We're a non-profit organization committed to your financial well-being. For over 65 years, we've been helping, empowering, and motivating people along their financial journey.
The Economy Budget Service Company, the first free credit counseling service in the U.S., was established in Columbus, Ohio by Harry E. Fuller, President of the Capital Finance Corporation. Its purpose was to aid families, through budgeting and guidance, who had been overwhelmed with credit problems. Representatives from other communities across the country soon came to Columbus to learn how to duplicate the services to help their residents.
Economy Budget was incorporated as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Columbus in order to provide opportunities for community involvement and to expand the scope of its work.
As services spread into other areas of Ohio, the agency became Consumer Credit Counseling of Central Ohio. Comprehensive financial services, housing counseling, the Debt Management Program and community financial education helped Central Ohioans manage their credit and debt more effectively.
Expansion throughout and beyond Ohio into several other states signaled another growth period. To reflect the agency more accurately, the agency became Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Midwest.
Unprecedented growth, continued expansion, and development of innovative delivery methods marked the first steps as a national organization. Apprisen was chosen as a national name that would link our growing family of services, provided in local offices as well as by phone and Internet, under one national identity.
Apprisen Financial Advocates/CCCS is now Apprisen. New name and brand image reflect company’s ongoing commitment to client service. With approval from the state of Rhode Island, Apprisen is able to provide Debt Management Counseling in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Apprisen is based in Columbus, Ohio with over 10 locations. We continue to enhance and evolve our services to meet the changing needs of you, our clients, and build the financial health of our communities. We strive to look for new ways to carry out our mission to provide innovative financial health, services, and education. Apprisen moves into the future with focus on creating safe, secure, and transformative financial health programs.
Johnny Cantrell
President, Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Kallay
Treasurer, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Brian Yoder
Secretary, Director of Administration & Analytics
Re’Donna Thompson
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Piercefield
Director of Virtual Engagement & Operations
Victor Russell
Senior Manager of Operations
We're always looking for businesses, organizations, and other nonprofits to partner with us. Want to help us help local communities? Contact us to find out how you can become an Apprisen partner.
Simply put, Apprisen offers you personalized financial guidance. Here’s how: During a confidential, one-on-one session, our certified Financial Specialists can assess your financial strengths and weaknesses and help you create a personalized financial plan that fits your unique situation. We assist you with issues concerning your budget, debt, housing, and more. Through financial education, community resources, debt management, and advice, we can work together to find the best financial solution for you.
Because for the past 60 years, we’ve helped over a million people achieve financial wellness. No matter where you are in your financial life, we have the expertise and resources to help. By offering a whole suite of programs focusing on different aspects of your financial life, as well as one-on-one counseling, financial coaching, community education and outreach, and more, we’ve made achieving your financial goals truly attainable. Our decades of experience have helped us identify exactly what people need to know in order to manage their money successfully.
The length of a session depends on the type of service needed. A budget, credit or housing session by phone or in person takes about 60-90 minutes.
Anything discussed or gathered in a session is confidential. All of your records are kept in a secure location. Your financial information will not be shared with anyone unless we have your written permission.
IRIS is our innovative approach to financial health — perfect for those who aren’t able to meet with us over the phone or video chat. Securely submit your financial information to IRIS and get the analysis from a Financial Specialist and a FREE personalized action plan. (Note: If you submit your information between Sunday and Thursday, you will receive your personalized action plan within 24 hours. A submission over the weekend and/or a holiday, can take from 1-3 days.)
There is no charge for an initial Financial Review Session with a Financial Specialist to assess your financial situation. If you decide to participate in a Debt Management Program (DMP), there are nominal fees to cover the cost of maintaining your program. These fees are subject to state regulations but will never exceed a $45 one-time set up and a $45 monthly fee. Apprisen does not deny service if you are unable to pay. In cases of financial hardship, fees may be reduced or eliminated. Other programs are also subject to fees, such as Propel, Financial Coaching, Credit Health Education Sessions, and Financial Health Plans. Please see each individual program page to learn more about these fees.
Whichever way is convenient for you! You can connect with us in person, via phone, via video chat, or have IRIS walk you through our online portal. Where are offices are located, we offer face-to-face sessions. We offer on-demand appointments by phone and video chat — simply call 800.355.2227 to schedule an appointment. You can also complete an online submission to submit preliminary information. Where we have local offices, we can provide outreach and financial education. Go to our Resources page for information on how to bring workshops to your community and to access additional resources and tools to assist you.
If you have a disability, language barrier or any impairment that may affect access to services, please call us at (800) 355-2227 so that we can assist in making alternative arrangements.
Our Financial Specialists are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00 p.m. EST.
We are able to provide services in all 50 states. In 3 of those states, there are offices in which you can meet face to face with a certified Financial Specialist.
Apprisen does not report your financial information to the IRS or any of the credit reporting agencies.
Our certified Financial Specialists are trained to work with you to assess your specific financial situation and create an action plan that will help you achieve your financial goals. Our Financial Specialists are certified through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). As part of this certification, they must pass a series of exams and continue with ongoing education to maintain their certified status.
As a non-profit organization, we rely on grants, voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in our debt management plans, donations from financial institutions, and client fees.
Are you motivated to make a difference, detail-oriented, and do you have the skills we need?
We want to hear from you.
At Apprisen you can:
Apprisen offers:
To see available positions, CLICK HERE
All positions require a satisfactory credit, background, and drug screenings.
We are proud to be recognized by the media as an authority in the field of personal finance, with expertise in managing debt. Apprisen distributes news releases regularly on practical and timely topics. Each year, we participate in hundreds of interviews for all types of media outlets. In this way, we are able to reach greater numbers of people with important financial information.
Apprisen is a nonprofit organization.
Simply put, we strive to provide financial education to empower the local communities we serve. When you donate to Apprisen, you're enabling us to work with nonprofits, employers, financial institutions, and individuals, ensuring that everyone has free or affordable access to programs, workshops, webinars, seminars, and more that build their financial health.
