Cornerstone Credit Counselors Inc

Programs: Debt management plans (dmp): the organization manages over 250 client accounts annually. 165 counseling sessions were conducted for people who did not sign up for a debt management program. It also provided telephone counsel to over 250 people calling for general advice and counsel. These are people calling that were given helpful financial information, but didn't need the paid services of the organization. The organization offers clients ongoing individual budget and finance counseling and free financial education opportunities. Through the dmp program clients were able to pay approximately 1,100,000 to creditors; thus, helping the client move toward the goal of becoming debt free. During an initial appointment, the counselors assess the clients' complete current financial situation. The counselor will discuss the "root cause" of their financial difficulties. During this discussion the counselor will help the client understand the root cause and determine possible solutions. The counselor reviews their income and expenses along with their assets and liabilities to clarify their current financial situation. The counselor also determines the benefits of a dmp in addition to other possible solutions to resolve their financial crisis. In these sessions, the counselor emphasizes the importance of having an effective budget. Counselors are trained to give clients information that will be helpful toward getting and remaining debt free.

bankruptcy credit counseling - the organization provided 1,895 individual bankruptcy certificates of counseling. During the bankruptcy credit counseling session, the counselors assess the clients' complete current financial situation. The counselor will discuss the "root cause" of their financial difficulties. During this discussion the counselor will help the client understand the root cause and determine possible solutions. The counselor reviews their income and expenses along with their assets and liabilities to clarify their current financial situation; the counselor also evaluates the financial outlook for the client after the bankruptcy. The counselor also determines the benefits of a dmp in addition to other possible solutions to resolve their financial crisis. In these sessions, the counselor emphasizes the importance of having a balanced budget. Counselors are trained to give clients information that will be helpful toward getting and remaining debt free after the clients' bankruptcy.

personal financial management class - the organization provided 28 classes to 146 students. These classes are available in a classroom setting or over the telephone. Additionally, online classes were provided to 1,600 students. The online class is also available in spanish.