Almost half of respondents (45%) indicated they would contact a certified financial professional, according to a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Fewer would turn to online education, a financial self-help tool or attend a financial workshop. 

Survey respondents answered the question, “If I were having financial trouble, for help resolving it I would most likely…”

• Reach out to a certified financial professional (44%);  
• Take advantage of online resources related to my concern (35%);
• Utilize a financial self-assessment tool to help pinpoint the problem (17%); or
• Attend a group workshop related to my concern (3%). 

The website offered examples of different options for financial advice and education available from NFCC member agencies, such as one-on-one financial reviews either in-person, by phone or online, from an individual carrying the NCFP designation (NFCC Certified Financial Professionals).  

Other options are:

• MyMoneyCheckUp, the NFCC’s free financial self-assessment tool, available at www.MyMoneyCheckUp.org or on the NFCC website at www.DebtAdvice.org ;   
• Group workshops, offered through NFCC member agencies, at community events or on-site for employees of local companies.    

“Regardless of which option someone selects, the important thing is to take that first step, because financial distresses rarely resolve themselves,” said Gail Cunningham, a spokesperson for the NFCC. “The path to finding the appropriate solution can be as varied as the financial concern itself.”

The NFCC’s August Financial Literacy Opinion Index surveyed 794 individuals online between August 1 and August 31 using the homepage of the organization’s website.