Nov. 30, 2015 – The State Bar of Wisconsin is launching a new, statewide program that teaches students and adults about responsible credit use and other fundamentals of financial literacy.
The Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) program is a public education course designed to inform audience members of the consequences of poor credit management, as well as provide tips for starting a budget and establishing good credit history.
“Anyone can book a CARE presentation, but I think the program is especially appropriate for young adults,” said Ben Evans, co-chair of the State Bar’s CARE initiative. “It’s important to catch these students or individuals as they enter the adult world and educate them on credit abuse and its legal ramifications, and about how best to be proactive and steer clear of credit problems.”
The CARE program is free of charge and can be booked by any community group, including high schools, colleges and universities, and organizations that provide services to adults. Each presentation is given by a local bankruptcy attorney and has a run time of approximately 45 minutes.
“The topics included in the CARE program are not covered by any of the State Bar’s other programs,” Evans said. “Adding the program to the organization’s list of education services is a new and exciting means of engaging schools, community groups and attorney volunteers.”
Katie Stenz is public relations coordinator with the State Bar of Wisconsin. She can be reached by email or by phone at (608) 250-6025.
CARE is a national program that made its first appearance in Wisconsin at the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District in Milwaukee. After gaining success in Milwaukee, program organizers decided to make CARE a statewide initiative.
Beth Brockmeyer, a Milwaukee based bankruptcy attorney, is one of the people who was involved in the launch. As a bankruptcy attorney, Brockmeyer sees the value in the program.
“The easiest way for individuals to avoid financial pitfalls is through preparing and following a budget,” Brockmeyer said. “CARE will teach audience members how to make these simple changes and what it takes to avoid carrying balances on credit cards.”
As of today, CARE program volunteers are ready to make presentations in La Crosse, Green Bay, Milwaukee and Madison with the intent of bringing the program to all areas of the state as more presentation requests are received.
