PUBLISHED – The Boca Raton News – October 10, 2005
Boca Debt Management Firm provides educational program.(Educational and Charitable Services supplies free counseling for teenagers.)
Boca debt management firm provides educational program Educational and Charitable Services supplies free counseling for teenagers
Published Monday, October 10, 2005 1:00 am
by By Corey Siggins
A Boca Raton debt management firm is becoming well known for its educational programs that endorse the act of properly maintaining one’s personal finances. This is particularly true, the firm says, for young people – often the target of credit solicitation, and without the tool to assess the benefits and risks.
For the past five years, Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (DMCCC) has been using its Educational and Charitable Services Department to provide counseling for both young and old residents.
Through the free programs offered by DMCCC, company representatives visit local high schools, colleges and community centers in order to address various economic issues that may be of major importance to those in attendance.
According to Jason Athas, manager of special programs, DMCCC strives to present these topics in a fun and innovative way that results in better overall financial literacy.
“All the information we have is taught in a way that’s very simple and easy to understand for the public,” Athas said. “Ultimately, the point of these programs is to help people, regardless of their age, become more aware of their finances and safeguard against severe debt.”
The main targets of DMCCC’s programs are high school students, who Athas said are in particular need of financial education because many of them have obtained credit cards or set up bank accounts for the first time. During a typical school presentation, the DMCCC representative will usually lead the classroom in an examination of such topics as credit reports, credit scores, budgeting, credit cards and identity theft. At the end of the presentation, each student is given a certificate of completion.
“Some of these kids may not have understood in the past that you have to consider interest when paying off a credit card or they weren’t sure how to finance large purchases,” Athas said. “Basically, we try to correct some of their misconceptions and provide further insight.”
So far this year, DMCCC representatives have traveled to 50 schools in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Port St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Athas estimates that, by the end of the year, the company will have visited over 10,000 students.The most extensive course that DMCCC offers to the public is its Debt, Money and Credit Concepts program, which is comprised of 12 parts and covers a number of financial matters.
“It discusses every money-related issue you could think of, from getting a house loan to buying a car,” said Jessica Stokes, education and research coordinator for DMCCC. The course is available to take online or through workbooks in which answer sheets can be mailed to the company. Those who finish the course will receive written notification that can be sent to the credit company he or she is working with.
“A credit company who sees that a particular client has undergone the kind of programs we offer will most likely look very favorably upon that person,” Athas said. “With that in mind, we’re pleased to give a much-needed hand to benefit anyone who could use it.”
Contact Corey Siggins at 561-549-0845 or at csiggins@bocanews.com.
Copyright 2005 – Boca Raton News
Contact: Jessica Stokes, Education and Research Coordinator
Jessica@dmcconline.org
