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PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
History
Consumer Credit
Counseling Service is a program of Family Service of Milwaukee that is
provided in Waukesha County through a contract and service agreement
between Family Service of Milwaukee and Family Service of Waukesha. The
program has served residents of Waukesha County since 1974. Labor Unions,
concerned about the financial difficulties of unemployed union members,
provided the initial financial support for the program.
Program Goal
The goal of the
Consumer Credit Counseling Service is to help families avoid bankruptcy and
credit problems, to assist families that are experiencing a financial crisis
to bring their finances back into balance, and to reduce the individual and
family stress that is caused by financial difficulties.
Services
Consumer Credit
Counseling Services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each
individual or family. Services can include an analysis of family income and
expenditures, and the development of a personalized budget. If a family is
very seriously over-extended with credit, creditors can be contacted, debts
can be consolidated and rescheduled, and a debt payment and management plan
can be established. Community education and money management workshops are
also provided. The program is supported primarily by United Way and the
creditor community.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service is certified and licensed by the State
of Wisconsin Banking Commission, and is a member of the National Foundation
for Consumer Credit, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating
consumers in the wise use of credit.
Referral Sources
Financial
difficulties can be experienced by all kinds of people including: skilled
tradesmen, retirees, students, and corporate executives. Individuals and
families often call for an appointment when there is a financial crisis.
Attorneys, employers, creditors and the banking community also make referrals
to the program.
Staff
Gary Kalagian, Credit Counselor
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