ABBEVILLE, SC (February 9, 2018) — For Abbeville County households struggling with low-wage jobs, incomes and lower credit scores, there’s a new opportunity to avoid a crisis. As new Credit Union Certified Financial Counselors, Latrinda Bowie and Leanne Burdette offer a systematic plan for spending, bill playing and saving.
Both from HopeSouth Federal Credit Union, the counselors offer three types of counseling options: remedial, preventative and productive. They dig into the myths and truths about money, encourage members to review their credit report, and help people piece together a systematic financial plan.
“The CCUFC designation prepares you for the many financial counseling obstacles you may encounter with a member,” said HopeSouth CEO Faye Crocker. “The CUNA Credit Union Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches you the tools needed to help our members who are in crisis and educate them on how to avoid a crisis.”
While Abbeville County’s 4.4% unemployment rate continues to fall, low-wage jobs now account for 29.4% of all jobs in South Carolina. With rising costs and income volatility, making ends meet is becoming more of a challenge. Poor choices, meanwhile, are made by every income level. One in three today can’t cover a $2,000 emergency expense, according to the Center for Financial Services Innovation.
“By allowing our team members to go through this rigorous training and certification process, we will be more prepared in coaching our members to financial wellness,” Crocker said. “We look at this as an investment in our credit union, our members, and our staff that will reap huge rewards for our members and the Abbeville community at large!”
Faye Crocker
HopeSouth Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative with the designation of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Credit Union (CDCU). Established in 1972, HopeSouth serves members who live, work, worship or attend school in Abbeville County.
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Bo McDonald
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