Arlington, Va., September 14, 2005 - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system and ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc.™ today released the first topic in the BBBTips™ on Credit series, a program to boost consumers’ financial well-being by providing education materials on credit issues.
The new resource, BBBTips™ on Choosing a Credit Counseling Agency, is available online at www.bbb.org/tips/clearpoint for easy access by consumers who want to improve their financial situation by using the services of a reputable credit counseling agency.
"Consumers who owe a lot of money and find it difficult to pay their bills can be vulnerable to misleading ads that promise quick, cheap or easy fixes. They end up with dashed dreams and more deeply in debt," said Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), the national organization for BBBs.
"The goal of our newest BBBTips™ is to encourage those who need credit counseling to spend time researching their options. Consumers should take care to select a reputable agency that offers budget and credit education opportunities, as well as trained counselors who can work with them to develop a practical, personalized plan that will improve their financial situations."
The new BBBTips™ on Choosing a Credit Counseling Agency explains how credit counseling works; offers information on debt management plans; provides tips on choosing an agency; and identifies "red flags" that could indicate a credit counseling firm is not abiding by good business practices.
ClearPoint Financial Solutions is sponsoring the BBBTips™ on Credit series to "provide consumers with superior information tools from a well-respected source of information for consumers and businesses alike," said Dan Oelrich, president and CEO of ClearPoint. Amida Mehta, director of marketing for ClearPoint, noted: "Consumer debt is skyrocketing, along with the number of people who need assistance to improve their financial situation. The information provided in this new set of BBBTips™ will empower consumers to seek out reliable, dependable credit counseling organizations that adhere to high standards and will work responsibly to place their clients back on the track to financial security."
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About ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc.
ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc.™ (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Services of America, Inc.) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers achieve financial wellness through counseling and education. Established in 1980, ClearPoint has helped over one million individuals achieve financial security. ClearPoint is the only non-profit System-wide member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and one of the largest members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, ClearPoint manages branches across the country. Personalized and confidential consultations are available in person, by phone or online. Visit ClearPoint Financial Solutions at www.ClearPointFinancialSolutions.org or call 877-877-1995. Credit Counselors, CDC Consumer Debt Counseling, and Solutions, Inc. are all trade names of ClearPoint.
ABOUT BBBTips™
BBBTips™ is a trademark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (CBBB) that is used to identify consumer information articles and brochures that have been developed in partnership with the Better Business Bureau Consumer Education Foundation, Inc. (BBBCEF). BBBTips™ are made possible, in part, through the generous financial and technical support that is provided by corporate sponsors who are members of the CBBB and of the local BBB where the corporate sponsor is headquartered. BBBTips™ are designed to provide unbiased and factual information to assist consumers in making informed and intelligent purchase decisions. By policy, the CBBB, BBBCEF, and local BBBs do not endorse, recommend, or approve any individual product, service, or company; and provide their consumer information services solely to assist consumers in exercising their own judgment. Inquiries about BBBTips™ Consumer Information may be directed to: webmaster@bbbcef.org.
