National credit counseling agencies agree to merger

ATLANTA and HOUSTON, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Money Management International (MMI) and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions (Clearpoint), two of the nation's largest providers of nonprofit financial education and counseling, have announced their plan to merge operations. Under the merger agreement, the new organization will utilize both the MMI and Clearpoint trade names.  

The merger combines over 100 offices across 36 states and brings together two agencies with rich histories. Clearpoint was founded in Atlanta in 1964, while MMI's origins date back to 1958.

By combining strengths, the new organization will be able to provide a broader range of services to consumers nationwide, while continuing to pursue innovation within the financial education space.

The expanded organization will be headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas with Ivan Hand, President and Chief Executive Officer of MMI, continuing to serve in that capacity. Christopher Honenberger, Chief Executive Officer of Clearpoint, announced his plan to retire in 2017.

"We're proud of the work our counselors and educators have done, helping millions of consumers across the country achieve financial stability," said Honenberger. "This merger helps to ensure that the vital work we do not only continues, but expands."

Added Hand, "Expansion has always been one of our top priorities. Connecting with Clearpoint helps us expand both our reach and our capacity to deliver on our mission of improving lives through financial education.  Together, we can reach more people in more communities, providing a wider range of services, while improving operational efficiencies."

Most financial counseling and education programs, including debt and budget counseling, student loan counseling, foreclosure counseling, bankruptcy counseling, debt management plans, and more will be offered through MMI. Clearpoint, as a division of MMI, will continue to provide financial counseling to low-to-moderate income consumers through its partner programs with businesses and community workshops.

CONTACT:

Jim Triggs
Senior VP, Money Management International
602.674.4546
[email protected]

Thomas Nitzsche 
Media Relations, Clearpoint
404.490.2227
[email protected]

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps individuals and families deal with unmanageable debts and improve overall financial health through personalized one-on-one counseling programs, including debt and budget, foreclosure prevention, student loans, credit report review, and bankruptcy. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 866.864.8995 or visit MoneyManagement.org.

Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions (Clearpoint) is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers build long-term economic security by providing a full range of solutions-focused financial education, counseling, coaching, and advisory services for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Clearpoint is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), a system-wide accredited business with the Council on Better Business Bureaus, and a Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency. Free appointments for counseling may be scheduled by calling 800.750.2227 (se habla español). For more about Clearpoint, visit clearpoint.org. 

SOURCE Money Management International

Related Links

http://www.moneymanagement.org