COLUMBIA, S.C. – Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union has joined forces with Accel Members Financial Management to offer members and their families unlimited access to free financial education and counseling services. The Accel program helps members with personal and family budgeting; credit report reviews; money management; debt repayment; and avoiding bankruptcy, foreclosure and repossession. In addition, counselors can negotiate with creditors to reduce payments, interest charges and fees as members work toward paying off their debts. The program also offers free workshops covering topics such as buying a home, surviving a job loss and creating a savings plan. "With personal credit card debt carried by the average American reaching more than $8,500 today we are especially committed to providing our members with valuable resources to help them overcome credit problems and work toward financial health," said CCFCU President Anne Shivers.