Financial difficulties can develop quickly and be devastating. We’ll help you plan a budget and manage your debt. Whether you need a fresh start or just some advice, we’ll work through your financial difficulties with you. We have certified, experienced counselors who know your rights and how to work with creditors. Our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of your finances and how you can plan for the future.

What Services Do We Offer?

Bankruptcy Services
Everyone considering bankruptcy protection must complete a pre-filing "Bankruptcy Briefing Session". Catholic Charities has been approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency's services. We offer confidential briefing sessions and group sessions with compassionate credit counselors. This service is available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Click Here to view the Fee Waiver. Download our brochure for a complete description, fees and schedule of sessions:

Before bills can be discharged in bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Code requires that individuals provide proof of financial education. We are approved to issue certificates in compliance evidencing completion of a personal financial management instructional course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a provider's services. We provide the "Money In Motion" curriculum online and through group sessions. You must pre-register with Catholic Charities before you can access the online curriculum. This service is available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Click Here to view the Fee Waiver. Download our brochure for a complete description, fees and schedule of sessions:

Financial Counseling
A counselor will meet with you to analyze your income, expenses and overall financial situation, discuss possible solutions and make recommendations. Services are subject to a sliding fee scale, based upon your income. One-time fees range from $0 to $50. Click Here to view the Fee Schedule. This service is available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

Debt Management Services
Often utilized as an alternative to bankruptcy, this consists of a customized spending plan to repay debts over a specific period of time. It is voluntary for both you and your creditors. Through the plan, your debts are consolidated. You make one deposit to the agency each month and we disburse your funds to your creditors. Creditors may reduce or eliminate finance charges, waive late and over limit fees, and delinquent accounts may be brought current. This mean your payments will be applied directly to the principal with less paid to interest. There is a one time set up fee of $25. There are ongoing monthly service fees, which are a percentage of the monthly payment, but which never exceed $70. Creditors contribute Fairshare revenues to offset the total cost of the programming.

Housing Counseling
We are a HUD certified counseling agency, offering a full range of Home Buyer’s, Foreclosure, Reverse Mortgage counseling and Rental Delinquency services in Central Wisconsin.

Seminars and Educational Presentations
We provide a variety of educational presentations to schools, non-profit organizations and businesses. Contact your local Financial Counselor or the Financial Counseling Director for more information.

These services are available in our La Crosse, Marshfield and Wausau offices full-time with limited appointments in Prairie du Chien and Stevens Point. For contact information, please visit our Locations page.

Photograph Courtesy Catholic Charities USA, Alexandria, VA
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