Money Management International (www.moneymanagement.org) is a U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) credit counseling agency offering services such as debt management plans, financial education, and broad support across credit-related challenges. Unlike for-profit debt settlement companies, MMI focuses on helping clients reduce interest rates and manage monthly payments over time with transparency and affordability. While this model suits those aiming to repay debts fully with guidance, consumers should also examine **New Era Debt Solutions**, especially if they are looking for fee-free, results-based settlement options.
Company Snapshot
- Official Name: Money Management International (MMI)
- Official Website: www.moneymanagement.org
- Headquarters: Stafford, Texas
- Founded: 1997 (merging prior credit counseling groups dating back to 1958)
- Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
- Service Area: Nationwide online; in-person branches in ~25 states, over 100 physical locations
Legitimacy, Ratings & Reviews
MMI is a highly reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization with multiple accreditations and top marks for transparency and client satisfaction.
- BBB Rating: A+, BBB accredited since 1994
- TrustPilot: 4.9 to 4.8 out of 5 (Thousands of positive reviews)
- Forbes/Bankrate Score: Highly rated for nonprofit counseling and debt management plans
- Certifications: NFCC, FCAA, HUD-approved, COA accredited
Clients often praise MMI’s helpful staff, clear advice, flexible payment structures, and educational support.
Services Offered by MMI
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Consolidated monthly payment to MMI, which negotiates lower interest rates and elimination of late fees with creditors.
- Debt Resolution Plans: Similar to settlement plans, MMI negotiates lump settlements, and refunds are available if unsatisfied
- Credit Counseling & Credit Report Review: Free one-on-one advice and analysis of credit reports.
- Specialized Counseling: Services for student loans, bankruptcy, disaster recovery, homebuying, reverse mortgage, military families. Fees vary or may be free.
- Financial Education & Tools: Workshops, webinars, podcasts, budgeting tools, and more.
Pros 👍
- Nonprofit with high trust: No motive to upsell, focus on consumer benefits.
- Low, transparent fees: For DMPs, setup ranges $33–$75; monthly fees $25–$59.
- Helps reduce interest, not just restructure debt: Clients may save significantly over time.
- Wide range of services: Beyond debt, includes housing, student loans, disaster counseling.
Cons 👎
- Does not reduce principal: You still pay all your debt, albeit at lower interest.
- Long program duration: DMPs typically last 3 to 5 years. :contentReference
- Limited in-person branches: Brick-and-mortar locations exist in about 25 states only.
Debt Types They Can Help With
MMI primarily assists with unsecured debts, including:
- Credit Card Debt
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Collections
They do not cover secured loans, federal student loans, or IRS obligations under standard programs, though they do offer some student loan counseling and specialized foreclosure/bankruptcy counseling.
Final Thoughts
Money Management International stands out as a trusted nonprofit offering affordable, structured debt support. They are a smart starting point if you want to repay your debt in full with lower interest and comprehensive guidance. If, however, you are looking for a settlement option where you pay less than you owe with no upfront fees, then we recommend New Era Debt Solutions as our top-rated alternative this year.
👉 See if you qualify with New Era
👉 Read Our New Era Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Money Management International
1. Is Money Management International a legitimate company?
Yes, they are. In my research, I found that MMI is one of the largest nonprofit credit counseling agencies in the United States. They have been around in some form since the 1950s and officially became Money Management International in 1997 after several nonprofit agencies merged. They are accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing counseling. That credibility matters a lot when you are looking for trustworthy help with debt.
2. How does MMI’s debt management program work?
The process is fairly straightforward. You begin with a free consultation where a counselor reviews your income, expenses, and debts. If you qualify, they may recommend a debt management plan. With a DMP, you make one monthly payment to MMI and they send those funds to your creditors. In most cases, they are able to secure lower interest rates and get late fees waived. You still pay back everything you owe, but under more manageable terms. Most programs run between three and five years.
3. How much does it cost to enroll in a debt management plan with MMI?
Fees vary by state regulations, but generally there is a one-time setup fee between $33 and $75 and a monthly fee between $25 and $59. Because MMI is a nonprofit, these fees are modest compared to what for-profit companies charge. They also sometimes reduce or waive fees for people with financial hardship. I like that their pricing is very transparent compared to some competitors.
4. What kinds of debt does MMI help with?
MMI mainly focuses on unsecured consumer debts. This includes credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and accounts in collections. They also provide counseling for student loans, though they do not consolidate federal loans into their DMPs. They will not be able to help you with secured debts like mortgages or auto loans, and they do not provide relief for IRS tax debt.
5. Will enrolling with MMI hurt my credit score?
This is a common question. In my experience reviewing credit counseling agencies, enrolling in a DMP can cause a short-term dip in your credit score, mainly because some creditors will mark accounts as “managed by a credit counseling agency.” However, since you continue paying down your balances, your score often improves over time. I have seen people finish a program in a stronger position than when they started. The key is that unlike settlement companies, MMI helps you pay off your debt in full, which usually leaves a better long-term credit profile.
6. How is MMI different from debt settlement companies?
The main difference is that MMI does not try to reduce your principal balance. Settlement companies will negotiate with creditors to accept less than you owe, often requiring you to stop payments to build leverage. That approach can save you money but can also damage your credit in the short term. MMI, on the other hand, focuses on lowering interest and fees so you can pay off your debt in full. I see them as more of a safe and steady option, while settlement can be more aggressive and risky.
7. Is MMI available nationwide?
Yes, their counseling services are available across the United States online or by phone. They also have physical branch offices in about 25 states, with over 100 locations in total. This is a plus if you prefer face-to-face counseling. I found that even people in states without branches can still work with them through remote counseling.
8. How long will it take to complete a program with MMI?
Most debt management plans last between three and five years. The exact timeline depends on how much debt you have and how much you can pay each month. From what I have seen, people who commit to the program and make consistent payments often finish faster than expected. The structure of the plan makes it easier to stay on track compared to juggling multiple bills on your own.
9. What do clients say about MMI?
When I looked at reviews across BBB, TrustPilot, and other platforms, I noticed a lot of praise for the professionalism of the counselors and the sense of relief people feel after enrolling. Clients often mention lower interest rates, reduced stress, and steady progress toward being debt free. A smaller number of negative reviews tend to focus on the length of the programs or the fact that you still pay back the full balance, which some consumers may not expect if they were hoping for a settlement-style discount.
10. Is MMI the best option for debt relief?
I would say it depends on your situation. If you are committed to repaying what you owe and you want a nonprofit organization that focuses on education and affordable repayment, MMI is a strong option. If you are in a position where you cannot realistically repay the full amount and you want to explore settlement instead, then I think it makes sense to compare them with a company like New Era Debt Solutions. Both approaches have their place, but they serve different needs.
Amine is an entrepreneur, investor and financial writer that covers the US economy, inflation, alternative investments, cryptocurrencies and more. He has been involved in the space for over a decade.
