Student Loans
Great Lakes Credit Union has everything you need to help manage your money and plan for the future.
FINANCIAL & HOUSING COUNSELING
How Financial Counseling Works
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We help you identify | We help you create | With our support, you achieve your goals |
Whether you are looking to buy a home, reduce debt, or save for retirement, we’re here to support you. Schedule a meeting to talk with one of our counselors and get on the path to financial success today.
Financial Counseling
Interested in improving your overall financial health? Our NCHEC and HUD-Certified counselors can advise you on virtually every aspect of your finances. Whether looking for immediate relief or planning for brighter futures tomorrow, we will create a customized plan to help achieve your goals!
Upcoming Events
See our full list of upcoming events here.
Housing Assistance
Looking to make a purchase or in need of rental or mortgage assistance? GLCU’s expert NCHEC and HUD-Certified counselors can walk you through every step of the process. Let GLCU guide you through the home buying, rental experience, or home maintenance process.
There are other specific pandemic-related options to help keep you in your home, and we can help you with those too.
Assistance, Home Maintenance and Foreclosure Intervention
- Receive your First-Time Homebuyer Certificate
- Assess affordability
- Qualify for down payment assistance
- Understand fees and costs
- Understand your Rights
- Prepare for future maintenance and repair
- Ensure household safety and energy efficiency
- Understand tax exemptions and homeowner insurance
- Evaluate loss mitigation options
- Negotiate with junior lien holders and homeowners association
- Receive referrals to home maintenance programs
Rental Assistance
- Referrals to tenant networks and legal aid
- Rent vs buy analysis
- Access to affordable rental resources
- Referrals to rental assistance programs
Take Charge of Your Finances
We’re a trusted source of information and support within our community. Our confidential and certified housing and financial counselors can offer a range of services to help you achieve your goals.
Schedule a consultation to talk with one of our professional housing and financial counselors.
To register for our online homebuyer course visit https://www.ehomeamerica.org/glcu
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. You can learn more by visiting the Illinois Housing Development Authority's website.
Financial and Housing Counseling FAQ
No. Not at all, and usually it’s the opposite. People who participate in financial counseling usually improve their financial situation and credit score.
Typically, a session or meeting lasts about 45-120 minutes. But all counseling sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, so the exact length of the sessions varies.
No. If you participate in counseling through GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment there is no charge or cost. This is one of the benefits of being a Great Lakes Credit Union member.
Yes. Absolutely. Everything you discuss is confidential. Our counselors are professionals who abide by the highest standards and are endorsed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)and the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC).
Helpful Information
A Comprehensive Guide to Building Good Credit
Click Here
Turning a House into a Home: 8 Financial Tips for New Homeowners
Click Here
Six-year foreclosure court battle finally ends, thanks to GLCU Foundation Housing Counselor's Tenacity
Click Here