CCCS Challenges Americans to Make Financial Independence a Goal this Fourth of July

DALLAS - July 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Each summer Americans take pride in celebrating the Fourth of July, the day that commemorates the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the country’s freedom from what is now known as the United Kingdom.

This July 4, 2014 Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) challenges Americans to declare their own personal financial independence by making a commitment to become free from the bondage of debt.

“The financial burden of unmanageable debt is overwhelming and can make a person feel like there is no way out,” according to Ginger Greenberg spokesperson for CCCS. “Hitting rock bottom with debt can be a wake-up call to enlist help, re-evaluate your priorities and make a change. Debt can be a 24-hour a day worry and getting on a path toward financial independence can help you shake that burden.”

Aside from the personal problems associated with debt, consider the following financial reasons to take action and begin to resolve your debt issue now:

·         A blemished pay history reflecting late or missed payments tarnishes a person’s credit report which could result in a lower credit score;

·         A low credit score often equals a higher interest rate when borrowing money, making the cost of credit more expensive;

·         A tarnished credit record could diminish access to additional credit needed for emergencies or unplanned expenses;

·         With an unrealistic amount of money earmarked for debt repayment, saving is often neglected, and

·         Planning for future needs such as college or retirement is often delayed due to a lack of money.

People may mistakenly think they are responsibly managing debt by making the minimum payments on-time every month. They don’t bother to calculate how long it will take them to become debt free, or how much they will have paid in interest.  Consider the following example:

·         With a $10,000 credit card debt at 18 percent interest, even if a person never adds any purchases or fees to the account, and makes a monthly on-time payment of two percent of the balance, it will take them 48 years to become debt free.  Further, that original debt of $10,000 will cost them $36,825, with $26,825 going toward interest.

There is a way out from under the oppressive weight of debt. CCCS Certified Counselors help thousands of people each year overcome financial challenges and find the financial stability they seek. To make an appointment with a CCCS financial counselor you can call 800-249-2227 or go to www.cccs.net .  Ask about the Sharpen Your Financial Focus™ program which includes financial diagnostic tools, workshops and one-on-one sessions with financial professionals, putting you on the path toward a debt-free lifestyle.

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About CCCS of Greater Dallas

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Inc. is a nonprofit, community-based credit counseling and debt management service. Established in 1974, CCCS of Greater Dallas and its affiliate offices provide financial education and counseling to consumers in-person, by phone, or internet at seven locations in three states. CCCS is a HUD-approved housing counseling multi-state organization and serves as one of the seven counseling agencies supporting the 888-995-HOPE Hotline. CCCS is a proud service partner of the United Way or Metropolitan Dallas. The agency is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling network. To learn more about CCCS’ free seminars or the agency’s services, call 800-249-2227, visit www.cccs.net or become a fan of CCCS on Facebook to receive updates on agency events and offerings.