Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a national non-profit organization providing credit counseling and debt management services, is proud to announce that founder and CEO, Dr. Diane Chen has received an Enterprising Women of the Year award for 2012 by Enterprising Women magazine. This award honors women business owners who have demonstrated that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the award recipients are also leaders in key organizations that support the growth of women's entrepreneurship.

"Enterprising Women of the Year honorees are so deserving of being in the spotlight," said Monica Smiley, publisher and chief executive officer of Enterprising Women. "Each has demonstrated that she has a thriving, growing business; she has mentored or given back to support other women in business, and she stands out as a leader in her community. We could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our honorees."

Dr. Chen won in the category of "over $25 million in annual revenue." Of the 66 women recognized this year, Dr. Chen was one of six North Carolina based recipients. Winners were recognized at the 10th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration on March 12 at Office Depot headquarters and on March 13 at the Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"I feel privileged to be recognized among such inspirational and accomplished women," said Dr. Chen. "Enterprising Women magazine's commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs is exceptional, and I am honored to receive this award."

Dr. Chen founded CESI Debt Solutions in 1998 and has grown the companies from two employees a thriving business today. The organization has helped tens of thousands of Americans live debt free.

Before starting CESI Debt Solutions, Dr. Chen, a native of China, played a significant role in establishing the sister-state relationship between North Carolina and the Lianoning Province, China. In 1998 she was the interpreter and liaison for Governor James Hunt's trade delegation in China. She has also helped many North Carolina businesses, government agencies and educational institutions establish international relations with China as the president of New China Development Corporation.

Having earned her Master and Doctoral Degrees from North Carolina State University, Dr. Chen is very active in the Triangle community. She currently serves on the First Citizen Bank advisory board and is an International Student Mentor through NC State's Breaking Bread program. She recently was the Vice President of Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) and an overseas member of the Council of People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Lianoning Province, China.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About Enterprising Women Magazine
Enterprising Women, with headquarters in Cary, N.C., is the nation's only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women's businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women. Published in both print and digital editions, the magazine's digital edition reaches more than 200,000 readers in 50 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.enterprisingwomen.com or call (919) 362-1551.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Majority of parents believe children should be required to take course on how to use credit cards

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/12/2011 -- It is every parent's wish for their children to learn from their mistakes.

A recent survey of parents with credit card debt found that when it comes to the lessons learned from the Great Recession, caused in part by a sea of red ink in the budgets of households and nations, parents want their children to get the financial education they did not.

The survey found that:
- 66% of parents believe parents with credit card debt believe that children should be required to take a class on how to use credit cards.

- Of those surveyed, only 5% had ever taken a class on how to use credit cards themselves.
The survey of 355 parents with $1000 or more in credit card debt, was commissioned by the nonprofit organization Consumer Education Services, Inc. Respondents had no affiliation with CESI and were recruited online by a third party research company.

"With an eye on children becoming the nation's future political and business leaders as well as parents, people overwhelmingly see education as key to preventing future crisis," says Neil Ellington, executive vice president of Consumer Education Services.

"Mandating credit card education courses in high schools would be ideal, since the legal age to use credit cards is 18," suggests Ellington.

What Now?

Until credit card education is required, Ellington offers these tips for parents to use to educate the nation's future consumers and leaders about debt.

- Start young. It's much easier to develop solid life-long habits when you start young. Open a savings account and have children contribute money from birthday and holiday gifts as well as allowances so they get used to it.

- Talk about money and spending. It's great to explain early and often the realities of budgets and limited resources as well as the difference between needs and wants. Don't be afraid to tell a child that you can't afford a particular luxury because the money is needed for something important that is needed right away (food, gas, repairs, etc). That makes a perfect teaching moment to explain about saving money for something you want instead of using credit in an unhealthy way.

- Kids get a better understanding of the value of money and what things really cost when they use their own money to buy something.

For more information about Consumer Education Services, Inc. please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

About Consumer Education Services, Inc.
Consumer Education Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. It offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, it has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/31/2011 -- Twenty families in Wake County no longer face foreclosure, thanks to The Homeownership Center, a division of CESI Debt Solutions, a Raleigh-based national nonprofit credit counseling agency. The Center announced today that it has disbursed $285,000 in assistance to Triangle homeowners as a Participating Housing Counseling Organization for the North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Fund.

Administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, the N.C. Foreclosure Prevention Fund helps homeowners who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own while they search or retrain for new employment. The assistance is in the form of a zero-interest loan that is used to make the homeowners' monthly mortgage payments. In Wake County, the maximum assistance amount is $24,000 (24 months of payments).

"All of us at The Homeownership Center and CESI Debt Solutions are proud to have helped so many local families keep their homes. This is a major milestone for us, and we're looking forward to helping even more people. We encourage other Wake County residents who need help to reach out to us about qualifying for assistance," says the Housing Program Manager, Sheryl Merritt.

Statewide, more than 2,200 homeowners have been assisted by the loans, which are funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The assistance is expected to be available in North Carolina for the next three to four years.

Those interested in learning more about how to receive assistance should contact The Homeownership Center at (866) 635-6189.

More information about The Homeownership Center is available at http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org/housing/. A complete list of counseling agencies participating in the N.C. Foreclosure Prevention Fund is available at http://www.NCForeclosurePrevention.gov.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit CESIDebtSolutions.org.

About The Homeownership Center
The Homeownership Center supports the delivery of a wide variety of housing counseling services to potential homebuyers and current homeowners. Counselors provide guidance, advice, and advocacy to help families and individuals meet their financial responsibilities and improve their housing conditions and choices. The division currently focuses on families that are facing foreclosure and financial crisis and well as clients looking to purchase their first home; however, it still services clients who are need credit and budgeting assistance

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Poll finds that 83% of Americans believe they are more capable of paying off debt than the government

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/21/2011 -- Turns out Americans are pretty optimistic about their ability to recover from personal debt issues, but they aren't convinced the nation can muster the same kind of fiscal discipline.

A new national poll shows 83% of Americans, ages 35+, believe they are more capable of eventually paying off their debts than the federal government. In addition, despite all the talk in Washington about reducing the federal budget deficit and paying off the national debt, 93% are convinced that they will pay off their own debt before the US government ever pays off the national debt.

The poll of 355 US adults with at least $1,000 in credit card debt was conducted online in September 2011 by a third party and commissioned by the national nonprofit credit counseling firm CESI Debt Solutions. Respondents had no affiliation with CESI Debt Solutions.

The survey also found Americans are practicing what they believe the federal government should do. 76% of those polled still balance their checkbooks.

"Creating a manageable monthly budget is one of the fundamental lessons in money management, and one of the first lessons we teach people struggling with debt," says Neil Ellington, Executive Vice President of CESI Debt Solutions. "Until you can keep track of what money is coming in and where it is going, it's impossible to manage your expenses, whether it's federal government or a family of four."

CESI Debt Solutions is a proud member of Association of Independent Credit Counseling Agenices (http://www.aiccca.org/) and has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide become debt-free. For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

One of the nation’s most dependable debt management nonprofits helps individuals filing bankruptcy

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/06/2011 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a leading national nonprofit credit counseling agency, announced today that it has been authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide required nonprofit budget and credit counseling course needed for individuals filing bankruptcy.

The Raleigh, NC-based CESI Debt Solutions will provide pre-bankruptcy counseling to individuals in 31 states. Counseling will be provided in-person, as well as via phone and the Internet.

CESI Debt Solutions' name is now listed on the esteemed list of approved budget and credit counseling agencies of the United States Trustee Program.

"Every month, we talk with thousands of consumers in financial distress but not all them qualify for a debt management program which has been our core service for a long time," says Sandra Davis, Creditor Services Representative/Compliance Assistant, who is leading the new program at CESI. "Now, we can be of service to those clients who don't qualify, but still need counseling."

CESI plans to expand its service repertoire even more in the coming months to help more consumers through these difficult times.

CESI Debt Solutions has been recognized as one of the most dependable debt management companies in the US, according to Goldline Research and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

After a client’s house fire, CESI raises funds to assist family to get back on track

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2011 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a Raleigh, NC-based national nonprofit credit counseling agency who is currently helping more than 70,000 Americans become debt-free through debt management programs is really following through on its commitment to help clients avoid unnecessary financial hardships.

Gail Magnuso-Rouskey, 72, has been a responsible CESI debt management program client since 2010 and always makes timely payments.

Yet, earlier this month a terrible fire took her home in Ashland, WI, costing over $20,000 in damages. Instead of calling to ask for help, Magnuso-Rouskey told CESI she would be increasing her monthly payments since she no longer has to pay her mortgage.

With such a positive attitude, Magunso-Rouskey's story inspired the CESI financial counselors. The counselor shared her story with the CESI executive team, who decided to launch a company-wide initiative to help the family get back on track. CESI is going to match any monetary donation from its staff up to $500, as well as setting up clothing donations bins around the CESI office. So far, the company has raised more than $400.

Magunso-Rouskey's story is even more compelling: she is not the only one displaced. Her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren also lived with her. Her son-in-law is one of 28 teachers in the Ashland School District to be laid-off this year. The family has received some assistance from fellow teachers and the family's local church in an attempt to get the children back to normal. The family currently resides at a local motel.

"It is our pleasure to help Gail and her family. We hope that our contributions help her to rebuild her home and keep her on the path to financial freedom," says Dr. Diane Chen, founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions.

CESI Debt Solutions has been recognized as one of the most dependable debt management companies in the US, according to Goldline Research and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CESI has accepted invitation, by membership only, into the AACC

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/04/2011 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a national nonprofit credit counseling agency based in Raleigh, NC, is proud to announce it has accepted an invitation to become a charter member of the newly reconstituted American Association of Credit Counselors (AACC).

Membership was by invitation only. Members had to agree to promote transparency and have a demonstrated track record in properly helping consumers address financial hardships before joining.

AACC members include nonprofit agencies, such as CESI Debt Solutions, as well as debt management companies, debt settlement companies and other providers who are focused on serving consumers in financial distress. The AACC is spearheaded by Steve Rhode, a consumer advocate and founder of the website GetOutofDebt.org.

"This is the first debt relief organization formed solely to find collaborative ways to work for the betterment of consumers rather than to lobby on the behalf of the industry," says Rhode. "The mission is clearly seen in the AACC's motto which is 'Putting Customers First'".

"We were honored to accept Steve's invitation to join AACC because we have the utmost respect for him, his dedication to consumer rights, and his commitment to inspire change and better the industry," says Dr. Diane Chen, founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions. "Our top priority is to help our clients get out of debt and improve their money management skills. We're looking forward to working with the AACC in continuing to make a positive impact in the industry and lives of consumers."

CESI Debt Solutions has been recognized as one of the most dependable debt management companies in the US, according to Goldline Research and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Founder and CEO of Raleigh-based nonprofit, CESI Debt Solutions, partners with national magazine for business women

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2011 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a national nonprofit credit counseling agency, is proud to announce that its founder and president, Dr. Diane Chen, has been appointed to the Advisory Board for Enterprising Women magazine.

Dr. Chen will be one of several Advisory Board members to participate in a panel discussion called "Building Financial Literacy and Raising Capital" at the Enterprising Women of the Year event March 10-11, 2011 in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dr. Chen, a native of China, is also facilitating with Enterprising Women's partnership with the China Business Women's Alliance.

Before starting CESI Debt Solutions, Dr. Chen played a significant role in establishing the sister-state relationship between North Carolina and the Lianoning Province, China. In 1998 she was the interpreter and liaison for Governor James Hunt's trade delegation in China. She has also helped many North Carolina businesses, government agencies and educational institutions establish international relations with China as the president of New China Development Corporation.

Having earned her Master and Doctoral Degrees from North Carolina State University, Dr. Chen is very active in the Triangle community. She currently serves on the First Citizen Bank advisory board and is an International Student Mentor through NC State's Breaking Bread program. She is also an overseas member of the Council of People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Lianoning Province, China.

Dr. Chen founded CESI Debt Solutions and has grown the companies from two employees in 1999 to 125 employees today. The organization has helped more than 25,000 Americans become debt free and helped another 50,000 through personal financial tools and educational programs.

Enterprising Women is a national magazine written for women business owners across the United States and is circulated to more than 50,000 business women every month. It includes coverage of national events, research on the women business owner's market, and updates from the leading organizations that provide services and networking opportunities for leaders.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

National nonprofit credit counseling agency helps thousands become debt-free for life

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2011 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a national nonprofit credit counseling agency, announced today that 6,636 consumers nationwide graduated from its debt management program in 2010. To graduate, clients pay back 100% of their credit card debts to issuers. This number is a 7% increase from 2009.

Consumers enter CESI Debt Solutions' debt management program to regain control of their finances by paying off credit card debt in a timely manner and in many cases avoiding penalties and lowering interest rates. Clients work with counselors to set up customized payment plans and working budgets, check-in regularly with their counselors maintain those budgets, and take courses on money management and budgeting. After entering the program, clients usually pay off their credit cards much faster than if they were to do it on their own. The length a client stays on the program depends on their total debt and income.

"I had over $25,000 in credit card debt when I started the program four years ago. I graduated in November and the freedom I feel is truly indescribable. I would not have been able to do this myself, so I am so thankful to CESI for helping me become debt-free and set me on the path to stay this way for life," says Kathy Bender, a Maryland resident and 2010 graduate of the CESI Debt Solutions debt management program.

"Helping consumers become debt-free and better, wiser consumers is the primary goal that we at CESI Debt Solutions work towards every day," says Dr. Diane Chen, founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions. "Knowing that thousands of consumers have turned to us for financial freedom and then stuck with the program to pay off their credit card debt in full is deeply rewarding. On behalf of all of our employees, we are very proud of our clients' accomplishments."

CESI Debt Solutions has been recognized as one of the most dependable debt management companies in the US, according to Goldline Research and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New consumer consortium reveals regulatory evasion by debt settlement companies

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/22/2010 -- A joint complaint letter was filed today with the Federal Trade Commission by a consortium of non-profit consumer credit counseling agencies that collectively represents millions of financially vulnerable U.S. consumers. The letter calls for the FTC to take immediate investigative and enforcement action against debt settlement companies that have brazenly evaded the Commission's recently amended Telemarketing Sales Rules (TSR), which was revised this summer to curb abusive practices in the debt settlement industry.

"The worst offenders are continuing to pillage the dwindling bank accounts of desperate consumers in broad daylight, daring the FTC and state attorneys general to take action," notes Christopher Viale, CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling. "We applaud the FTC for the actions announced last week, but we are encouraging greater vigilance and enforcement, specifically against those debt settlement companies that have obviously chosen to evade the new rules, rather than abide by them.

"Taking action may not be as easy it sounds," continues Viale. "Debt settlement companies have amassed large stockpiles of cash during the recession, while the FTC and state law enforcement agencies have had to pick their battles carefully as their budgets continue to tighten. Congress and the states may need to provide additional funding to ensure that the FTC's consumer protection efforts can be effective."

Copies of the complaint letter were also sent to key U.S. Representatives and Senators, and to the National Association of Attorneys General. The letter was signed by the chief executives of eleven prominent non-profit credit counseling agencies, which together have counseled more than four million consumers. Many of their current clients are "refugees" of debt settlement programs that quickly exhausted their clients' financial reserves through excessive up-front fees and other charges, while providing little or no services – including the promised settlements.

The letter identifies several tactics being used by debt settlement companies to evade the new TSR rules and requests that three steps be taken: that the FTC launch a new investigation into on-going fraudulent conduct; that the FTC obtain injunctions against the offending companies; and that the FTC coordinate its renewed efforts with state attorneys general.

A copy of the letter, along with the names of the signatory credit counseling companies, can be found at http://cesidebtsolutions.org/CESI/blog/430/.

About Cambridge Credit Counseling
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional housing and credit counseling agency dedicated to improving the financial literacy of young adults, and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling online at http://www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling's community initiatives, please visit http://www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Debt hangs over retirees, but many don’t plan to pay off bills in their lifetime

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/10/2010 -- The first of the nation's 77 million baby boomers begins hitting 65 years old next month. It marks a milestone in the graying of America because by 2030, the 65-plus segment will make up 20% of the population. However it appears the financial picture for these boomers is grim.

A survey of more than 200 retired and soon-to-be-retired Americans, commissioned by the national nonprofit organization, CESI Debt Solutions, found that almost 60% of respondents had saved roughly $50,000 or less for retirement. Financial planners estimate those savings may last five years while boomers can expect to live another 20-25 years. It's perhaps no surprise then that 65% plan to continue working in some capacity once they retire. The survey also found while only 57% of those surveyed believe they will be debt free before retirement only 51% of those planning to retire soon are considering delaying retirement until they get out of debt.

A New Level of Counseling
CESI's debt counselors say the survey results aren't surprising and that boomers, who have a tradition of being "trailblazers", are changing the rules of retirement.

"While their retirement years may be met by financial challenges, the good news for boomers is the vitality and health of the population and the flexibility of workplaces," says Neil Ellington, Executive Vice President of CESI. "This generation doesn't look at retirement as the end of a career. Now for a variety of reasons, boomers are deciding to keep working. But we are ready to help with counseling clients about how to pay off their debts as well as develop better money management practices. The golden years can't be golden, even if you're a baby boomer, if you're sinking in a sea of red ink."

Veronica's Story
Veronica Johnson* is 55, and one of those boomers thinking about what retirement will look like. She's married with two children and two grandchildren. However $25,000 in credit card debt made any kind of retirement planning little more than wishful thinking.

"I used to have credit cards from several different stores and I would move them around to whatever had the lower balance. I did that until it just got out of control," says Johnson. "I don't remember what I even bought on the cards. We have good jobs, my grown kids have good jobs, and moving into a new house in 2005 turned into a reality check. I decided I needed to get my life in order."

Johnson contacted CESI Debt Solutions, a national nonprofit organization that sent her what she called an "AA program for people with credit card debt." CESI helped her pay off her debt and sent her through education courses to learn to live without credit cards. It's taken four years but all five credit cards are paid off and she feels her life and retirement plans are back in order. The budget she created to pay back her debts allowed her to the light at the end of the tunnel.

"My husband and I have been married for 31 years, we have a good family and while we're not sure what retirement will be like, we didn't want our family to be faced with this debt."

For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

*name changed at client's request

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions CEO, Dr. Diane Chen, was one of twenty-five panelists at the first ever "Rally in Raleigh" event this past Saturday. The event was hosted by "The Get Out of Debt Guy," Steve Rhode, and brought together leaders from the debt relief industry, including consumers and consumer advocates, to discuss how to make the industry a safer and better place for consumers.

CESI Debt Solutions was the only non-profit credit counseling organization represented.

"I was really proud to represent the nonprofit credit counselors at this groundbreaking event. Steve Rhodes did a spectacular job in bringing this event to fruition," says Dr. Chen, "and this conversation was a great step towards collaboration and understanding all points of view."

She continues, "Debt is a symptom of a far bigger problem. As a nonprofit credit counseling agency, our focus is on treating the root cause of credit card debt, so our mission continues to be focused on education and financial literacy. Every day, we enjoy the challenge of finding new and innovative ways to educate consumers on how to be better money managers for life. We encourage consumers in need of debt relief to do research, ask lots of questions and understand all their options for getting help with their credit card debt."

As a nonprofit organization, CESI Debt Solutions' top priority is on education and financial literacy. It also provides debt management programs, housing counseling and credit counseling services. CESI Debt Solutions has an A+ rating by the BBB and has helped more than 100,000 consumers nationwide learn how to live debt-free.

For more information on CESI Debt Solutions, visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org. For more information on the Rally in Raleigh, visit the http://www.getoutofdebt.org.).

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Event also celebrates the Raleigh-based nonprofit’s new headquarters and 12 years of helping Americans become debt-free

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/14/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a Raleigh-based, national nonprofit association helping Americans manage debt and buy and keep their homes, is hosting a VIP, invitation-only Open House Celebration on October 19, 2010 in their new headquarters.

The organization employs over 125 Triangle residents, and is hiring another 30 people this month alone. Due to this tremendous growth over the last three years, the organization relocated its headquarters to 3700 Barrett Drive in Raleigh.

Guests will paint a "Wall of Hope", a mural that will adorn the new space. The mural symbolizes the hope that CESI has installed in the local economy, and hundreds of thousands of people nationwide who have been helped by the organization.

In attendance will be local residents, who with the help of CESI counselors, have dug themselves out of mounds of debt to start a new debt-free life and residents who have learned money management skills from local CESI counselors, enabling them to prevent foreclosures and buy houses. Local dignitaries, politicians, bankers, realtors, and other CESI partners will attend as well.

"It's a great feeling for our employees to know that they have helped more than 120,000 people – 300 of them Triangle residents - in dire straits turn it around, learn how to live debt free and keep their homes during this recession," says founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions, Dr. Diane Chen.

Dr. Chen, will also announce a special partnership with the City of Durham and local nonprofit homebuilder, Builders of Hope, that is helping dozens Durham residents buy new homes.

She adds, "We're excited to keep the momentum going and about the community joining us in our housewarming celebration."

Event Schedule:

• 5:00 – 6:00 - Mural Painting and Private Tours

• 6:00 - Speakers: Dr. Diane Chen, Founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions; Michelle Grant, City of Raleigh; Juanita Massenburg, City of Durham; Nancy Murray, Founder and CEO of Builders of Hope

• 6:30 – 7:00 – Mural Painting and Private Tours

October 19 is also the organization's 12-year anniversary.

CESI Debt Solutions provides local and national debt management programs, homebuyer education workshops, revere mortgage counseling, budgeting education, foreclosure prevention and loan modification assistance, credit report review and analysis, and community outreach programs.

For more information on the event, please call 919-459-8158. For more information on CESI Debt Solutions, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About CESI Debt Solutions:
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/23/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a national non-profit organization providing credit counseling and debt management services, is proud to announce that founder and CEO, Dr. Diane Chen was one of only twenty-five women awarded the 2010 Women in Business Award by the Triangle Business Journal on Wednesday, August 6, 2010, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, North Carolina.

The Triangle Business Journal's Women in Business Awards recognize the region's most successful professional women across several categories, including Behind the Scenes, Community Supporter, Corporate Executive, Entrepreneur, Family Business, Innovation, Inspiration, Mentor, and Nonprofit Leadership. This year marked the introduction of the Entrepreneur category.

"I am so grateful for this recognition, especially among so many talented and inspiring women," said Dr. Chen. "The Triangle Business Journal's ceremony was classy and memorable, and I was so honored to be a part of it."

According to Charlene Grunwaldt, publisher of the Triangle Business Journal, the women awarded "represent the best in our communities - achieving professional success while also contributing to social causes and raising strong families. They exemplify what the Women in Business Awards are all about."

Dr. Chen founded CESI Debt Solutions in grown the companies from two employees in 1999 to 125 employees today. The organization has helped more than 25,000 Americans become debt free and helped another 50,000 through personal financial tools and educational programs.

Before starting CESI Debt Solutions, Dr. Chen, a native of China, played a significant role in establishing the sister-state relationship between North Carolina and the Lianoning Province, China. In 1998 she was the interpreter and liaison for Governor James Hunt's trade delegation in China. She has also helped many North Carolina businesses, government agencies and educational institutions establish international relations with China as the president of New China Development Corporation.

Having earned her Master and Doctoral Degrees from North Carolina State University, Dr. Chen is very active in the Triangle community. She currently serves on the First Citizen Bank advisory board and is an International Student Mentor through NC State's Breaking Bread program. She is the Vice President of Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) and an overseas member of the Council of People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Lianoning Province, China.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About Triangle Business Journal
Triangle Business Journal, a weekly business newspaper, is the leading provider of local business news for the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. Triangle Business Journal also publishes special publications such as SPACE, t.b.j. the magazine and Book of Lists. In addition to producing an award-winning news product, TBJ hosts recognized, sold-out events such as Fast 50, Women in Business, 40 under 40, the GREEN Awards and others. At http://www.trianglebusinessjournal.com, you will find daily breaking business news, nomination forms for awards, business event listings and resources for those driven to lead in the Triangle region.

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Shocking CESI survey results about marriage and finance featured by FOX, USA Today, and others

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/22/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a nationwide nonprofit leader in finance education and debt counseling, was featured by FOX Business.com, USA Today, Forbes.com, and CBS Money Watch in various articles highlighting the prevalence of dishonest spending habits within marriages.

In stories entitled "Til Debt Do us Part" and "Are You Financially Faithful," a recent CESI survey of over 200 people revealed alarming statistics surrounding the finances of married couples and offered the six most frequent financial topics couples lie about.

Some findings from the survey:
• 80% of married couples spend money their spouses don't know about and almost 18.5% have a secret credit card
• More than 43% of spouses said they didn't reveal all their spending habits to their spouses because they wanted to avoid arguments
• Close to 20% said they feared their husbands or wives would seek a divorce if they knew about everything they were buying or about all the credit card debt they were carrying

In the last year alone, 919 Marketing has generated 300 million media impressions in national media outlets including Fox Business News, The New York Times, Good Morning America, Inc. Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, PEOPLE, and Prevention Magazine.

For more information on 919 Marketing Company, please visit http://www.919marketing.com.

For more information on CESI Debt Solutions, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About 919 Marketing Company
919 Marketing is a nationally recognized marketing, consulting and public relations firm with a proven track record of helping underdog companies of all sizes discover their competitive advantage and drive profitable business growth. Headquartered just outside of North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, 919 was founded over a decade ago by CEO David Chapman. 919 is an unconventional firm with an uncanny ability to develop winning
marketing strategies for a roster of companies including The Rosetta Stone, Kerr Drug and Jersey Mike's Subs.

919 marketing provides strategic planning, public relations, interactive marketing and creative development services – each utilizing proven processes that have been refined and validated over hundreds of client engagements. For more information, visit www.919marketing.com.

About CESI Debt Solutions
Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI) is dedicated to improving its clients' quality of life by providing avenues and tools for financial independence and freedom. They are a non-profit organization committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to becoming debt free. They equip consumers with personal financial tools and educational programs that provide solutions for their financial situations.

CESI understands that confronting the issue of personal financial debt is an emotional decision that requires the support and advice of a certified staff. Therefore, they ensure that their counselors are certified within six months of employment by agencies such AICCCA, AFCPE, NIFE, and the Center for Financial Certifications.

For more information, visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

Key Words: CESI Debt Solutions, 919 Marketing, finance education, debt counseling, married couples, marriage spending, financial infidelity, Diane Chen, David Chapman, PR agency, PR firm, NC PR Firm, public relations agency, social media agency, marketing firm,

Twitter Pitch: @CESIDebtSolutions statistics on shocking marriage spending habits featured by #FoxBusiness, #Forbes, #USAToday, and #CBSMoneyWatch!

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CESI announces new opportunity for elderly homeowners

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/28/2010 -- The Homeownership Center, a division of Consumer Education Services Inc., a Raleigh-based national nonprofit organization, announced today a new opportunity for any homeowner who is 62 years old or older and might be considering a reverse mortgage.

The Homeownership Center recently received re-certification from Housing and Urban Development to provide reverse mortgage counseling services. In the fall of 2009, HUD implemented new very strenuous requirements for reverse mortgage counselors. This new process dramatically reduced the number of counselors not only in North Carolina, but all across the United States. Because of this shortage, many reverse mortgage clients have to wait up to two months to get an appointment to schedule a session which is mandatory in order for them to get a reverse mortgage. The Homeownership Center is able to provide assistance residents in the Triangle and some surrounding areas.

"We are willing and able to travel to assist residents because this education is necessary, and we are among the few qualified to provide the counseling" says the Housing Program Manager, Leigh Lester Holmes.

A reverse mortgage is home equity that is converted into a lump sum payment or series of payments to the homeowner. A reverse mortgage is a loan and must be paid back once the homeowner is deceased or no longer uses the residence.

Information about reverse mortgages is available online at http://cesidebtsolutions.org/reverse_mortgages/.

About The Homeownership Center
The Homeownership Center supports the delivery of a wide variety of housing counseling services to potential homebuyers and current homeowners. Counselors provide guidance, advice, and advocacy to help families and individuals meet their financial responsibilities and improve their housing conditions and choices. The division currently focuses on families that are facing foreclosure and financial crisis and well as clients looking to purchase their first home; however, it still services clients who are need credit and budgeting assistance.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

More than 80% of spouses make secret purchases for clothes, luxury items

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2010 -- There's a dirty little secret many spouses keep from each other and it doesn't involve what you might suspect.

A recent survey of more than 200 Americans, commissioned by the national nonprofit organization, CESI Debt Solutions, found that 80% of married couples spend money their spouse does not know about and almost 18.5% of those married people have credit cards their spouse does not know about. In addition, 38% of married couples are concerned the revelation of their secret spending would result in their spouse seeking divorce/separation if he or she were to find out about their financial infidelity.

The survey also reveals what spouses are buying in secret:
• 34.5% clothing and accessories
• 24% food/dining
• 19.5% beauty/personal care items
• 16.5% gifts
• 13% alcohol
• 9% entertainment
• 9.5% music/cd/mp3
• 8.5% childcare/items for children

When asked why the spending was kept secret, more than 60% responded it was to avoid problems at home.
• 19.9% concern it would end the relationship
• 43% avoid an argument
• 46% currently paying off the debt and he/she doesn't need to know
• 11% planning to tell spouse, but not ready yet
• 27% will never tell spouse about my spending.

Victoria's Story
Victoria Johnson* is 65 and happily married but she was also buying things for herself, her children and her friends without telling her husband. It added up, and when the debt reached $17,000 she knew she had to do something.

"I never meant to run up that big a bill," said Johnson. "I kept saying I would pay it off, but I just never did, and soon it got out of hand. By then I was embarrassed, ashamed, and I didn't tell my husband because I knew it would cause problems."

Browne contacted CESI Debt Solutions, a nonprofit organization that sent her what she called an "AA program for people with credit card debt." CESI helped her pay off her debt and sent her through education courses to learn to live without credit cards. Three months later, she felt confident enough to talk to her husband about the situation.

"We argued, but it helped that I had taken charge of the problem as was paying off the debt," admits Johnson. "Afterwards I felt better because I was no longer hiding this secret. We're actually much closer now because we're honest with each other."

A New Level of Counseling
CESI's debt counselors say Johnson's situation and the survey results aren't surprising.

"We sometimes know more about a couple's financial situation than those in the relationship," said Neil Ellington, EVP of CESI. "Most people are too scared to talk about their financial problems with their loved ones, and they feel it is safe to talk to us. We'll spend hours counseling clients about how to pay off their debts as well as develop better money management practices with their spouse. Sometimes they have harbored these secrets for a long time, and they tell us first, before going to their spouse. We always encourage honesty and open communication. There can't be money and debt secrets in happy marriages."

For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit: http://www.cesi.org

*name changed at client's request

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CESI Debt Solutions educates with tips from Credit 101 series

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a Raleigh, NC based nonprofit organization that educates and counsels consumers on how to become debt-free has released the Top 5 Things to Know About Using Credit Cards as part of their Credit 101 series created to help consumers manage their debt.

You can also find more information on this and a variety of topics on the CESI Debt Solutions YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/mycesi.

Marco Guerrero, a certified counselor at CESI Debt Solutions, presents the tips in a Spanish-language video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHqD4MQJlSE.

The Top 5 Things To Know About Using Credit Cards

1. Do not use your credit card to make everyday purchases - Items like food, clothing, and gas SHOULD NOT be purchased with a credit card. Using your credit card as a substitute for cash is a habit that can quickly lead to insurmountable debt. For ordinary purchases, either use cash or a debit card or rethink whether or not you really need to make the purchase.

2. Don't get into the habit of making minimum-only payments - Making only the minimum payment each month increases the amount of time and the amount of interest it will take to pay off your debt substantially. To pay your debts off quicker and cheaper, you should pay as much as you can on your balance each month without affecting your other necessary expenses.

3. Stay within 30% of your credit limit - If you have a $1000 credit limit, try to never utilize more than $300 of it. A large part of your credit score considers the amount of debt you have. Keeping your balances low helps you maintain a good credit score and lower balances are easier to manage. if you keep debt balances low you can comfortably live month-to-month.

4. Purchase items you NEED versus those you simply WANT - We've all used the word "need" to describe something we really just wanted badly. Using your credit card responsibly means recognizing which things you need and which you just want. If you have to decide between going to a movie or paying your electricity – the choice should be easy.

5. Pay your bill on time, EVERY time - Late payments will cause multiple problems for you. The creditor will charge you late fees and may report you as late to the credit reporting agencies which can dramatically impact your credit score in a negative way. Paying on time every month is the best way to maintain a positive relationship with the creditor and build a good credit score.

CESI Can Help You
Debt counseling and debt management, CESI's key services, help you create a budget and action plan entirely, pay off your credit cards and improve your credit score. Debt settlement programs may get you out of your current debt, but you will end up pay large monthly fees and come out with poor or unimproved credit scores and no understanding of how to avoid getting in credit card debt again.

Every month, 500 Americans become debt free thanks to CESI Debt Solutions' debt management counseling and programs.

For more information on CESI Debt Solutions, visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions is a not-for-profit organization for consumers who want financial freedom. CESI offers a complete life cycle of services: debt management, housing counseling, credit counseling, financial education and pre-bankruptcy counseling. Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills as well as credit and debt responsibilities. For more information, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Financial Literacy Curriculum serves as aid for people in journey to become debt-free

Holly Springs, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2010 -- CESI Debt Solutions, a leading national nonprofit organization that has helped more than 50,000 consumers learn how to achieve financial freedom and provides free phone counseling to anyone who calls about credit card debt, introduced today its first volume of financial education curriculum.

The 100 page book is titled "CESI Debt Solutions University: A Comprehensive Financial Literacy Curriculum." The CESI team spent eighteen months writing the original content.

"At CESI, we believe that the journey toward a debt-free life is one the most important journeys in your life. It our hope that this curriculum is helpful to anyone in achieving that dream," says Dr. Diane Chen, Founder and CEO of Consumer Education Services Inc.

The free book contains information and advice on finding your own way out of debt and establishing a plan to prevent debt in the future. Whether married or single, managing overwhelming credit card bills or simply trying to pay off student loans, living in your dream home or hoping to purchase one, the guide has an invaluable amount of usable information and direction.

The book's eight chapters range from "Strategic Planning" to "How to Build the Budget" to "What to do When Things Go Wrong." It also comes equipped with interactive financial goals, debt to income ratio, and monthly, weekly and daily expenditure worksheets.

The Financial Literacy Curriculum is available for free download on CESI Debt Solutions' website, http://www.CESIDebtSolutions.org. It is also available to everyone who calls for free phone counseling sessions.

Regardless of person's financial or personal status, CESI's ambition is to improve consumers' quality of life by educating them in debt and money management.

About CESI Debt Solutions
CESI Debt Solutions, a Consumer Education Services, Inc. company, is a nationally accredited 501 (c) 3 non-profit Consumer Credit Agency committed to helping consumers nationwide to become and remain debt-free. A BBB A- rated company, CESI equips consumers with personal financial tools and educational programs that provide solutions for their financial situations, and offers continued support to help consumers make better financial choices every day. Since 1999, CESI has worked with consumers to repay nearly $2 billion in debt. For more information about CESI Debt Solutions, please visit http://www.cesidebtsolutions.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm