Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo Joins New Initiative Empowering Western New York Consumers to Manage Personal Finances, Secure Financial Future

In an effort to ensure that Buffalo area consumers achieve financial stability and reclaim their financial future, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo (CCCS Buffalo) is participating in the Sharpen Your Financial Focus™ program. This nationwide initiative, launched by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) in partnership with major financial service companies, was developed to allow consumers to take the first step toward achieving their financial goals. CCCS Buffalo, a member of the NFCC, is providing local residents with financial reviews, financial self-assessment tools, and educational workshops as a part of the initiative.

“CCCS Buffalo is pleased to be a part of this important program. With support from national financial service companies including Bank of America, Chase, GE Capital Retail Finance, and Wells Fargo, we are able to provide consumers with the financial skills necessary for sound financial management and long-term stability,” remarked Paul C. Atkinson, President & CEO of CCCS Buffalo.

Area residents are encouraged to participate in the Sharpen Your Financial Focus program through the following actions:

• Take MyMoneyCheckUp® at www.SharpenToday.org. MyMoneyCheckUp is an online financial self-assessment tool designed to increase financial awareness, and provide consumers with concrete steps to improve their financial well-being.

• Contact CCCS Buffalo by calling 712-2060 to schedule an appointment with an NFCC Certified Financial Professional for a financial review, and

• Participate in a CCCS Buffalo financial workshop. Designed as a “deep dive”, the education class will focus on the major area(s) of interest to the consumer. Visit our website at www.cccsbuffalo.org for a listing of workshop dates and times.

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.

About the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling®(NFCC®), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest-serving network of national nonprofit community-based credit counseling agencies. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help millions of consumers each year through more than 600 community-based offices nationwide