Given the economic conditions the U.S. has experienced in the last handful of years, it’s little wonder that many Americans have sought out professionals to help them get back on their feet financially through credit counseling.

And as U.S. News and World Report states, numerous consumers have been able to reduce or eliminate their debts and restore their credit scores. This, in turn, has helped them get their fiscal goals and plans back on track.

Hiring a counselor may be a good move for you to make if you find yourself looking to raise a credit score to secure loans and other lines of credit. Here are some tips you might want to keep in mind should you decide to employ one of these professionals.

Use Consumer Credit Groups as Guide

Organizations including the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies are ideal places to locate a counselor that may be able to assist you, according to the news source.

Both of these groups list for-hire and nonprofit counselors that can be found throughout the country to assist people like you who need help getting back on their feet and repairing their credit standing.

Fees and Plans

Though it may seem backward to pay money for a counselor when you’re trying to better your personal finances, U.S. News and World Report says it may be advantageous for you, as these professionals can often help their clients for a few years and for limited fees.

Some credit counseling agencies offer up to five years of services to consumers for negotiable monthly payments. Oftentimes, the enrollment expenses for these agencies don’t exceed more than $75 per month and regular monthly fees don’t go higher than $50, the source notes.