ST. PAUL, Minn. — In what it calls an enhanced and “innovative approach” to consumer counseling, the $705 million Hiway Federal Credit Union said Monday its year-old program with a Minnesota agency to offer free sessions and services including at home phoning has doubled participation and cut costs 40%.

“We do take a proactive position, referring our members to counseling early, before they are in over their heads,” explained Jeff Schwalen, president/CEO in detailing a hookup with the non-profit Lutheran Social Service Financial Counseling of Minneapolis.

LSS, a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, said as a result of its Hiway venture involving extensive workshops, seminars and home calling, the agency expects to sign up more Minnesota CUs during the coming months for its “Financial Choice” program. A second CU and early partner in the LSS program along with Hiway is USFCU of Burnsville.