Overview
1 Wiser Consumer Education, Inc., also known as 1 Dollar Wiser, is a registered non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) headquartered in Krum, Texas, founded in 2010. It is dedicated to increasing financial literacy among U.S. households through consumer and credit education. Its primary focus is empowering individuals to control their personal finances and practice fiscal responsibility, with a special emphasis on preventing financial scams, especially amongst U.S. seniors and those impacted by natural disasters.
Mission and Programs
The core mission of 1 Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. is to empower individuals via education and counseling in fiscal management. The organization runs programs such as Know Before You Owe – Student Loans, tackling the impact of student loan debt on young adults and their families, raising awareness of the broader implications of student debt. Additional programs include Budget & Credit Counseling and Personal Financial Management Instruction, providing comprehensive financial education to combat financial illiteracy.
Financial Overview
As of 2023, 1 Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. reported a revenue of $312,000 against expenses of $407,000, indicating financial challenges. The organization holds total assets of $178,000, with liabilities amounting to $459,000.
Leadership
The organization is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with Jason Labrum as Chairman, credited with cost-cutting and increasing efficiencies. The Executive Director, Elizabeth Hubbard, drives strategic partnerships and educational oversight. The Board includes Brad Andrus, Treasurer, and Dr. Michael J. Savoie, Director, both offering extensive experience in finance and educational strategy.
Geographic Presence and Services
Operating predominantly within the United States, 1 Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. has extended its reach to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their services include financial literacy education for families managing budgets, individuals preparing for bankruptcy, and those in need of credit counseling information.
Governance and Compliance
The organization practices inclusive governance, ensuring regular policy reviews for ethical standards and transparency. Board members receive formal orientations, and conflict-of-interest policies are reviewed annually. Notably, a formal, written assessment of the chief executive has not been conducted in the past year.
Contact Information
For more information or to participate in its programs, visit [www.1dollarwiser.com](http://www.1dollarwiser.com). The primary mailing address is P.O. Box 191, Krum, TX 76249, USA. Contact details and further inquiries can be facilitated through their website's contact page.
Competitors
1 Dollar Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. competes with various organizations in the financial literacy sector, each offering distinct services:
Key Competitors
- Dollar Learning Foundation
- Offers financial literacy programs for individuals and families in financial distress.
- Recognized as an educational nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.
- Specializes in courses on budgeting and money management.
- Debt Education and Certification Foundation (DECAF)
- Provides credit counseling certificates and debtor education mainly for bankruptcy contexts.
- Accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
- Based in Benbrook, Texas.
- ArizonaDebtRelief.org
- Initially focused on credit education for Arizona residents facing financial challenges.
- Offers debt consolidation and relief resources.
- SimpleCreditSolutions.Com
- Delivers consulting and education on credit, debt, and financial issues to consumers.
Competitive Landscape
Apart from these, 1 Dollar Wiser faces competition from entities like ReduceYourDebtNow and multiple online platforms offering comparable services in debt settlement and credit management. The competitive realm indicates a substantial demand for financial literacy and debt management services across various regions and demographic groups.
Strategic Insights
In this competitive environment, 1 Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. could leverage its non-profit status and the comprehensive nature of its educational programs. Forming partnerships with organizations such as DECAF or ArizonaDebtRelief.org may enhance its program reach and diversity, strengthening its market presence in the field of consumer financial education.
