SF Financial Advice Line: Free Financial Crisis Help & Money Advice September 27, 2011

Sept 27-28, 4pm to 8pm both days

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Treasurer Jose Cisneros today announced "SF Financial Advice Line," a two-day telephone hotline connecting San Francisco families to free, real-time, financial crisis and money management information from seasoned financial experts. United Way of the Bay Area 2-1-1 will volunteer to manage phone calls. SF Financial Advice Line will also provide referrals to free or low-cost counseling services from an integrated network of culturally competent non-profit agencies.

SF Financial Advice Line will be staffed by certified financial planners and members of the Office of Financial Empowerment's Financial Education Network (FEN-SF) volunteering their time to help San Franciscans improve their financial capabilities. United Way of the Bay Area 2-1-1 will volunteer to manage phone calls, answer basic questions, and make referrals to experienced counselors. Everyone volunteering for SF Financial Advice Line will receive training from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco. Valuable support is also being provided by Mission Asset Fund, San Francisco Smart Money Network, San Francisco Financial Planning Association, the San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment, and the Office of the Mayor.

"With just a simple phone call, San Franciscans can get critical information and referrals to dozens of organizations that will help them make sound financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes," said Treasurer Cisneros.

About San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment Smart Money Network:

San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment (SFOFE) is a collaborative of nonprofits, philanthropies, and public sector representatives dedicated to improving financial education. Led by the Treasurer and Charles Schwab Foundation, SFOFE's mission is to connect San Franciscans to quality financial education by centralizing access to services, fostering learning, and raising public awareness.

Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-Office-of-Financial-Empowerment/192746694126947