KITCHEN OFFERS FREE CREDIT HELP DURING CREDIT AWARENESS MONTH


Kitchen

          PHILADELPHIA, May 2 – Whether you are knee-deep in debt or just want to learn to use credit wisely, the office of state Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen (D-Philadelphia) will offer free credit counseling this month.

          May is Credit Awareness Month, and constituents will be able to get FREE advice on credit repair from Financial Consultant Robbin Davis, on three Mondays in May, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Kitchen’s District Office, 1701 W. Lehigh Avenue. Dates are: May 8, 15 and 22.

          Thousands of people are faced with financial hardships arising from extenuating circumstances including job layoffs, lack of money management skills and/or overuse of credit. Although bad credit does not discriminate — even individuals with the heftiest wallets can have credit problems - it is an epidemic in poor communities, with people often “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” leaving their credit history a wrangled mess.

          The Philadelphia senator said that far too many people are plagued with less that desirable credit, reducing their chances of owning a home or in some cases, obtaining employment.

          “It's important for individuals to know their credit rating and be armed with the facts about good credit and bad credit," Kitchen said. "Now more than ever, credit worthiness contributes to a better quality of life.”

          Kitchen said constituents coming to her office this month will get confidential, professional debt counseling by talking to Davis, who has eight years experience with the banking industry. Davis noted that many people are not aware of their financial status, which can lead to major problems.

          “Financial problems, from high credit card debt to a bad credit rating aren’t necessarily the result of poor money management,” said Davis, who is the consumer advocate for the Third Senatorial District. “Sometimes financial situations are beyond our control, such as divorce, death of a spouse, health problems - even a change in household income can lead to financial problems. Regardless of the cause, financial worry about money problems can impact both your work life and family life.

          “Many times we don’t see the signs of financial trouble until it’s too late. But financial crisis doesn’t occur overnight. There are several warning signs that indicate debt problems may be getting out of control.”

          Sen. Kitchen's office is located at 1701 W. Lehigh Avenue, Suite 104, Philadelphia, PA. Office phone number is 215-227-6161.

         Sen. Kitchen represents the Third Senatorial District, which includes north central Philadelphia and parts of northeast and northwest Philadelphia.