[Arlington, Va., August 7, 2006] - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system and ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc. today announced the expansion of their credit education partnership.
ClearPoint Financial Solutions is extending its sponsorship of BBBTips™ on Credit, a series of informative articles and radio public service announcements to assist consumers who want to improve their financial situation. The educational materials are free and available online at www.bbb.org/tips/clearpoint.
“During the past year, the BBB and ClearPoint worked together successfully to help consumers understand the importance of good credit management and responsible debt repayment,” said Steve Cole, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB). “We’re looking forward to expanding the range of topics offering practical tips for people seeking financial security.”
Dan Oelrich, president and CEO of ClearPoint, praised the value of the partnership, noting that the educational and service goals of the two organizations were closely aligned. "We both seek to provide consumers with trustworthy information in support of their financial well-being. And, the BBB and ClearPoint are equally dedicated to providing the highest quality service to those requesting our assistance,” he said.
In 2005, BBBs responded to more than one million inquiries from consumers seeking reports on credit- or debt-related services and agencies, and the numbers appear to be increasing this year.
“Many family budgets are under stress with rising interest rates and higher fuel prices, and some people don’t know what to do. Expanding the BBBTips™ program will enable BBBs to hopefully encourage more people to make responsible decisions concerning their finances,” said Nan Campbell, president of the BBB of the South Plains, located in Lubbock, Texas.
ClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc., is a national non-profit organization that is “dedicated to helping consumers achieve financial wellness through counseling and education.” As a System-Wide Member of the BBB system, ClearPoint is a member in good standing of every Better Business Bureau that serves areas in which ClearPoint has branch locations. ClearPoint is also a member of the CBBB and a member of the BBB of Central Virginia, participating in the Bureau’s Membership Identification Program and the BBBOnLine Reliability program. These programs require members to agree to use special procedures, including mediation and arbitration if necessary, to resolve consumer complaints that may arise.
The BBBTips™ program supplements other helpful information provided by Better Business Bureaus to promote an ethical marketplace. In 2005, BBBs in the United States and Canada provided nearly 90 million instances of service to consumers and businesses.
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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 a 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) used for information provided to assist consumers and businesses in making informed and intelligent decisions. BBBTips™ are developed in partnership with the Better Business Bureau Consumer Education Foundation, Inc. and made possible, in part, through the generous financial and technical support provided by corporate sponsors that are members of the CBBB and of the Better Business Bureau where the sponsor is headquartered. As a matter of policy, the CBBB and Better Business Bureaus do not endorse any product, service, or company.
