Leading Non-Profit Credit Counseling Agency Awarded "Outstanding Financial Counseling Center"

ORLANDO, Fla., November 24, 2003 - Profina SM Debt Solutions, the credit counseling arm of InCharge Institute of America, a national non-profit organization specializing in personal finance education and credit counseling, has been honored for its innovations in financial counseling by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). The Outstanding Financial Counseling Center award was presented Friday, November 21 at the annual conference in Savannah, GA.

The annual award is presented to an organization that has demonstrated effectiveness in financial counseling. The award criteria states that the center should be responsive to audience needs, and materials and delivery must be appropriate for the audience.

"This award recognizes effective financial counseling practices such as Profina's Personal Care Counselor approach that provides intensive client support, and its innovative approach to gathering customer information," noted Barbara O'Neill, president of AFCPE.

"We are very proud to receive this award from the AFCPE," said Bob Barrett, president and CEO of InCharge Institute. "On behalf of our counselors and the many people involved in our education efforts, we are pleased to receive this recognition and pledge to remain in the forefront of efforts to improve standards among counselors in our industry."

"Over the years, we have discovered that people in financial distress don't lack motivation or desire for regaining control of their finances. Although many of our customers have been overcome by events and circumstances, they want to take responsibility for their financial situations. We provide the counseling and education to assist them on the road back to financial security," said Robert Closs, president of Profina Debt Solutions, who accepted the award. "Through a steadfast commitment to personalized service, counseling, proactive support and ongoing educational programs, we strive not just to help consumers get out of debt, but to stay out of debt."

Profina Debt Solutions offers confidential and professional credit counseling, debt management and financial education programs to individuals nationwide. The non-profit organization is committed to providing services that help consumers pay off their debts and achieve financial independence.

The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) is a non-profit, professional organization comprised of over 800 researchers, academics, financial counselors, educators and planners. AFCPE's mission is to provide professional development experiences for its members to improve the economic well being of individuals and families worldwide.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, InCharge^® Institute of America, Inc. is a national non-profit organization specializing in personal finance education and credit counseling. The InCharge Institute family includes InCharge^® Institute Foundation for Personal Finance Education and Research, Inc., which publishes YOUNG MONEY magazine and Military Money SM magazine and offers basic financial management education to clients and the report_list public, and InCharge Debt Solutions, which provides professional credit counseling and education services. For additional information, visit www.incharge.org.