GREENPATH NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2014
GreenPath acquires Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater San Antonio GreenPath President and CEO Jane E. McNamara recently announced that GreenPath is now providing in-person credit counseling, financial education and debt management services in the city of San Antonio, Texas, through its recent acquisition of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater San Antonio. GreenPath confirmed the acquisition of CCCS of Greater San Antonio on March 14. The San Antonio agency had served local residents since 1984. GreenPath is committed to strengthening local services in Greater San Antonio and other areas of south Texas. “GreenPath now has offices in five South Texas cities, including San Antonio, Corpus Christi, McAllen, Brownsville and Harlingen,” said McNamara. “We look forward to helping local residents manage their money, resolve their credit card debt, and work toward a brighter financial future.”
counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and debt management programs. GreenPath’s debt management services can stop collection calls and assist consumers in reducing credit card debt through lower interest rates and elimination of late fees and over limit fees. “We are excited about offering our services to the residents of San Antonio,” said Rus Halsey, GreenPath director of operations. “We’ll get involved in the local community. We look forward to partnering with local organizations and finding new ways to add value to residents.” GreenPath now offers face-to-face services at more than 50 offices in 11 states.
Paul Denham, chairman of the board for the former CCCS of Greater San Antonio, said that the acquisition by GreenPath was a logical choice for his organization as well as the community. “GreenPath’s San Antonio office will continue to serve consumers through free face-to-face appointments and financial education presentations,” he said. “That was important to the board.” GreenPath’s customized services include debt and credit counseling, financial education, budgeting, housing
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GREENPATH NEWSLETTER
HAMP adjusted mortgage rates set to expire: Earliest enrollees will see mortgage payments rise By Nick DeMeester, GreenPath housing manager CNN recently reported that the earliest enrollees in the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) will be seeing their mortgage rates increase shortly. Some experts are concerned that the increase could result in more re-defaults in the next few years. The HAMP program was launched in 2009. It was intended to help troubled borrowers by reducing the principal balance they owed or the monthly interest they paid. Some borrowers received interest rates as low as two percent. The earliest borrowers in the program, where the modifications remained fixed for five years, will begin seeing their rates climb. The CNN story quoted Treasury Department special inspector general Christy Romero. She said, “We’re already seeing alarming re-default rates and are really worried that this could lead to more. It will be a real challenge for people to pay the higher amounts.” If you enrolled in the HAMP program and have questions, feel free to reach out to us at 1-877-337-3399.
GreenPath’s housing advisors are experts at assisting people with their housing needs. Back in the 1960’s, we were one of the first organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct housing counseling. Today, we offer the following housing counseling services: • Foreclosure prevention for homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payment • Home buyer preparation assistance for people who are planning to buy a house • Reverse mortgage counseling for seniors, at least 62 years old, who are considering a reverse mortgage If you have a housing concern, let us help you understand your options and make an informed decision on how to achieve your financial goals. GreenPath offers free housing counseling, with no obligation or sales pitch.
GreenPath taking part in Money Smart Week As part of April’s “Financial Literacy Month,” GreenPath will take part in Money Smart Week, from April 5-12. Consumers will have the opportunity to participate in activities and workshops that will focus on financial topics including budgeting, credit and savings. This will be an opportunity to attend a free webinar, download a free financial education program, and consider new ways to save money, improve credit and plan for a bright financial future. Special GreenPath webinars will be provided all week, on a variety of financial topics. These live, interactive webinars facilitated by GreenPath’s training team are free. This year we’re also offering several webinars in the evening for your convenience.
Free financial webinars include: • Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. ET - What’s On Your Credit Report • Monday, April 7 at 9 p.m. ET - Unlocking the Secret to Your Credit Score • Wed. April 9 at noon ET - Unlocking the Secret to Your Credit Score • Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. ET - Protecting Your Identity • Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET - Options for Dealing with Debt • Friday, April 11 at 1 p.m. ET - Money Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make Log on to www.greenpath.org/moneysmartweek for more information and to sign-up for the webinars.
Clients give us feedback on our Facebook page from time to time. Here’s a recent message. On March 3, Melissa M. wrote: “Just finished paying everything off...took four years, but GreenPath ALWAYS worked with me, even in the most difficult times! Couldn’t be happier! Thanks for your service!”
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As a member of Community Choice Credit Union, you can take advantage of GreenPath, a financial education and counseling program. To use this service, simply call 1-877-337-3399 or visit them on the web at www.greenpathref.com.