation's largest nonprofit credit counseling agency. The organization has over 60 years of experience providing financial guidance and consumer advocacy. Following the merger, HCCI clients now have access to MMI's expanded suite of tools, digital resources, and nationwide service network while maintaining the localized support HCCI was known for, particularly in Kansas communities.
The organization offers comprehensive financial counseling and education services including credit counseling, debt management plans, debt resolution options, bankruptcy counseling, homebuyer education, reverse mortgage counseling, student loan counseling, and disaster financial recovery assistance. They provide online financial reviews, one-on-one counseling via chat or email, and specialized educational resources including budget guides, webinars, workshops, and podcasts. Services are available 24/7 in English and Spanish, with interpreter services for additional languages.
What distinguishes MMI/HCCI is their nonprofit status, HUD-approved housing counselor credentials, and deep community integration—evidenced by programs like the Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO) homebuyer program and Kansas tenant-landlord counseling services. Most counseling and educational services are completely free, with only select low-cost services and optional debt management plan fees (which may be reduced or waived for eligible clients). The organization explicitly does not report client information to credit bureaus or creditors without permission, and only contacts creditors if clients enroll in a debt management plan.
The primary caveat is that this is a counseling and education organization, not a debt settlement or credit repair company. They do not dispute credit report errors or negotiate with creditors independently—they educate clients and facilitate debt management plans. While their advice may improve credit scores over time, they are transparent that they are not a credit repair service. The recent merger integration may also create some transition periods for existing HCCI clients accustomed to localized service.
Yes. Housing And Credit Counseling, Inc. (Hcci) is a registered company headquartered in Topeka, KS. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Counseling available within 1-2 weeks of contact.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
MMI/HCCI is ideal for consumers seeking legitimate, nonprofit credit and financial counseling without high costs, particularly those addressing debt management, homebuying preparation, or bankruptcy navigation. The critical caveat is that this organization educates and counsels rather than disputes credit errors or negotiates settlements—those needing active credit repair or debt settlement should look elsewhere, though this organization's nonprofit credentials and transparency make it trustworthy for financial guidance itself.
FDIC-insured community bank in Topeka, Kansas offering personal checking, savings, CDs, home loans, business accounts, and trust services with over 150 years of local history.
Best for: Topeka-area residents seeking relationship-based banking with local decision-making authority, Individuals with complex estates requiring professional trustee, executor, or conservatorship services
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