DETROIT – Members of Michigan First Credit Union will soon have access to money management and credit counseling services thanks to an alliance with Accel Members Financial Management. The program is free for members and their dependents. It covers topics such as personal and family budgeting; credit reports and reviews; setting and achieving financial goals; personal money management; debt repayment plans; and information on avoiding bankruptcy, foreclosure and repossession. Michigan First Credit Union President/CEO Michael Poulos said with personal credit card debt carried by the average American reaching more than $8,500 today, "we want our members to have unlimited access to financial counselors who can provide valuable resources to help them work toward better financial health." Accel counselors can negotiate with creditors to reduce payments, interest charges and fees as members work toward paying off their debts, according to the company, which recently became a strategic alliance partner with CUNA. Accel works with more than 100 credit unions in nearly 20 states. Michigan First Credit Union serves 73,000 members and has more than $400 million in assets.