For many people, the first real look at their credit report is not a planned event. It happens when something goes wrong.
That’s how it went for Josh.
He had tried to increase his existing credit line ahead of a vacation and found his credit score much lower than anticipated. A few months later, the situation became more pressing. He needed a new vehicle and knew his credit wasn’t where it needed to be.
He scheduled a one-on-one financial counseling session at Clearview Federal Credit Union, where a certified counselor named Mary sat down with him and pulled up his credit report. What they found explained a lot: student loan accounts in collections were dragging down his score, and credit card balances were pushing his credit utilization higher than recommended. He hadn’t fully understood either problem.
“Many people feel overwhelmed when they first see their credit report,” said Stephany Rush, financial wellness program manager at Clearview Federal Credit Union. “But once you walk through it together with a counselor, people begin to realize there are clear steps they can take to improve their situation.”
Together, Josh and Mary built a plan: address the collection accounts, reduce credit utilization and make adjustments to shared financial accounts. Within a month, his credit score had increased by more than 80 points.
“He left feeling informed, empowered and confident,” Rush said. “Understanding his credit gave them a sense of control. That’s really the goal of financial counseling.”
For Josh, who is in his 20s, it was the first time he had seriously examined his credit report. He had carried the quiet burden of student loan debt and rising credit card balances, a situation familiar to many young adults navigating finances without much formal guidance.
“This program was very beneficial to me,” Josh said. “I think that when financial literacy isn’t taught in schools or at home, money can be a very difficult conversation to have. I’m very happy that this service exists. It’s a great resource, especially for someone my age trying to get their adult life started.”
At Clearview, these sessions begin with a simple conversation. A counselor asks what brought someone in, what they’re worried about and what their financial goals might be. From there, they review documents together, bank statements and credit reports, and work through the numbers. A session might help someone build a plan for paying down debt or prepare for a milestone like buying a home or building long-term savings.
Clearview has expanded access to that kind of guidance across the Pittsburgh region. Certified financial counselors are now available at 23 of Clearview’s 27 financial centers, offering free one-on-one sessions.
Each counselor has completed the Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through America’s Credit Unions and holds the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation — training that prepares them to guide people through complex financial situations with practical, personalized advice.
That understanding can have ripple effects. For many people, improving their credit can open doors, making it easier to qualify for an apartment, secure a car loan or eventually purchase a home. Just as importantly, it can reduce the anxiety that often surrounds money.
Anyone interested in scheduling a session can do so through Clearview’s financial counseling page.
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