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San Diego, CA. - The Institute of Consumer Financial
Education (ICFE), after extensive analysis of the impact of the
credit squeeze on consumers' ability to drive the economic
recovery, reports that a largely ignored but critical element in
the prospect for economic recovery is professional and
knowledgeable review of consumer credit reports.
News stories abound on the debilitating effects of the credit
squeeze on nearly every facet of consumer markets. Whether it's
the inability to get automobile financing, the curtailment of
credit card limits, or even the shortage of working capital
loans for small businesses, the importance of accurate and
appropriate credit reports is paramount.
One element missing until recently is a standardized
credential in credit reporting and reviewing that can be
recognized and relied upon by consumers, lenders, businesses and
legal people, even law enforcement. The ICFE has bridged that
gap with its Certified Credit Report Reviewer (CCRRTM)
certification. Focusing on credit reports and how to review them
with consumers, the course guides students in exploring the
complexity of these issues and how they can negatively impact
and harm consumers, small business owners, and would-be
providers of goods and services.
According to Paul Richard, ICFE's Executive Director, "In
working with Certified Credit Report Reviewer (CCRR)
professionals, both consumers and businesses can be assured
their credit files are doing something "for" them instead of
doing something "to" them. It is important also to be using
their credit reports in a positive way, and help the economy get
going again."
ICFE, founded in 1982 and based in San Diego, CA., has now
placed its popular CCRRTM course online, powered by the Distance
Learning Company. The online CCRR program is available at
ICFEonline.org
About 2700 financial counselors, credit union officials,
military counselors and other professionals have completed in
the course since 2004. ICFE is also a partner with the
Department of Defense in the Financial Readiness Campaign for
military personnel and their families.
Changes in the credit reporting industry coupled with the
impact of credit scoring have left many people both unaware and
at a disadvantage and underscores the importance of continuing
education among professionals. ICFE courses are designed
especially for financial, legal, real estate, credit and debt
counseling professionals.
American businesses used to link future plans to continued
growth of consumer credit. Now, however credit lines are
shrinking and more emphasis is on credit scoring. Another focus
among credit grantors is to thwart fraudulent manipulation of
authorized user accounts, otherwise known as "piggybacking."
With the delivery of the ICFE's CCRRTM program online, ICFE
also added more content to the Independent Study Guide and the
final exam is now 60 questions. The program is accepted for
continuing education credits and continuing legal education
credits by many organizations and state regulatory licensing
agencies.
Getting the ICFE Certified Credit Report Reviewer (CCRRTM)
credential is now becoming essential for all credit, debt,
privacy specialists, financial and insurance counselors who are
working with the public because it helps consumers become more
aware of these important issues and avoid being hurt by
ignorance.
The addition of the online version allows students to take
advantage of studying at their own pace, answer sample test
questions at the end of each of the course chapters and view the
entire program form the comfort of their home or office.
The nonprofit ICFE has examined and issued credentials to
over 5,000 individuals, including privacy consultants, law
enforcement, military counselors, lawyers, paralegals, financial
planners and credit counselors, real estate agents and mortgage
brokers since 2004. For more information please visit
ICFEonline.org
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About the ICFE:
The Institute of Consumer Financial Education (ICFE) was founded in 1982 by the late Loren Dunton (creator of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation). The ICFE is dedicated to helping consumers of all ages to improve their spending, increase savings and use credit more wisely.
The ICFE is an award winning, nonprofit, consumer education organization that has helped millions of people through its education programs and resources. It publishes the Do-It-Yourself Credit File correction Guide, which is updated annually. The ICFE has distributed over one million Credit/Debit Card Warning Labels and Credit/Debit Card Sleeves world wide.
The ICFE became an official partner with the Department of Defense/Financial Readiness Campaign in June of 2004.The ICFE was an active partner in the California Student Debt Resource Awareness Project (CASDRAP) which resulted in a new web site: (studentdebthelp.org). CASDRAP disbanded in 2010, shortly after the web site project was completed. In 2011 the ICFE assumed the single sponsorship of the (studentdebthelp.org) web site and is now responsible for its content and operation.
The ICFE is also an on-line help for consumers who spend too much. ICFE's spending help was featured in PARADE Magazine in the Intelligence Report section. The money helps and tips are from the ICFE's Money Instruction Book, our course in personal finance.
Visit the ICFE's other web sites at: www.icfe.info and studentdebthelp.org. Both sites helps consumers and students with mending spending, learning about the proper use of credit, budget and expense guidelines, how to set up and implement a spending-plan and also how to access financial education courses and how to teach children about money. Other ICFE services include: Ask Mr. G, a free eNews, and an online resource center for students, parents and educators, plus financial education learning tools and a book store.
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