April is Financial Literacy Month

 

 Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo Celebrates Financial Literacy Month

Partners with United Way of Greater Niagara;

Will Hold Community Events Throughout April

 Recognizing the need for an increased emphasis on personal finances, April has once again been declared Financial Literacy Month, underscoring the importance of financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of financial knowledge.

“Considering the complex financial environment in which we live, consumers really benefit from focusing on their finances 12 months of the year,” said Paul C. Atkinson, President and CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) “Being financially literate means understanding how to manage money, use credit effectively, build wealth, and make sound financial decisions, regardless of income level. For this reason, Consumer Credit Counseling Service is taking the lead in providing financial education to the Buffalo Niagara region’s residents during Financial Literacy Month.”

During Financial Literacy Month, CCCS is maximizing the opportunity to highlight financial education to consumers by offering free workshops to businesses throughout Erie and Niagara counties. Working in partnership with the United Way of Greater Niagara, CCCS will provide financial education workshops throughout April. Call Scott Laughlin at 712-2067 for more information or to schedule a workshop. 

 “United Way is proud to partner with Consumer Credit Counseling to help all Niagara County residents with financial literacy planning and training, “ said Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, President of United Way of Greater Niagara.  “In today’s world, we all are asked to do more with less.  This partnership is one way the United Way can assist individuals and families to stretch their limited resources.”

Other community events celebrating Financial Literacy Month include:

Community Resource & Wellness Fairs

CCCS will participate in two fairs, giving folks an opportunity to speak with Certified Consumer Credit Counselors and Educators.  Brief advice and some direction on next steps will be given.

• Community Resource Fair on Thursday, April 3^rd from 2 PM – 5 PM at North Collins Senior Center (1106 Gowanda State Road, North Collins, NY 14111)
• Health Fair on Sunday, April 6^th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Hamburg & Erie County Fairgrounds-Events Center (5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, New York 14075)

 

Financial Education Classes

Financial education classes are offered throughout Western New York and available to anyone for free.  Those interested in scheduling a class for your group can call the CCCS Community Outreach Department at 716-712-2064. 

Topics include:

• Goal setting

• Budgeting & tips for saving

• Understanding credit & management

• Repairing your credit

 

Free workshops

• Credit Repair Presentation at the Buffalo Central Library (1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203) on April 9^th from 12 PM – 1 PM.
• Financial Success Workshop at the American Red Cross (786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY 14209) on April 19^th from 10 AM – 1 PM.
• Financial Success Workshop at the Niagara Worksource One (1001 Eleventh Street , Niagara Falls, NY 14301)
  on April 7^th from 1 PM-3PM
• Dollars & $ense                       1:00 – 2:00
• Learn budgeting techniques, creative ways to save,
• Debt control and the value of money.
• Credit Counts              2:00 – 3:00
• Credit Scores & Reports DO affect your Job Search.  Employers Check, Do You?
• Creating a Budget         

Call: 716.278.8108 to reserve a seat

Speak with a Counselor

Any education class (below) followed by a counseling session is the perfect way to get to the root of trouble.  Individuals can schedule an appointment at any CCCS counseling locations throughout the Buffalo-Niagara area by calling 716-712-2060.  Specialty sessions are available below:

 

• Financial Counseling for Veterans, at the Veteran’s OneStop Center (1280 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14209).  Available April 2^nd, 9^th, 14^th, 16^th, 21^st, 23^rd, 28^th, and 30^th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.  Counselors are available for Veterans and their families to discuss a variety of financial concerns.

·         Individualized Credit Report Education & Counseling at the Civil Legal Advice & Resource Office (CLARO) Project located at the BFNC-Hope Center (2495 Main Street, Suite 330 on the 3^rd Floor, Buffalo NY 14214).  Available April 1^st, 8^th, 22^nd, and 30^th from 5 PM – 7 PM.  During this time a counselor will be available to retrieve and review your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus through www.AnnualCreditReport.com

Financial literacy is the first step toward personal economic security and overall financial well-being for consumers in our region. A strong grasp of personal finance can also allow citizens to contribute more to our community and encourage economic development.

For more information on any of the above, contact CCCS at 712-2060.