As you prepare to shop for a credit counseling service, one of the first things you might consider is finding out exactly what it costs. You don't want to put yourself in greater financial straights than you already are, so check out fees first. You also don't want to worry about large upfront fees. You need help, not another debt. Of course the credit counseling services will be drawing a commission from your credit card company, as they too have to make a living, but their primary goal should be to help you manage your debt.