TopLine Federal Credit Union Helps Members Payoff More Than $2.3 Million in Debt

MAPLE GROVE, MN--(Marketwired - July 06, 2016) - Over the past eight years, nearly 115 members of TopLine Federal Credit Union have succeeded in paying off a staggering $2,319,819 in debt -- thanks to personal financial coaching and debt management plans they've received through LSS Financial Counseling (LSS), a Minnesota non-profit that provides access to financial education services to help people better control their personal finances. TopLine first partnered with LSS in July of 2008, to provide a benefit to its member-owners, and since that time has been referring members to LSS certified consumer credit counselors for confidential advice and guidance on how to best manage their finances -- especially how to reduce their debt.

"In an era where so many people find themselves trapped by debt 'settlement' scams, or paying but making no headway on their debts, TopLine has provided a resource with real solutions for debt," says Darryl Dahlheimer, Program Director at LSS Financial Counseling. "With a little help and encouragement, combined with knowing all your options, people find success in getting their debts paid in full and done."

"Overcoming debt can be a challenge, but ignoring financial problems won't make them go away. With the right help and expertise, developing an approach to stay on top of personal finances can be less overwhelming," says Tom Smith, TopLine President and CEO. "That's why TopLine is proud to partner with LSS Financial Counseling to help our members handle their finances. Together, we've been able to offer our members a confidential way to take charge of managing their debt and become financially healthy."

This past year a TopLine member contacted the credit union to express how thankful he was for the partnership with LSS Financial Counseling -- and was thrilled to mention he had made his last debt payment. The member was able to use the service to pay off substantial credit card debt he had acquired over several years. And there are many more stories of such experiences.

Each TopLine Federal Credit Union member and family is eligible for up to six sessions a year of free, confidential financial counseling from LSS Financial Counseling, which may be conducted by phone, in-person or online. Each year, TopLine also offers a spring and fall workshop series called, Taking Control of Your Finances. These sessions offer assistance on topics such as budgeting, credit scores, managing student loan debt, identity theft prevention and more. For future sessions, visit www.TopLinecu.com/upcoming_seminars.

LSS, with offices across Minnesota, is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. This state-wide organization provides face-to-face debt counseling, a counselor-on-call hotline and financial education to help with everything from debt management and improving credit to budgeting and student loan counseling and identity theft prevention. Click here for more information.

TopLine Federal Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota's 13^th largest, with assets of more than $385 million. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit cooperative offers a complete line of financial services, as well as auto and home insurance, from its five branch locations -- in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Paul's Como Park -- as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington Counties and their immediate family members.