When 80 members made a goal in 2008 to collectively pay downmore than $1 million in debt, TopLine Federal Credit Union wasthere to help.

The $320 million credit union in Maple Grove, Minn., enlistedLSS Financial Counseling, a state nonprofit that provides access tofree financial education services to help people better controltheir personal finances, according to TopLine. The members received personal financial coaching anddebt management plans through LSS.

In total, the 80 members paid down $1,159,065.73 in debt,TopLine said.

“Money problems can happen to anyone, but ignoring financialproblems won't make them go away. It's essential to develop anapproach to stay on top of money planning,” said Harry Carter,TopLine president/CEO.

Each TopLine member and family is allotted six free confidentialfinancial education counseling sessions from LSS annually, whichmay be conducted by phone, in-person or online. TopLine said it hasalso hosted nearly 20 in-branch education sessions with LSS for itsmembers.

“In an era where so many people find themselves trapped bydebt settlement scamsor can't find a way out of debt traps, TopLine has provided aresource with real solutions for debt,” said Darryl Dahlheimer,program director for LSS. “Its members have shown that greatresults can happen — with a little help.”

TopLine, which signed on with LSS in 2008, serves nearly 39,000members.