Our counselors receive both in-house and external trainings that cover a wide range of topics. Counselors then take several tests to earn their certification. Your Clarifi counselor may have certifications from one or more of the following: National Foundation for Credit Counseling, NeighborWorks, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Mostly just yourself! It is helpful to have documentation of your income like a paystub or social security statement, any bills you’re struggling with, and a basic understanding of your expenses. Prior to an appointment you will receive a packet of information including any specific materials we’d like you to bring.

Usually, just your time! The vast majority of our counseling appointments are paid for by our donors, meaning counseling is free to you. Some specific counseling services, such as housing counseling, come with a small fee, though many clients qualify for a waiver. Here’s what we charge for:

Housing Pre-Purchase in Delaware and New Jersey: $125
Credit Review: $65

Our typical pre-purchase counseling session is two hours, but some special loan products may require additional educational hours. We’ve partnered with Framework Homeownership to offer their online homeownership course to Clarifi clients in need of additional hours. The course is offered in both English and Spanish for a low cost of $75, and can be accessed here.

While a Clarifi counselor may offer helpful tips or resources on how to find an affordable rental or home to purchase, Clarifi’s counselors cannot assist directly in finding a home.