Will this type of counseling hurt my credit?

No. Not at all, and usually it’s the opposite. People who participate in financial counseling usually improve their financial situation and credit score.

How long does financial counseling take?

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.

Is there a cost to attend a counseling session?

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.

Are the counseling sessions confidential?

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).

FINANCIAL & HOUSING COUNSELING

How Financial Counseling Works


We help you identify your needs and goals	We help you create a plan for success	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!

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Upcoming Events

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

In-Person Event

SATURDAY, July 19, 2025
10:00AM - 4:00 PM CST

Event Location - 5615 West Race Ave., Chicago, IL 60644 (Austin Public Library Meeting Room)

RESERVE A SPOT

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

In-Person Event

SATURDAY, August 23, 2025
9:00AM - 3:00 PM CST

Event Location - 345 Congress Pkwy, Crystal Lake, IL (Crystal Lake Branch)

RESERVE A SPOT

See our full list of upcoming events here.

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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

Schedule an Appointment

You can also schedule your Housing and Financial Counseling appointment by calling us directly at 224-252-2620.

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).

FINANCIAL & HOUSING COUNSELING

How Financial Counseling Works

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

Upcoming Events

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Housing Assistance

Assistance, Home Maintenance and Foreclosure Intervention

Rental Assistance

Take Charge of Your Finances

Financial and Housing Counseling FAQ

Helpful Information

How can we help?

Online Banking

Download our mobile app

Student Loans

Routing #271984832 | NMLS #2552420

Student Loans

FINANCIAL & HOUSING COUNSELING

How Financial Counseling Works

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

Upcoming Events

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Housing Assistance

Assistance, Home Maintenance and Foreclosure Intervention

Rental Assistance

Take Charge of Your Finances

Financial and Housing Counseling FAQ

Helpful Information

How can we help?