FAQs

1.: What is First Stone® Credit Counseling's mission?
2.: What does First Stone® Credit Counseling do?
3.: How can the First Stone® credit file clean-up program work for me?
4.: What are First Stone® Credit Counseling's credentials?
5.: How long does it take?
6.: What if I need my credit restored overnight? Is there anything faster?
7.: How much does it cost?
8.: Does First Stone® accept installment payments?
9.: How do I investigate First Stone® ?
10.: How do I get started?

What is First Stone® Credit Counseling's mission?
A: To eliminate consumers' financial stress through credit restoration/correction with education and credit file clean-up by thoroughly reviewing their debt and economic situation, then, through education and counseling, developing and implementing a customized plan to manage and settle any valid debts while correcting and restoring their credit files within a reasonable time frame.

What does First Stone® Credit Counseling do?
A:

• Negotiate and settle consumers' distressed debts and remove or neutralize negative credit report information
• Stop creditors and collectors from contacting consumers at home and work (or have them litigated)
• Increase (restore) consumer's credit bureau scores and credit ratings

How can the First Stone® credit file clean-up program work for me?
A:

• First, we investigate the status and condition of the consumer client's outstanding debt along with any negative and incorrect information appearing on credit reports and elsewhere
• Then, we contact and communicate with creditors, their collector agents, consumer reporting agencies, etc. on consumers' behalf to settle any valid debt, remove errors and neutralize negative credit file information

As a consumer, you have certain rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Although credit file clean-up is not an "exact science," we know the rules and own and utilize the ONLY proven methods to assert those rights on your behalf.

Here at First Stone® we truly understand that every credit situation is different. Therefore, we've designed a customized program that combines our unique services to create a credit restoration package for each client. Our program begins with a thorough, professional evaluation of your current credit history. During this one-on-one consultation, we will discuss your problems in detail and agree upon the best course of action for your situation. Our ultimate goal for every client is permanent restoration with removal or corrections of ALL negative items within your credit file.

What are First Stone® Credit Counseling's credentials?
A:

• We are a non-profit, tax-exempt Texas Corporation with a 501(c)(3) certification issued for consumer advocate credit counseling by a division of the U.S. Treasury
• FSCC staff are CCACC Professionals (Certified Consumer Advocate Credit Counselors) representing and supporting consumers
• Since 1990, FSCC has helped thousands of consumers return to fiscal health
• FSCC has a 90+% success rate in removing and neutralizing negative and incorrect items on credit reports

How long does it take?
A: That depends on the number of problems and the difficulty of the credit issues to handle and resolve. The important point for the consumer to remember is that this is not an exact science and must be customized for each client. 51% take approximately 4 to 7 months - 75% are completed in about one year - almost no one takes more than 2 years.
In some instances, we recommend that a client consult a bankruptcy attorney. When a bankruptcy is discharged, our "After Bankruptcy Clean-Up Program" can be initiated.

What if I need my credit restored overnight? Is there anything faster?
A: There are no known legal methods for overnight file clean-up or credit repair. All whoc claim to the contrary are irresponsible and should be immediately dismissed. Many of those who have claimed to do "overnight credit repair" went to prison and many others who make such claims are likely to be joining them.

How much does it cost?
A: It's actually not what it costs but what it saves. Our services can save consumers thousands of dollars by enabling them to receive lower interest rates, make smaller down payments on home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, etc. The actual cost of First Stone's services depends on the amount of work it takes to do a proper job, which ultimately depends on the number of issues and level of difficulty of each issue.
Well . . .  The only “fair” way to do this and “not gouge” the consumer or “go broke” ourselves is to charge by how much work is there (In other words each and every single project much be customized, for the consumers specific problems) therefore it can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. However whatever it cost it will be much much less expensive than staying in credit trouble and/or “missing out” on many years of your productive life.

FYI- there are NO “free lunches”

Does First Stone® accept installment payments?
A: Yes. We are pleased to offer in-house financing with zero interest for up to one year. If it must go beyond 12 months, it doesn't involve exorbitant credit card rates but only 10% interest. Many of our clients elect to pay for their services on a monthly installment plan. Payment by personal check, credit/debit card, or direct bank draft is accepted.

How do I investigate First Stone® ?
A: A consumer's credit and financial condition is a confidential, sensitive and critical matter that should not be trusted to just anyone. Therefore, it is essential that consumers investigate any company they are considering to represent them in their financial matters. These three important and significant agencies can and should be contacted to check First Stone's (and our competitors') reputations:

• Better Business Bureau of Greater Dallas - 214.220.2000
• Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection - 512.463.2100
• Federal Trade Commission - 214.979.0213

How do I get started?
A: To get started, call First Stone® Credit Counseling at (972) 235-1188 today and ask to speak with one of our credit counselors. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Central Time. If you reach our voicemail system, please leave your name and telephone number along with the best time to reach you.

You can also e-mail us at: FSCC@firststone.com