Money questions? Dial 2-1-1 for free advice from
financial counselors at CCCS of San Francisco and the community

Call between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday (9/27) and Wednesday (9/28)

SAN FRANCISCO (September 27, 2011) - Worried about debt? Trying to create a budget? Wondering whether you can afford that new iPad 2? Free telephone counseling from financial experts will be available to Bay Area residents Sept. 27th and 28th through The SF Financial Advice Line, a partnership between San Francisco’s Mayor’s Office, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco and the United Way.

Residents can dial 211 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sept. 27 and 28 to reach the SF Financial Advice Line. Accredited financial counselors from Consumer Credit Counseling Service as well as BayArea financial planners will offer free advice on debt and credit management, budgeting, homeownership, foreclosure prevention, retirement planning and taxes. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and City Treasurer Jose Cisneros will also staff the phones.

“Unemployment in California is 3 percent higher than it is nationally. With Bay Area residents losing their jobs and struggling to keep their homes, it is more of a priority than ever to provide them with financial education and counseling,” said Rick Harper, VP of Program Services at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco. The organization is supplying 15 trained, accredited counselors with years of experience helping homeowners and others to pay down debt, create budgets and realize their financial goals.

When Bay Area callers dial 2-1-1, the helpline for United Way of the Bay Area, United Way staffers will direct the call to the appropriate person or agency. Members of the Office of Financial Empowerment’s Financial Education Network will also staff the line. Callers outside those areas will be referred to resources in their own communities.

The event is modeled New York City’s successful 2008 event called Your Money Helpline. That event provided free advice to 8,700 counselors over a four-day period.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco has been providing money management information and assistance to individual and families since 1969. It is a non-profit serving individuals and families nationwide by providing comprehensive financial counseling and education helping consumers achieve financial independence through debt reduction, homeownership, and improved money management skills.

For more information about CCCS of San Francisco, please visit www.cccssf.org.

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Copyright © 2011 CCCSSF