MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.

Free-Help · IL

Rating: 4.3/5

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. logo

MoneySharp is a US Trustee-approved credit counseling agency offering pre- and post-bankruptcy financial education courses for $12 per household.

Official Website

https://www.moneysharp.org

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. Review

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. is a Chicago-based financial education organization located at 203 N. LaSalle, Suite 2100. The company is fully approved by the United States Trustee to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code, meaning their courses satisfy federal requirements for individuals filing bankruptcy.

The approval specifically covers their credit counseling and debtor education services, though the US Trustee notes this approval does not endorse or assure the quality of other services they may offer.

MoneySharp offers a structured suite of financial education courses designed for consumers in financial distress. Their primary offerings include Before Filing Credit Counseling ($12 per household), After Filing Debtor's Education ($12 per household), and Money Mastery courses focused on financial planning and control. Each course is positioned as "simple and time tested," walking participants through rebuilding credit after specific hardships such as job loss, foreclosure, eviction, repossession, bankruptcy, divorce, or general credit damage.

The company distinguishes itself through its low course pricing ($12 per household), accessibility via online platform with member sign-in functionality, and availability to serve both bankruptcy filers (required courses) and general consumers seeking credit education. They operate across time zones with extended customer service hours (Mon-Thu 8am-10pm CST, Fri 8am-6pm CST, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm CST) and provide toll-free phone support at 1-866-200-6825. The website emphasizes education as "the great equalizer" and positions their courses as tools for consumers to take control of their financial future.

MoneySharp operates within the nonprofit/government-approved credit counseling space but provides limited detail on their organizational structure, specific credentials of counselors, or outcomes data. The website focuses on course availability rather than comprehensive one-on-one counseling services typical of full-service credit counseling agencies. Their approval scope is explicitly limited to bankruptcy education courses, and consumers should verify whether they offer broader counseling services beyond structured courses.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • US Trustee-approved for bankruptcy credit counseling and debtor education courses
  • Very affordable at $12 per household for both pre- and post-bankruptcy courses
  • Extended phone support hours including weekends and evenings (Mon-Thu 8am-10pm CST)
  • Online course platform with member login and course tracking functionality
  • Serves specific financial crisis scenarios (foreclosure, eviction, repossession, job loss, divorce)
  • Toll-free access at 1-866-200-6825 with fax support available
  • Offers both pre-filing and post-filing bankruptcy courses to meet legal requirements

Areas to Consider

  • !Limited information about counselor qualifications, certifications, or professional credentials on website
  • !No outcome data, success rates, or testimonials provided to evaluate course effectiveness
  • !Appears to offer only structured courses rather than personalized one-on-one credit counseling sessions
  • !US Trustee approval is explicitly limited to bankruptcy courses only; other services are not reviewed or approved
  • !Minimal transparency about organization type (nonprofit vs. for-profit) or leadership

Verdict Summary

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. works best for consumers who value us trustee-approved for bankruptcy credit counseling and debtor education courses and can accept the tradeoff of limited information about counselor qualifications, certifications, or professio. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

Credit Monitoring
All Three Bureaus
Goodwill Letters
Cease Desist Letters
Debt Validation
Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor
Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.

Before signing up with any Free Help provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.

Match these decision factors against MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.'s profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Free Help providers.

Category

Free Help

Service scope

12 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • Complexity priority: Consider MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.'s stated strengths (US Trustee-approved for bankruptcy credit counseling and debtor education courses) against your specific credit situation.
  • Timeline priority: Free Help typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • Alternatives: Compare against all Free Help providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details: Contact provider for current pricing and guarantee details.
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: []
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. offer?

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. offers 12 services including Before Filing Credit Counseling course ($12 per household), After Filing Debtor's Education course ($12 per household), Money Mastery financial education course, Credit rebuilding guidance after bankruptcy or financial crisis, Online course delivery and member portal access, and 7 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. best suited for?

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.'s profile signals suggest it may fit: Individuals required to complete credit counseling before filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy; Recent bankruptcy filers needing post-discharge debtor education courses for discharge requirements; Consumers in financial crisis seeking affordable structured financial education on rebuilding credit; People recovering from foreclosure, eviction, or repossession seeking education-based credit recovery. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.?

Key strengths: US Trustee-approved for bankruptcy credit counseling and debtor education courses; Very affordable at $12 per household for both pre- and post-bankruptcy courses; Extended phone support hours including weekends and evenings (Mon-Thu 8am-10pm CST). Areas to consider: Limited information about counselor qualifications, certifications, or professional credentials on website; No outcome data, success rates, or testimonials provided to evaluate course effectiveness.

How does MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. compare to similar companies?

In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., Navicore Solutions, Take Charge America. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. operate?

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. serves customers in 1 states including Illinois. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. cost?

Listed pricing for MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Illinois. It does not confirm that MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Consumer protection: Illinois Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Credit and debt help rules in Illinois

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in Illinois: Restricted

Usury cap: 36% APR cap on all consumer loans (Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act, 2021)

Complaint resources

State references

Illinois enacted the Predatory Loan Prevention Act in 2021, capping all consumer loans at 36% APR including fees, effectively banning traditional payday lending. The DFPR enforces comprehensive lending regulations. Consumers can file complaints online with DFPR or the Attorney General's office.

Similar Companies

Comparable Free Help providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. logo

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

NFCC-certified nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, and bankruptcy guidance since 1996.

Rating 4.6/5

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Notable: NFCC-certified nonprofit with 30 years of operation since 1996 — not a for-profit debt settlement company

Navicore Solutions logo

Navicore Solutions

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Rating 4.8/5

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Notable: 30+ years of operation since 1991 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no profit motive

Take Charge America logo

Take Charge America

Nonprofit NFCC-certified credit counseling agency offering free initial consultations and paid Debt Management Plans to reduce interest rates on unsecured de...

Rating 4.9/5

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Notable: Nonprofit agency founded in 1987 with 35+ years of operation and 2 million+ clients served

American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc. logo

American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc.

ACCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit credit counseling agency founded in 1991, offering free debt management programs starting at \/month. BBB A+ rated with 4.98 st...

Rating 4.7/5

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Notable: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) structure aligns incentives with the consumer, not profit generation

Consolidated Credit logo

Consolidated Credit

Nonprofit credit counseling agency offering free counseling, debt management programs, and HUD-approved housing help. Rated 4.7/5 from 9,144 reviews.

Rating 4.4/5

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Notable: Free initial credit counseling with certified counselors — no cost to review your situation

Greenpath Financial Wellness logo

Greenpath Financial Wellness

GreenPath Financial Wellness is a 60-year-old national nonprofit offering free NFCC and HUD-certified financial counseling, debt management, and housing guidance.

Rating 4.5/5

Read review →

Notable: 60+ year operational history as established national nonprofit with NFCC and HUD dual certification

Incharge Debt Solutions logo

Incharge Debt Solutions

InCharge Debt Solutions is a 27-year-old Orlando-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management programs ($32-34/mo), and HUD-cer...

Rating 4.4/5

Read review →

Notable: 27-year track record as 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 3.2 million clients served and $3.4 billion in debt repaid

Abacus Credit Counseling logo

Abacus Credit Counseling

Non-profit credit counseling founded by bankruptcy and financial professionals. Provides pre- and post-bankruptcy courses designed to help consumers analyze ...

Rating 4.3/5

Read review →

Notable: Founded and led by bankruptcy attorneys and financial professionals with credentials from Stanford, UCLA, Michigan, a...

Related Questions

Quick Summary

MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. — Free Help in IL.

Overall rating: 4.3/5

MoneySharp is a US Trustee-approved credit counseling agency offering pre- and post-bankruptcy financial education courses for $12 per household.

Next Steps

  1. Compare MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc.'s licensing before committing.
  4. Visit MoneySharp Credit Counseling Inc. once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Free Help providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
Balloon Payment
A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.
Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.
Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Collateral — Loan Collateral
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Why it matters: Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example: A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau)
A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Why it matters: Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. You should check all three reports because an error on one could be costing you money.
Example: Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.
Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze
A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's the strongest protection against identity theft.
Why it matters: A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.
Example: Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.
Credit Mix — Credit Mix (Types of Credit)
The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.
Why it matters: Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.
Example: Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B's score is typically higher.
Credit Report — Consumer Credit Report
A detailed record of your borrowing history maintained by credit bureaus. It lists every loan, credit card, payment history, collection, and public record tied to your name.
Why it matters: Errors on credit reports are common — 1 in 5 consumers has at least one mistake. Checking your report regularly is the first step to fixing errors that are costing you money.
Example: You pull your free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and find a $2,400 medical collection you already paid. You dispute it, the bureau verifies it's resolved, and your score goes up 40 points.
Credit Score
A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores mean lower risk to lenders and better loan terms for you.
Why it matters: Your credit score determines whether you get approved and at what rate. A 100-point difference can mean thousands of dollars more or less in interest over a loan's life.
Example: On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: a 760 score gets you 6.2% ($1,536/month). A 660 score gets 7.4% ($1,729/month). Over 30 years, the lower score costs you $69,480 more.
Credit Utilization — Credit Utilization Ratio
The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.
Why it matters: Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Keeping it below 30% helps your score; below 10% is ideal.
Example: You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could boost your score by 20-50 points.
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters: Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example: You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
FICO Score — Fair Isaac Corporation Score
The most widely used credit scoring model, created by Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO scores for lending decisions.
Why it matters: FICO has many versions (FICO 8, 9, 10). Mortgage lenders still use older versions (FICO 2, 4, 5), so your mortgage score may differ from what free apps show you.
Example: Your FICO 8 score (used for credit cards) is 740. Your FICO 5 score (used for mortgages) is 725 because it weighs collections differently. Same credit history, different scores.
Hard Inquiry — Hard Credit Inquiry (Hard Pull)
When a lender checks your credit report because you've applied for credit. Each hard inquiry can lower your score by 5-10 points and stays on your report for 2 years.
Why it matters: Multiple hard inquiries in a short period suggest you're desperately seeking credit, which is a red flag. Exception: mortgage and auto loan shopping within 14-45 days counts as one inquiry.
Example: You apply for 5 credit cards in one month. Each application triggers a hard inquiry. Your score drops 25-50 points from the inquiries alone, making each subsequent application harder.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
Origination Fee — Loan Origination Fee
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Why it matters: Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example: You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.