At some time in their career, CF personnel may have a reason to use the services of a financial counsellor. This may be due to the need for professional assistance with debt restructuring and credit counselling, or for the creation of a financial "snapshot". Such a snapshot, or budget as it is normally called, allows both the counsellor and the client to determine best where the member stands financially and if some type of corrective action should be taken.

SISIP Financial Counsellors are trained to provide assistance in numerous areas of money management. They also have access to many products and resources to assist a CF member and their family to help them regain financial control. These include but are not limited to:

	Developing a budget;
	Renegotiating debts with creditors;
	Obtaining financial assistance through the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund (CFPAF); and
	Providing referrals to local community services and other military resources.

A Service Level Agreement between SISIP Financial Services and the individual Base/Wing/Unit governs the actions of SISIP Financial Counsellors. This agreement provides serving military members and their families with free and confidential access to a counsellor on a voluntary basis. Appointments may be made directly by the individual and do not require the involvement of the member's unit.

In many instances, money problems could have been corrected before they became severe if the individuals had sought professional help sooner. The longer that you put off your problems, the larger they become. Counsellors usually have built up a good rapport with many creditors and financial institutions in their areas and can often use this relationship to assist in devising an equitable solution for debt repayment or restructuring.

There is no reason to fear repercussions from meeting with the counsellor. Information obtained during the interview is treated in strict confidence.

For more information concerning the many counselling services available to serving military members and their spouses consult the Financial Counselling section of our website or contact your local SISIP Financial Counsellor.