Author: Noelle Carter

Parachute Services

Consumer Credit Counseling Service Provides Debt Assistance and Financial Counseling

Get Help Now—Before You Spend Your Tax Return!
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) encourages local residents to take advantage of its financial counseling and debt management services. Issues arise because many people have poor credit—or no credit.  CCCS can help folks with a variety of financial situations through their one on one financial counseling programs. As Tax Season unfolds, it presents a great opportunity to make a commitment to improving financial affairs.
Recent information reveals that a majority of Americans live in precarious financial situations. 
According to the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED)’s Assets & Opportunity Scorecard, announcing that 51% of consumers don’t have prime credit, meaning if they can take out a loan, they are forced to do so at sometimes exorbitant rates.
According to the CFED, “being unable to borrow from a mainstream lender can have devastating consequences on household family finances. One option is to not borrow at all, leaving these households disconnected from opportunities to get ahead. The other option is to turn to payday lenders and check-cashing services. Although families sometimes feel like these alternative financial services are their only option, relying on them means relying on a predatory industry that strips hard-earned money from millions of working families each year. Of course, individual consumers aren’t predatory lenders’ only prey—owners of small businesses often get trapped in the cycle of debt perpetuated by unscrupulous lenders.”
The report states that 26 million people in the United States are “credit invisible,” meaning they don’t have enough of a borrowing history to generate a credit report, and another 19 million adults have credit records that are considered “unscorable,” meaning that they have some credit history, but it is insufficient to assess their creditworthiness. In other words, 45 million people in the US are unable to borrow money from a mainstream lender to finance a business, buy a home, pay for college, cover medical expenses or even buy a car to get them to their job.  (2016 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard)
CCCS is the only local organization that can help build, maintain and restore credit. Unfortunately, many for profit businesses prey upon those with credit issues, claiming that they can magically fix poor credit. Almost always, these companies charge thousands of dollars and never solve the underlying problems.
Comprehensive financial counseling is the best route for those struggling; actually the best route for anyone who wants a stable financial future. At CCCS, nationally certified financial counselors provide various programs based upon each individual’s current situation. In a typical session, counselors will:
·         Review income and monthly expenses
·         Review Credit Report and Score
·   Analyze unsecured debts (credit cards, retail cards, finance company loans, collection agencies, judgments and medical bills) and review appropriate debt repayment options
·        Provide a written overview of each client’s financial situation and action steps to take
·         Supply resources to achieve financial goals and address financial concerns
CCCS counselors may recommend a Debt Management Plan (DMP)—a method to systematically pay down outstanding debt through monthly deposits to CCCS, which are then distributed to creditors.
Advantages of a CRP:
·         Lower monthly payments
·         Reduced interest rates
·         Waived late/over limit fees
·         Elimination of collection calls
·         Having only one monthly payment
·         Becoming debt free in 5 years or less
Student Loan Counseling is another key service offered at CCCS, created to help the rapidly growing epidemic of student loan burden. CCCS also offers Budgeting Sessions, Credit Report Reviews, Pre-Purchase Home Counseling, and Mortgage Delinquency Counseling. Ultimately, those experiencing any financial issues—and/or those aiming for a stable financial future—should contact CCCS to schedule an appointment today. CCCS has several locations and is very flexible with scheduling, even offering online counseling sessions. Call 712-2060 or go to www.consumercreditbuffalo.org for more information.
Parachute Services

CCCS is growing, and hiring!

CCCS is growing, and hiring! Please share, resumes can be sent to robert.dunn@cccsbuffalo.org.

Job Description

Job Title:
                    Financial Wellness Specialist
                    (Full-Time)

Supervisor:

                        Vice President of Counseling 
Summary:

A Financial Wellness Specialist’s primary responsibility is to conduct counseling sessions with individuals and families regarding budgeting, debt and credit issues.  A Specialist will provide financial education and guidance while recommending various educational and community programs in order to improve clients’ financial situations.  Financial Wellness Specialist’s empower clients to take control of their financial lives, in an empathetic and compassionate manner, while always accounting for what will be in the client’s best interest based on the client’s unique situation. Financial Wellness Specialist’s also provide Counseling Intake support at the initial contact point for clients and all general incoming calls, requiring patience and positive energy.  Financial Wellness Specialists answer incoming calls, direct calls, greet clients and guests in-person at reception window.

Qualifications:
Ø    Strong teamwork skills essential
Ø    Knowledge of computer applications, with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Ø    Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ø    Ability to multi-task 
Ø    Must be able to work efficiently under strict deadlines/timeframes
Ø    Must attain educational certifications, as required
Ø    Position requires attention to detail and basic math/accounting skills
Ø    Prior case management and/or counseling experience helpful, or experience within Agency
Ø    Associate and/or Bachelor Degree preferred
About CCCS Buffalo:

CCCS of Buffalo is a non-profit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and credit repayment assistance to consumers since 1965.  CCCS of Buffalo helps consumers trim expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts.  Counseling is available at our Main Office in West Seneca, in one of our Satellite Offices, by telephone and via Internet.

Please send resumes to:  robert.dunn@cccsbuffalo.org
Parachute Services

CCCS of Buffalo is Expanding Service Area!

We are excited to announce that CCCS of Buffalo is expanding beyond our NY borders and we are now registered to serve the following states!
✔️New York
✔️D.C.
✔️Oklahoma
✔️West Virginia
✔️North Carolina
✔️Arkansas
✔️Wyoming
✔️Alaska

CCCS provides credit counseling services to those living in the above states. This involves a comprehensive and holistic overview of debt repayment options based on an individual’s income and monthly expenses. Nationally certified counselors review the pros and cons of various options, including a Debt Management Plan (DMP). Through a DMP, an individual makes one monthly payment to CCCS who then will send out each individual payment to each of their creditors on a monthly basis. When enrolled in a DMP individuals likely are able to lower their interest rates and become debt free in 5 years or less. CCCS is a nonprofit agency whose counselors are looking out for their clients’ best interest. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with debt, call CCCS! 716-712-2060 or 800-926-9685

Student Loans

Student Loan Counseling

With average student loan debt per graduate a staggering $39,400, student loans continue to create problems for individuals, families and the economy at large.
“Student loans are in crisis with two in five borrowers likely to default within five years,” states a study published in January 2018 by the Brookings Institute.

Student Loan debt has become such a major issue that there is now a TV game show based entirely on the payment of student loan debt – TruTV’s Paid Off With Michael Torpey.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service wants Western New York residents to know that although they cannot solve the student loan debt problem, they have a program that can help. It’s our region’s only program.
CCCS began its program in 2012, in response to the need for education and assistance with student loans. In the past six years, we have helped 765 achieve a level of financial freedom previously unknown. 
In our program, Nationally Certified Student Loan counselors work with a broad cross section of the community to:
•                    Evaluate student loan debt (current or in default)
•                    Explore options for student loans including deferments, forbearances, alternative repayment plans, and consolidation loans and forgiveness options
•                    Assist in applying for the appropriate option
•                    Assist in communicating with the lender, as needed
•                    Review credit score, credit report and living expenses
•                    Set appropriate financial goals
The financial counseling services we provide help student loan borrowers chart a course for financial stability.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 716-712-2060 or 1-800-926-9685.
Taxes

Be Savvy – Avoid IRS Scams

 

Be wary of ANY calls you receive from the IRS. Do not give in to fear tactics, the IRS will never call you to request payment or threaten lawsuits or arrests.
 
Tips:

  • Don’t share any of your information –  Call the IRS directly at 1-800-428-1040

  • Never send money, gift cards or any other type of payment!

  • Report these criminals –  You can do so through the FTC’s website at ftc.gov/complaint. The more reports received, the more likely they can be caught and stopped!

  • Share with your family and friends –  Don’t let those who you know and love get taken advantage of!

Check out this example of a scam call (made to a police officer!)

https://youtu.be/XykKl6Afo6s

Parachute Services

We’re On a Mission!

By Noelle Carter
 

CCCS of Buffalo is on a Mission. We are determined to ensure everyone has access to  financial counseling, from an expert who is looking out for their clients’ best interest, and not the bottom line of a large company’s profits. Unfortunately, for-profit companies have large advertising budgets and prey on consumers who are desperate, and in need of a cure-all for their financial troubles. The messages they convey to draw consumers in inevitably leads to a case of overpromising, and under delivering.
 

To help spread the word of CCCS of Buffalo’s local presence as a leading financial counseling agency, who has been providing financial counseling for over 50 years, we enlisted help from one of our clients, who best to tell the story of the help we are able to deliver than a member of the WNY community?! Christina struggled with crippling credit card debt until she got help from CCCS of Buffalo. She made that brave phone call, and now, just over 4 years later, Christina is credit card debt free.

 
Keep a lookout, and an ear out, for Christina on the radio and in online ads. Help us join the battle against companies who are looking to take advantage of consumers who are in a vulnerable financial position, and let them know there is a NONPROFIT agency right in their backyard, ready and willing to help. Services cover anything from credit card debt, housing issues, credit issues, student loan repayment difficulties, homebuyer education and beyond.
If you, or someone you know is looking for financial advice, pick up the phone and call CCCS of Buffalo for honest advice, with no judgment attached.……716-712-2060 or 1-800-926-9685