Consumer Credit Counseling to merge with Ohio Financial Group - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Kennewick has merged with Ohio-based Apprisen Financial Advocates.

The merger allows the local nonprofit to expand its financial counseling and education efforts in the Mid-Columbia, while keeping its expenses in check.

42-year-old Consumer Credit Counseling Services downsized earlier this year, closing its Walla Walla, Hermiston and Pendleton branches.

Apprisen is a national nonprofit credit counseling agency that has been around since 1955. Its certified financial counselors provide sessions on money management, debt control and bankruptcy.

The company has a 24-hour call center, interactive website and R&D team to keep ahead of consumer spending and financial trends.

The Kennewick branch will keep its Consumer Credit Counseling Services name, and all but two employees were kept on board.