In response to urgent and rapid changes resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, Costa-Mesa Experian announced Monday it is accelerating and enhancing its financial education programming to help consumers protect their financial health in an uncertain time.
“With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, Experian seeks to aid consumers in understanding how the credit reporting system and personal finance overall will move forward in this landscape,” according to a statement issued by the global information services company.
Experian’s weekly #CreditChat program started in 2012 to help the community learn about credit and important personal finance topics such as saving money, paying down debt and improving credit scores.
Its special eight-week series of #CreditChat conversations surrounding COVID-19 will begin Wednesday at noon Pacific time on Twitter. The topic of the first session is “How to Manage our Finances & Credit During This Coronavirus Pandemic.”
Upcoming #CreditChats topics will include methods and strategies for bill repayment, paying down debt, emergency financial assistance and preparing for retirement during COVID-19.
“As the consumer’s credit bureau, we are committed to working with consumers, lenders and the financial community during and following the impacts of COVID-19,” said Craig Boundy, CEO of Experian North America. “As part of our nation’s new reality, Experian is planning for options to help mitigate the potential impact on credit scores due to financial hardships seen nationwide. Our upcoming #CreditChat series and supporting resources will serve as one of several informational touchpoints with consumers moving forward.”
Experian has also created a dedicated blog page, “COVID-19 and Your Credit Report,” with ongoing and updated information pertaining to how COVID-19 may impact consumers’ creditworthiness and — ultimately — what people should do to preserve it.
To follow Wednesday’s #CreditChat, connect via www.tchat.io/rooms/creditchat. For more information on Experian’s #CreditChat, visit www.experian.com/blogs/news/about/creditchat/ .