Springboard Reminds Media of Countdown to Bankruptcy Reform

The Bankruptcy Reform Act will take effect in less than 60 days. Contact Springboard Non-profit Consumer Credit Management for answers to common questions regarding financial counseling and the law.

(PRWEB) August 24, 2005 -- The new bankruptcy reform law (Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005) takes effect on Oct. 17, 2005. Among key provisions is a requirement, for the first time, that consumers must participate in credit counseling from an approved, non-profit credit counseling agency prior to filing for bankruptcy. In addition, consumers who have filed for bankruptcy must participate in a financial education session before their debts are discharged.

Last year, 1.6 million Americans filed for bankruptcy. Beginning in two months, every new filer will talk to an approved credit counselor first.

Key Questions: What can consumers expect from credit counseling? How can credit counseling help consumers considering bankruptcy? How can they find a qualified counselor who operates with integrity? What are credit counseling agencies doing to get ready for increased demand for their services?

Who Has the Answers: As you prepare to cover the issues related to implementation of the bankruptcy reform legislation, Dianne Wilkman, President and CEO of Springboard Non-profit Consumer Credit Management, can answer these questions and more. Springboard, a community-based non-profit credit counseling agency, has been helping financially troubled consumers for over 30 years. They are members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children.

When: Ms. Wilkman is available by phone and by email as you are preparing your coverage of the impact of the new bankruptcy legislation or other matters related to credit counseling.

Contact: To arrange an interview with Ms. Wilkman, please call Springboard headquarters at 800-947-3752 x 702, or email Dianne@credit.org

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management
Springboard, a nonprofit credit counseling and education organization founded in 1974, offers assistance with money management and budgeting through confidential counseling, debt management and education programs for financially troubled consumers. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor certification and service delivery policies that ensure low-cost confidential services performed in an ethical manner. Springboard is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. Springboard has counseling locations throughout Southern California offering face-to-face, online and nationwide phone counseling services. For more information on Springboard, call 1-800-947-3752 ext. 702 or visit their web site at www.credit.org

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