First-time Homebuyer Help. Owning your own home may be more feasible than you think. There are local, state and bank programs that can help working families purchase a home. You may be surprised to find out that you can own your own home for what you now pay in rent.

Buying a first home is a confusing experience for everyone. To learn about the process of buying a home, and your eligibility for mortgage loans and special programs, you can attend a free workshop sponsored by Family Services, one of Charleston’s oldest and most reputable non-profit agencies. Workshops are held on Saturdays at various locations throughout the tri-county area. For a schedule, call Debbie Kidd Family Services at (843) 744-1348 ext:35; or click here. Everyone who is interested in home ownership, regardless of your age or income level, is welcome to attend.

Help with debts and bad credit. Are you thinking about filing for bankruptcy? Are you taking out loans or cash advances to extend the payment time to your creditors? Family Services, one of Charleston’s oldest and most reputable non-profit agencies, offers financial counseling and debt management solutions. They can guide you on a path and find the best solution for your individual situation. Call (843) 744-1348 ext: 27 and ask for Tim Taylor to set up an initial counseling appointment.

Beware! Many, if not most, of the companies that advertise debt consolidation services on television require you pay up front and provide very little assistance in managing your money problems. Family Services is the only local organization that offers financial counseling and debt management at reasonable rates as a service to the Charleston community.

Are you receiving harassing calls from creditors at home or work?
Are you usually late in paying your bills? Do you “shuffle” bills around, paying some creditors this month and others the next month? Do you have to borrow money from family or friends to pay your utilities, rent or car payment?

If you answered “Yes!” to any one of the above questions, you need to be in the next “Credit When Credit Is Due” class. This financial literacy education class covers a wide range of personal financial management topics. You will receive the “Credit When Credit Is Due” book, and upon successful completion of the class, you will be registered in a national registry that certifies that you have completed the class, and you will receive three consumer cards to send to the three major credit reporting agencies for adding a positive statement to your credit report.

Please contact Carolyn Lecque at Family Servcies, Inc. (843) 744-1348, Extension 30, to sign up for a class.