CareOneCredit.com Offers Online Help for Debt-Burdened Consumers

Market Wire, 20050229

Consumers looking for debt management solutions now have a new, improved Web-based option for finding the right nonprofit credit counseling agency to help get their finances back on track.

Launching mid-March, the new www.CareOneCredit.com Web site will set new standards in the industry by offering robust content, tools and functionality that empowers consumers to take control of their debt situation. One of the few sites in the industry that allows consumers to enroll online, the secure site enables customers to educate themselves about their debt relief issues and options, and allows them to enroll quickly, securely and privately at their convenience.

The CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) service helps consumers become informed and educated about how to manage their personal finances and, when appropriate, lower their current interest payments through a debt management program.

"The introduction of the CareOne(SM) service has already set a high bar in the industry when it comes to offering the highest quality, lowest cost service. With the new site, we have expanded our commitment to consumers in need of debt relief. This new Web site gives consumers even more flexibility and freedom. It is designed to offer site visitors privacy and convenience," said John Evans, vice president, 3C Incorporated. "We expect that the new site, in conjunction with the phone and in-person service CareOne(SM) branded agencies offer, will combine to make CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) the first choice of consumers."

The site provides online enrollment that dynamically matches consumers with the CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) branded agency that can best meet their needs. In addition, clients can access and maintain their account information online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can set and change payment dates, pay electronically and track their progress through monthly statements all via the Internet.

Customers and prospective customers can also visit the Knowledge Center at www.CareOneCredit.com for educational resources, budgeting tools, money-saving tips, success testimonials and information on smart spending, credit cards, mortgages, income taxes and other information intended to help consumers become and stay debt-free.

"There are probably more than 1,300 credit counseling agencies in the United States today, with very different levels of service and costs," said Evans. "CareOneCredit.com distinguishes our service and sets us apart from the rest by treating people as people not just as customers. People in debt need solutions, not more problems. They need answers, not more questions. In this way, our new online presence meets the needs of a growing number of people who have fallen into debt and need a way out."

About CareOne Credit Counseling(SM)

CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) is the gold standard in the credit counseling industry. Credit counseling agencies that bear the CareOne Credit Counseling service mark commit to operating under stringent principles of honesty, understanding, respect, humility, humanity and caring.

Credit counseling agencies that carry CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) services provide consistent, quality services at the greatest value. Benefits of working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency offering CareOne(SM) services include: no start-up or administrative fees, unlike many in the industry; 24-hour, seven-day-a-week accessibility via Internet or by phone for consumers; and industry-leading debt management education. CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) branded agencies also offer face-to-face counseling at their centers.

CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) is available from the following nonprofit credit counseling agencies:

- American Financial Solutions (AFS), Seattle, Wash., 800-570-3341. AFS also administers Genus Credit Management accounts. - Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI), Raleigh, N.C., 888-419-CESI (2374). CESI also administers Clarion Credit Management accounts. - Debt Management Group, Columbia, Md., 866-288-3479. - Genesis Financial Management, Tampa, Fla., 800-498-0892.

The CareOne(SM) Advantage

It's Accessible. Access your account online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week via Internet or by phone.

It's Proven. CareOne(SM) has helped more than 2 million people free themselves from debt.

It's Reputable. The CareOne(SM) service and partners meet the highest standards in the industry.

No Up-Front Fees. CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) branded agencies provide counseling services for no up-front fees and cap contributions consumers choose to make at $50 a month.

Provides Innovative Education. CareOne Credit Counseling(SM) branded agencies provide industry-leading education so consumers complete the debt management programs with their finances under control, and they better understand how to manage their personal finances in the future.