Consumer Car Buying Advice Blog

The credit information company contributes funds to six financial literacy programs across the United States.

Awards total $350,000

So many of the news items that cross our desks here at Auto Credit Express are just more of the same self-serving drivel designed to promote the agendas of the companies that issue them. But every once in a while, a press release catches our eye not because of corporate PR requirements, but because it may truly make a difference in people’s lives. Such was the case today with a news item from Experian, the Dublin, Ireland – based credit information company that is one of the big three credit bureaus in the United States.

It seems that the company recent awarded $350,000 in grant funds to six nonprofit organizations. These funds will be used to help these nonprofits with their financial, math and economic literacy and education programs and will also be used to help those families that have sought the services of these organizations rebuild their financial lives (and their FICO scores).

“Financial education is a key component in helping consumers achieve self-sufficiency, ensuring that they have bright and productive futures,” said Maxine Sweet, vice president of education for Experian. “Supporting financial literacy initiatives enables Experian to put the power of knowledge directly into consumers’ hands.”

Organizations receiving the awards

The following organizations received financial support:

• LifeSmarts (http://www.lifesmarts.org)/ an educational competition, sponsored by the National Consumers League, for middle and high school students that develops their financial literacy and consumer knowledge

• Jump$tart Coalition(R) for Personal Financial Literacy (http://www.jumpstartcoalition.org)/ encourages curriculum enrichment to ensure that basic personal financial-management skills are attained during the K-12 educational experience

• Junior Achievement of Orange County (http://jaocie.ja.org)/ educates children in grades K-12 about how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers

• The MIND Research Institute (http://www.mindresearch.net)/ helps children in grades K-12 reach their academic and career potential through a unique and highly effective math education process

• Mercy House (http://www.mercyhouse.net)/ provides a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, supportive services and education programs that help combat homelessness

• Allen Community Outreach (http://www.acocares.org)/ provides human services programs and core life skills classes for the cities of Allen, Fairview and Lucas in Collin County, Texas

The Bottom Line

Here at Auto Credit Express, we feel that the informed consumer is our best customer – and the awarding of $350,000 to promote financial literacy certainly will go a long way in helping to promote consumer awareness. Kudos to Experian for their efforts to help consumers during these challenging economic times.

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