A good credit score affects many parts of your life, from loan eligibility to housing. Whether you’re looking to establish credit or interested in repairing your existing credit score, there are resources in your state to help.
This guide covers some of the options available to Tennessee residents. In some cases, these resources are available statewide. In others, they’re offered locally in cities such as Nashville and Memphis.
These tools can help set you on the path to improving your credit and building your financial health. Explore what’s available in your area and find the right option for your unique financial needs.
Financial Literacy Organizations in Tennessee
There are organizations in Tennessee offering workshops and one-on-one counseling to help residents manage their finances, including their credit score.
United Way of Greater Nashville
The Nashville Financial Empowerment Center
217 South 10th Street
Nashville, TN 37206
This center offers free financial counseling to residents of Nashville and the surrounding area. Request an appointment.
HOPE Inside First Horizon
3518 Gallatin Pike
Nashville, TN 37216
Operation HOPE is a nonprofit organization that partners with First Horizon bank to offer free financial counseling and workshops. They cover money management skills, including credit improvement. Participants do not have to be a First Horizon customer or even live in the area to receive their services.
In addition to the location above, there are more locations in Nashville, Alcoa, Bristol, Burlington, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, Lebanon, Memphis, Morristown, Murfreesboro and Smyrna.
Christian Community Services, Inc.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ
1234 Schrader Lane
Nashville, TN 37208
Their Basic Financial Training workshop is offered three times a year, covering budgeting, home ownership and credit. There is a small fee to attend.
United Way of West Tennessee
Jackson Financial Empowerment Center
470 North Parkway
Suite B
Jackson, TN 38305
West Tennesseans can learn to improve their credit score, pay down debt and more at the Jackson Financial Empowerment Center. Their professional, one-on-one financial counseling services are free. Schedule an appointment.
United Way of East TN Highlands
546 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
United Way of East TN Highlands offers free financial coaching, educating community members about saving money, credit scores, debt and professional development. While their main office is in Elizabethton, they have additional locations throughout Washington, Carter and Johnson Counties. Appointments are preferred.
Credit Repair Companies in Tennessee
Understanding credit repair can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. In Tennessee, credit repair companies can help you address and correct negative items on your credit report.
Credit repair companies typically charge for their services. Be sure to do your research to ensure that you find a company that meets both your needs and your budget.
Credit Factory USA
2720 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
Credit Repair Champ
1047 Glenbrook Way
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Reed Credit Group
301 South Perimeter Park Drive
Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37211
The Credit Bros
810 Dominican Drive
Suite 106
Nashville, TN 37228
Coleman Financials Credit Repair
6000 Poplar Avenue
Suite 250
Memphis, TN 38119
Lead Your Financials
100 West M.L.K. Boulevard
Suite 720
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Chattanooga
5600 Brainerd Road
Suite C-26
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Social Services in Tennessee
Tennessee has many social services that, beyond their initial purpose, can indirectly contribute to your credit. By utilizing their services, you could save money to put towards paying off debt, helping to improve your score.
This selection only scratches the surface of what’s available in Tennessee. Find more services in your specific part of the state.
Tennessee Department of Human Services
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243
Housing Assistance
Nashville CARES
633 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37204
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee
85 North Cleveland Street
Memphis, TN 38104
Ladies of Charity Knoxville
120 West Baxter Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
Food Pantries
FeedMemphis
3683 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
FISH Hospitality Pantries
122 West Scott Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
Second Harvest Food Pantry
525 Paragon Mills Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Borrowing Options in Tennessee
Bad credit can take a toll on many areas of life. In particular, it can make borrowing difficult, as many lenders turn away applicants with lower credit scores. This can make it hard to find funding to cover emergency expenses when they arise.
In Tennessee, residents can apply for online loan flex loans from lenders who specialize in offering funding to borrowers with lower credit scores. Although these loans may not benefit your credit, they can help you get the funds you need. Brick and mortar lenders offer various loans, but borrowers across the state — including in cities such as Nashville and Memphis — can also apply online for flex loans.
If you choose to borrow, it’s important to carefully review your options. Missed payments on loans can further damage your credit, and borrowing will create debt with the additional cost of interest. Be sure to consider other options first. Some possible solutions to explore include selling personal items or getting help from family or friends.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. Neighborhood Trust and its affiliates do not provide financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Neighborhood Trust products may not help build credit.
Please note: The named entities are not affiliates or agents of Neighborhood Trust We make no recommendations, warranties or representations about the information or services provided by any unaffiliated entity named herein.
Related Articles
