Dear Karin and Brenda (CFS Group)

It is difficult to put into words the gratitude that I hold in my heart for both of you. Finding CFS was a major answer to prayer. I have never been very good with money -- what money I have, I have tended to spend or "give away."

The last few years have been a struggle: my divorce, I needed major surgery, my mother ill with cancer and subsequently, her death. In the midst of all these real issues, dealing with money was the last thing I cared about. Unfortunately, it all caught up with me. I made good money but had little to show for it except debt.

I had heard little bits and pieces about Dave Ramsey and his suggestions on how to manage money. After considerable prayer, I contacted, CFS Group, LLC in Holland, Michigan.  I live in Grand Rapids, so I knew I needed to be committed to my goal if I was going to invest the time and energy.  It was the best phone call I have ever made.

Your advice and help has been invaluable.  I am finally feeling in control of my life and my future. Your Christian based philosophy, along with concrete ways to put a plan of action into place, has been a true Godsend. I am finally able to see the proverbial, "light at the end of the tunnel!" I feel as though the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.

My advice for anyone considering financial help -- make the call today. Don't wait one day longer. It will be the greatest gift you can give yourself and your family.

Karin and Brenda, don't ever doubt your chosen professions. God has truly blessed you with the gift of helping others get back on the road to financial freedom.

Thank you and God Bless You,

Dear Karin and Brenda:

I would like to thank you for all your help with my financial situation. When I came to see you back in September 2003, I was living week by week, paycheck by paycheck, not knowing if I was going to make all my bills on a weekly basis or monthly basis for that matter.

Not having a "so-called" savings account. I was stealing from one payment to another just to make ends meet, and it never seemed I was ever ahead. I borrowed money to pay off loans and credit cards and just found myself in the same situation that I was in before.

After 19 years of doing the same thing over and over again, I decided to take control of my money. That is where you guys taught me so much, like helping me to maintain a savings account and actually pay off loans without borrowing more money. I paid payments on time and you taught me to have control of my money, and to not let my money having control of me. I have a peace of mind now and I have you to thank for being true friends and great financial advisors.

CFS Group has taken the heavy load that was on my back and set me free!

When I came to them, I was in despair with very little hope. They comforted me and worked to set a battle plan to get me out of debt.  It was not like other companies that give you a debt consolidation loan to just fix the warning light in your car that tells you something is wrong with your engine. CFS Group taught me how to fix the problem of pay my bills on time and get out of debt.-they fixed the engine!

Now I'm not afraid to answer the phone and I can sleep at night. They've gone way beyond the call of duty to be my friend and counsel. I only whish I had met them years ago. I could have saved a lot of pain and worry!

I would recommend them highly to all that have any financial problems

My husband and I were in financial distress, to the point of possibly losing our home.

It was a member of our church that recommended the CFS Group.  Their motto "Hope for a Strong Financial Future", it has changed our lives; putting us financially back on track after three months of strict control over our finances/budget. CFS formatted a budget which we followed faithfully.

It was never a question as to if we WANTED their help, it was more like we NEEDED their help.

We are not out of debt, however; but have been taught proper budgeting and taking control of our money.

Financial insecurity seems to be much more common these days than people like to admit.

It's a lot like the "dirty little secret" that people try to stuff in the back closet whenever friends and family are near. I know all too well the feelings of humiliation, frustration, and futility that come along with loosing control of one's own money.

A little over a year ago, I was certain that I was headed directly toward bankruptcy with absolutely no reprieve in sight. I knew that would mean a blemish on my credit for years to come, no matter what changes I made to my spending habits after the fact. I can remember looking back over the years I'd started building my credit, remembering how I had zealously guarded my credit reputation in the beginning, paying more than the minimum payment or even paying the balance off in full every month. My spending was minimal and I kept well within my financial means. Then somewhere along the way, after a variety of family emergencies and some poor spending choices of my own, I found myself struggling to pay even my basic living expenses. The cycle grew worse and worse as I tried juggling and maneuvering payments, skipping one creditor this month to pay that creditor the next month and so on.

By the time Brenda of CFS Group, LLC stepped in to help me get control of my finances; my spending and expenses were spinning so wildly that I could barely account for where even half of my paychecks were going. Once Brenda took charge of my finances, she set out to teach me how to budget my minor purchases by setting an allowance of sorts while she began sorting my debts and expenses.

Now, a little more than a year later, all of my bills are paid on time, almost all of my unsecured debt has been paid off, and even with some unexpected large expenses and family emergencies, the financial goals that were set in the beginning are still on tract. My personal spending habits have changed dramatically and yet I still enjoy a functional lifestyle that provides security and some reasonable flexibility.

In short, if not for the intervention of CFS Group, LLC, I may have never been able to get back on track financially. Their assistance was invaluable to relieving my financial problems, as well as relieves me of the stress, anxiety, and torment I was experiencing. Brenda's personality makes her ideal to handle both aggressive collectors and wayward clients, always keeping the goals in mind and the payments on schedule. Her character allows for no false promises and she deals fairly and bluntly with all parties involved. CFS Group, LLC has my sincerest support and recommendation to anyone with serious intentions of finding success in learning financial stability and responsibility as well as salvaging their credit.

** A side note from Brenda- this client was able to spend a week in Europe this year and has plans to visit Australia for two weeks next year. Life on the plan works! Oh, and you'd really pass out if I told how much she makes… or how little!

"To Whom It May Concern:

Brenda Williams and I have been co-worker for three and a half years. During that time I have come to have a great respect for Brenda and trust her completely, to the extent that she is listed as my Power of Attorney.

This all started when my finances were in bad shape and getting "out of control". I went to a credit counselor and was even considering bankruptcy. Being a person I trust, I went to Brenda to get her opinion on the matter. We talked extensively and in the end decided that she would take over my checkbook, but give me the weekly expenses responsibilities. I opened a checkbook under both our names, giving her authority to pay the bills.

The first couple of months were hard because money was tight, but Brenda helped me get my finances in order. I no longer felt the need for a credit counselor or to file bankruptcy. My bills were being paid on time and money was being set aside for future expenses, including money for Christmas, which I was able to pay cash for. In the first year of having Brenda help me, I paid off over $10,000 in debt. It felt good to have money available for things I needed. I no longer felt stressed about my finances.

Brenda is a straightforward person and will be honest with you. This will not be a pleasant experience, but definitely a learning experience. She gets to the point and says what needs to be said. She is good at dealing with creditors. Brenda will not do everything for you, as you need to learn how to handle these matters for yourself so that you can be responsible in handling your money and finances.

Today, I handle my own finances without the help of Brenda. I don't live paycheck-to-paycheck and all my bills are paid on time. Brenda not only helped me get my finances in order, but she taught me to handle my money responsibly and without stress.

Without Brenda's help, I would have tried credit counseling, which would have shown on my credit report and affected my credit, and if that didn't work, then bankruptcy. Now I have excellent credit and no one ever has to know how bad things were.

I would recommend Brenda's services to anyone. She can and will help without it ever affecting your credit.

Best of luck to you."

** Side note from Brenda- This is what got me into financial counseling.   The person that wrote this is a single Mom with a daughter and home to support. I've watched her grow into having a REAL understanding of finances and how life on the plan works. She was off work for a significant time during (nearly 6 months), and yet, there was no need to panic. We had planned for "life" and it happened. She's doing fantastic and I'm so proud of what she's accomplished and grateful she can pass the information along to her daughter!

We found your name on the Dave Ramsey’s website

We had no idea how different out lives would be just three months after our first session in September.  We had been praying for help with our finances and God answered us with your services and friendship.  We have been blessed with your advice, time and prayers.  Your dedication to our difficult situation has helped put us in a new financial position.  My husband and I now pay our bills together and we do not spend money without the others knowledge.  We still have dent but we now have a plan thanks to you.

Although our sessions have ended, your prayers encourage us daily.  This is the first Christmas in nine years that we have not used a credit card to buy gifts.  We thank you for all the extras you have blessed our family with this holiday season.  Your obedience to Him is a strong example of our whole family. What you have done for us will always be remembered.

As my husband I expressed during our first meeting with you, we debated between a financial counselor and a marriage counselor. You have helped us with both.  Thank you for praying with us and for your continued faith that we will become debt free with Gods help.  “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.” 2 Cor. 5.17

God Bless You!

I can not even begin to express the miracle that Karen and her budget program have accomplished in my life.

I was financially strapped when I was introduced to Karen.  As a matter of fact, I had gone to the church for help to keep my house from foreclosure.   My car had been reposed already.  I had some extreme debt to several other creditors also.  After meeting with the financial advisor there, I had been referred to a bankruptcy lawyer who the church would help me pay, to file for bankruptcy.

I prayed to God that this was not going to be my end to the means, but I was preparing myself to move to the women’s’ & family city mission.  I had already packed some of my belongings to move to storage and made inquires into other emergency housing (I have 2 children).  I continued to pray in faith and prepared myself for whatever God held for my future and for the future of those around me. You see it was not just me that would need a new place to live, but several people whom my house provided safety and shelter to also.

I met with the lawyer as suggested. The lawyer stated that bankruptcy may be the best situation.  I was caught with a lot of debt after a hard divorce, which I didn’t have representation for.  And I really didn’t have any assets but the house.  The house was a sure thing to be lost at that point anyway. Still I felt prompted to call the church back after the meeting and ask were they sure that there were no “other” suggestions and/or options.  That was when I was given Karen’s name.  It was stated that wither I decided to file for bankruptcy or not that I should call and make an appointment with her.  I called her before I made that choice and I am very grateful today! I was desperate not to loose my house and I really wanted to be a responsible citizen in society and not a drain to my community. I was ready to try anything that might even have half a chance at working.  After explaining how she worked her program, I was excited.  I knew I had found what God had prompted me to call the church back for.

After 3 months working with her and her program I was experiencing something new. I didn’t have to starve, so my kids could eat! I didn’t have even one shut off notice! My house payments were up to date and current!  This in it’s self was a major miracle in my life.  I had not experienced this type of worry free financing even before I lost my $65,000.00 a year job more than 4 years ago.  I make under the poverty level currently and my family is doing better financially now than I did with the better paying job.  My house payment is no lower (a little higher actually). My expenses are about the same as then.  I can not explain it or how it works, but I’m walking and talking proof that it does. I believe God works miracles through this woman!!! There is simply no other explanation for it. 

It has been almost 6 months now; I have not had a late bill, much less any creditor calls or shut off notices. I have a savings account with money in it for emergencies, clothing, household upgrades, and the future. And the biggest achievement I have accomplished with Karin’s program and personal attention- more than $3000.00 paid off in back bills and I haven’t even completed my tax return yet!!!!!!!

 There are not enough thanks I can give.  There are not enough words to explain the feelings of pride and accomplishment I have felt since starting this program. I have a sincere gratitude for Karin.

I would and do recommend Karin and her program to every one who is amazed by the above miracle.  And even those who don’t know just how bad it was. It is amazing what God can do with a few willing, open mined and honest people!!!!!

From every one in my house to yours--------------Just Nike it!!!! (Just do it)  Call for your life changing experience!!!!

My wife and I attended the Dave Ramsey event last year and were chosen to receive a free month counseling session with the CFS Group.

When my wife and I started seeing you 6 months ago, we were having a few financial issues:

1.   I wanted to pay off debt and had no problem leaving only $100 in the bank account to do so.

2.    My wife was used to paying very little on her debt and collecting a nice little emergency fund in the bank account.

What ended up happening was I was trying to teach my wife the Dave Ramsey way, but I was a poor teacher. I wanted her to trust me, but I was consistently leaving the bank account with almost nothing in it and she was on edge.   5 months into our marriage, we were always having little disagreements with the big issue being money.

6 months later, I can't think of the last time that we had a money argument. In that time, we have paid off a few thousand dollars worth of debt, and even collected a nice $4,500 rainy day fund. Also in that time period we have had a few bills large bills (around $1,500) from the past that have popped up and we found out that we were expecting a baby in late January.

The funny thing is these are no longer things that that bring us added stress because we had the money to pay the unexpected issues off and we have a little change stored away for the expected arrival of baby number 1. The aforementioned money issues are now simply inconveniences.

We still have about $30,000 of student loans to pay off before we are debt free, but we now think the same way as far as money goes, and we WILL pay off that debt soon!

We have a certain amount of money put in the envelopes every week and both Lindsey and I respect that and keep to the budget. I feel our marriage is doing much better without the financial stress that we had before. For these newlyweds, CFS was a blessing from God and I would recommend the counseling for any newly married couple. Lindsey and I can't stop telling our friends about the program.

Thanks for helping those we sent you

On behalf of the benevolent team of Victory Point Ministries, I would like to express our thanks to you for counseling those members who we have referred to you.  We appreciate the sound, biblical, financial counseling which you have provided.

It is encouraging for us to hear these members tell of the freedom from debt and money worries that they now enjoy because they have learned how to manage their money. We trust God will continue to bless you in this vital ministry

My husband had hidden from me thousands of dollars in credit card debt he had run up. 

I was devastated when I learned how deep in debt we were.  A Christian counselor suggested I seriously consider divorce.  It was a very dark time for me. 

I decided to stay in our marriage if my husband agreed to financial counseling for one year.  We had just moved to Holland and I found CFS LLC in the phone book. 

Karin Greenwood set up a budget and goals with us.  We love our envelopes and being on a cash basis.  Now we know where the money goes instead of wondering where it went.  Karin not only saved us from bankruptcy, which we were careening towards, but she saved our marriage!  I consider Karin a wonderful wise friend! 

This spring I have encountered a major health crisis.  Before Karin, it would have been a major marriage stress and economic stress.  I can't tell you how happy I am to face a health challenge with an intact family and an emergency fund!   My husband has not paid off the debt completely yet, but he has accrued no further debt and thousands of dollars have been paid off. 

At age 71, I was facing financial disaster.

Credit card debts amassed over 12 years of my husband’s illness had eaten away all our savings, and now over half of our social security check each month was going to pay supplemental health insurance.  We were facing bankruptcy and my husband was no longer mentally capable of assisting me in making decisions.  It was overwhelming and I felt sick inside – tortured mentally and emotionally by fear of what was about to happen,  I was often unable to sleep.  I greatly dreaded having to expose out personal financial condition to any one, but I knew I needed to seek help, and it was then that I heard of CFS Group. But how could CFS Group help us?

What a relief it was to meet Karin, a CFS Group counselor, who quickly put me at ease and was clearly concerned not only with my financial problems but also my spiritual and emotional needs.  She was very knowledgeable about current Federal and State laws dealing with debtor’s obligations, and I left our first meeting with renewed hope and confidence that there would be a way our of my difficulties.  She also pointed out that since the circumstances leading to this situation were not self-induced, I should not be paralyzed with guilt or shame. Amazingly, she told me that it was my duty to begin by putting my own needs and survival ahead of the credit card companies.

Strange as it may seem,  I really needed someone to tell me this!  As a Christian, we rightly feel our obligation to others, but there are also certain situations where such guilt may be wrong and even debilitation.  In the Bible, God himself is concerned for the poor and took practical steps to provide for them.  I can’t tell you how all this relieved my stress – stress that was paralyzing me in caring for my ill husband, an ailing mother and myself.

As we continued to meet, Karin helped me set up a budget and formulate a plan to find more help through available programs. At the second meeting, she even provided boxes of food from her church to aid my immediate needs!  Karin composed form letters that I mailed with my budget sheet to creditors explaining my financial situation and she also responded to inquiries from those companies.  And, most importantly to me, this help was provided with full confidentiality and at a very reasonable cost.  Although I am in the process of resolving remaining issues, I am sleeping better and moving forward with confidence, thankful to God for providing the right person at the right time!  CGS Group, I only wish I had known about you earlier!

Amazingly, almost as soon as I met with Karin, I also became aware that my sister-in-law was facing similar crisis. I gladly informed her of the CFS Group’s program, and she too, was able to work out her financial problems with the aid of CFS.  The Lord provided Karin and the CFS Group at just the right moment for both of us!

Thank you CFS Group for being there for me.  You’ve met my practical needs and also given me hope again. I am very, very grateful!

In May I hit rock bottom in my financial situation –

I was maxed out on several credit cards and had monthly bills in excess of my income.  A full time job and two part time jobs were still not enough to make ends meet, and I was always wondering when a miracle would happen that would  ease the constant pressure of not having money to meet our needs.  I was so frustrated that I was considering bankruptcy or a more drastic solution, and I prayed to God for some help.

I had only heard parts of the Dave Ramsey show but had always liked his views, so as a last desperate measure I went on his website just to see if there was anything useful.  When I saw that there was someone that could possibly help, I was quick to make a call early in the morning and leave a message.  When Karin returned my call, I am sure that my desperation was obvious.

To shorten a long story, calling CFS was the best move I have ever made. After 7 months of working with a budget, selling some things that were that were not necessary and constant help from Karin, the situation has improved greatly.  We still have a long way to go and it is not a quick fix, but now I really do have hoper for a strong financial future.

Thank you very much!

I was surprised at how much money I could save to put toward paying off my debt

After meeting with Brenda, my CFS financial counselor, I was surprised at how much money I could save to put toward paying off my debt.  The envelope system and planning out my budget has made it possible for me to save where I thought there was little hope.  I spend less and feel much better about it.  My debt is being reduced and I feel like I have control.  Thank you so much to Brenda for helping me achieve this success. 

"Hope for a Strong Future"

CFS Group (Brenda Williams) stays true to their mission statement, "Hope for a Strong Future".  Brenda was able to get our finances in order, keep us organized, and found ways to reduce our monthly expenditures.  We have learned so much about how to properly handle our finances and can see a light at the end of the tunnel.  This has given us peace of mind and hope for our future.

Karin,  I will forever be grateful for your part in this life changing experience for me.

Thank you for all you have done to help me get to this road of financial freedom! 

I am on the right path

Karin,  I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done.  I am finally on the right path, and I will actually be able to retire in peace!  Thanks again!

A big Thank You for all you have done for my husband and I! 

Your support and encouragement through our hard times when we needed you most has been overwhelming.  You have truly seen us at our lowest and because of situations beyond our control; we have been able to get back on track again.  Thanks!

Your kindness reminds us that God is with us in these difficult times. 

Thank you for touching our lives in such a way that we will remember you and your kindness all the days of our lives.

Before I came to Karin, I was literally wandering around like I had no debt.  I didn’t know which way was up.  I was living in a dream world.

When I came to Karin, I was depressed and angry.  I would often get upset when someone tried to offer financial advice.  I guess I did not want to face reality.  I thought my financial future was bleak.  I now realize that my debt is my fault.  I also realize that it is my responsibility to pay it back.

I am a seasonal worker, and I can not wait to go back to work this spring.  I know I will be debt free in 2 years, which is a tremendous feeling.  Now, I am so much happier.  I am smiling again, often for no reason.  I am not angry when someone tries to offer financial advice anymore, I welcome it.

I now know that I have a bright financial future. I am glad to have had this terrible experience. I believe it has changed me for the better. I am happy that my mom gave me the number for Karin at CFS Group.

Live like no one else, so that later you can live like no one else.

Karin, thank you for helping me believe in myself again!

Meeting Brenda was the best day of my life!

She showed me the light at the end of the tunnel and gave me hope. With Brenda’s guidance, I was able to pay off $20,000 in debt, buy a condominium and still build a fully funded emergency fund. It took a lot of discipline and sacrifice, but it was worth it.
Thanks again for all your help Brenda.

Firm but always caring

Brenda confronted us to be realistic about our finances without losing hope.  She respected our personal choices, yet was not afraid to speak her mind.  We found her to be invaluable in getting a handle on our finances.

Karin, Our thanks comes to you long over due. 

Thanks for all you did, said, gave and prayed during our three months together as God began to restore hope in our financial picture.  We are so grateful God guided us to you.

Thanks for helping us begin to sharpen all the jagged and rough edges as we’ve embarked on our journey to complete financial peace. 

You are a super guidance counselor!

Forever grateful
Ps. 91:1-2