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The Debtor Education Course: Designed with Your Finances in Mind

The Debtor Education Course is designed to equip you with the skills to make the best of your bankruptcy discharge, so you can truly make the fresh start it promises you.

The course focuses on teaching skills like designing your budget, managing your money, using your credit properly, and other financial matters. The course is also designed to be convenient: it can be completed in person, by telephone, or online depending on where you live and which agency you use.

Course Location

To check for an affordable, interactive, online Debtor Education Course, look online at www.startfreshtoday.com. You can also find other approved courses on the U.S. Trustee's list at the Department of Justice web site: www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/de_approved.htm

Course Cost

Fees for the Debtor Education Course will differ according to your location, the agency you work with, and the format (in person, by phone, or online) you use to complete it.

According to the U.S. Trustee's office, fees can run from $50 to $100 for your Debtor Education Course, while the Start Fresh Today Debtor Education Course costs $49.

The agency is not permitted to charge an extra fee for the certificate of completion you will need.

Course Completion

You must complete your Debtor Education Course after your bankruptcy petition has been filed, but before your discharge is granted. It is best that you finish your course as soon as possible.

Differences between the Debtor Education Course and the Credit Counseling Briefing

The Credit Counseling Briefing is a different requirement from the Debtor Education Course. For each, you must finish a separate program and receive a different certificate of completion.

They are both required, but the Credit Counseling Briefing is a pre-filing requirement; in most cases, your bankruptcy case will be dismissed if you fail to complete the Credit Counseling Briefing before you file.

The Debtor Education Course must be finished after you file, but before you receive your discharge.