About Us

How It Started

Empowering Financial Independence Since 1987

Take Charge America is a nonprofit financial counseling agency that has helped over 2 million people since 1987. We provide free financial education, debt counseling, and resources to help individuals regain financial independence and build a secure future. Our mission is to improve financial well-being at personal and community levels, and we’ve helped manage and repay over $6 billion in debt.

Years Experience

0 +

Debt Managed

$ 0 M

Families Served

1 M+

Amount Saved

$ 0 M

Highest Level of Industry Standards

We are committed to the highest levels of ethical business practices and quality service, taking extra steps to earn, maintain and even set industry standards.

Better Business Bureau

For decades, we have maintained an A+ rating from the BBB of Arizona, the highest possible rating a member organization can receive for sound and transparent business practices.

COA Accreditation

We have proudly attained COA Accreditation. Council on Accreditation is an independent organization that ensures all of our programs and services are delivered at the highest possible standards.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling®

Considered the “Gold Standard” in financial counseling, we are active members of the NFCC, a nonprofit association providing counselor education, legislative advocacy and expansive consumer resources.

Financial Counseling Association of America

As a member of the FCAA, a member-supported national association, we meet strict statutory requirements and commit to delivering services with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

Core Values

Empowering Education

We believe in delivering high-quality financial education that equips individuals to make confident decisions.

Empowering Education Public Accountability

We serve with integrity and take responsibility for the trust our community places in us.

Beyond Compliance

We aim to do more than meet legal standards – we uphold the highest ethical principles.

Diversity & Inclusion

We honor and respect the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of every individual.

Transparency & Integrity

We operate with honesty and openness in everything we do.

Accuracy & Action

Timely, precise information backed by clear follow- through.

Responsible Resource Use

We are careful stewards of the time, funds, and trust invested in us.

Human-Centered

We treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Pursuit of Excellence

We challenge ourselves to improve continuously and deliver our best-always.

Our Foundation

Mission

Take Charge America provides financial education and counseling services to improve the lives of individuals and families.

Vision

Take Charge America will be an essential lifelong resource for those seeking education, guidance, options and solutions for improving their financial health.

Code of Ethics

Ethical, accurate performance is crucial to our success as a nonprofit organization. We value the trust our stakeholders have placed in us, and we adhere to a code of ethics in order to maintain it.

In the Community

We offer free tools, resources and guidance to people facing a variety of financial challenges, helping them develop effective financial habits, budget to meet living expenses and manage debt. Learn what we do, how we do it, and how you or your organization can benefit.

LEADERSHIP

With a strong focus on innovation and meeting consumer demand, CEO Manuel Salazar oversees the greater execution of Take Charge America’s vision to serve as a lifelong resource for individuals and families seeking financial guidance.

Bringing more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and technology industries, Manuel expertly guides the development of people, operations and services. He draws on leadership experiences across diverse markets to help TCA identify the needs of Americans struggling with debt, and to fill gaps

Manuel Salazar, MBA

CEO

Phil Heinemann serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Take Charge America, overseeing the daily operations of the organization’s consumer counseling and debt management programs. He joined TCA in 2024 after spending 22 years as Executive Director and Director of Finance at Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (DMCC). Prior to his tenure at DMCC, Phil managed the business and financial affairs of international superstar Julio Iglesias and his affiliated entities. From 1988 to 1997, he served as Chief Financial Officer of a publicly traded ophthalmic lens manufacturer, where he played a key role in the issuance of several private placements of securities and the eventual sale of the company. Phil began his career in 1980 as a certified public accountant with the international firm KPMG Peat Marwick, where he was primarily responsible for the financial and tax reporting of corporate clients in the real estate and construction industries.

Phil holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Florida and earned his CPA license from the State of Florida. He has served on various community committees and currently serves as Treasurer of the Financial Counseling Association of America.

Phil Heinemann

Chief Operating Officer

Wendy Anderson is a pragmatic and experienced executive leader with 20 years of experience in the nonprofit financial education industry and a decade of background in the legal profession. She currently serves as the Chief Compliance Officer at Take Charge America, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona, where she directs the Compliance and Education departments for the organization. Wendy is recognized for her expertise in analyzing complex data, regulatory compliance, and risk management. She directs compliance and education initiatives, ensuring organizational alignment with state and federal statutes.

Wendy holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, actively serves on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s Council on Member Affairs and represents her community as President for Stetson Court Homeowners Association.

Wendy Anderson

Vice President/Secretary/Chief Compliance Officer

Board of Directors

Alice Sweeney, Chairman

Industry Consultant
Self Employed

Ralph Gilbertsen

Retired
Former Managing Director, CBRE, Inc.

Kerwin Brown

Managing Principal
K-Vaughn Consulting, LLC

Deborah Haynes, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Health & Human Development
Montana State University

Jody Davis

Private Mortgage Banker
BMO Harris Bank

Jonathan Fox, Ph.D

Professor, Human Development & Family Studies
Iowa State University

Brenda Blunt

Partner
Eide Bailly LLP

Daniel Cartagena

Principal Engineer
Intel

Need Help? Contact Us

Have questions or need support? Our team is here to assist you.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Is your credit counseling really free?

Yes. Our initial credit counseling sessions are confidential and free, giving you clarity on your finances without pressure.

How can Take Charge America help me with my debt?

We explain your options, including credit counseling, debt management, consolidation, and settlement, so you can make informed decisions for your situation.

Do I have to enroll in a program to get help?

No. You can access guidance and educational resources without enrolling in a repayment program.