Superior credit union helps in the fight against debt

Thousands of Minnesotans are facing financial crisis. Vulnerable situations such as foreclosure, medical debt or substantial loss of personal assets from a financial scam or job loss can seem overwhelming and hopeless without the knowledge, support and guidance.

Superior Choice Credit Union is helping to navigate rough waters.

In the community, there are a number of advocates dedicated to helping families and individuals stay afloat by finding solutions or the best course of action for their unique financial circumstance. Some of these advocates are extraordinary.

LSS Financial Counseling hosted a gathering at the Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis to recognize outstanding financial advocacy by a select group of individuals and organizations working creatively and tirelessly to improve financial well-being for others, including Superior Choice Credit Union.

“At LSS Financial Counseling Service, we are in a unique position to see others advocate on behalf of those in financial distress,” said Dan Williams, program director of LSS Financial Counseling, a service that helps over 20,000 people work toward financial wellness. “Each year, we take the opportunity to recognize people and organizations that have really inspired us through their work to help support our neighbors in this region.”

This year, Superior Choice Credit Union created the Great Debt Pay Down (GDP), a program open to anyone in the community who wants 2012 to be the year they pay down their debt and improve their personal finances.

GDP participants meet with financial counselors, attend group financial education workshops, and support each other through their community blog. The participant that pays down the most unsecured debt in relation to their income will win $5,000 to further pay down debt, save, or prevent future dependence on credit.

Other honorees recognized for their financial advocacy efforts include: Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota Financial Fitness Network, Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson and Ron Elwood — Minnesota Legal Services Advocacy Project.

“We believe that people can succeed on their own, if they are given a level playing field,” Williams said. “These advocates give those in financial struggle the opportunity to feel hope and the potential to succeed.”

LSS Financial Counseling Service, a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, helps over 20,000 people each year with free budget and debt counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling and monthly debt management plans. All LSS financial counselors are NFCC-certified as consumer credit and housing counselors.

For a list of services, visit www.lssmn.org/debt.

Tags: news, business, money