By: Bob Bauder, Trib Live | Read the full article

Pittsburgh residents can receive free help with financial problems at eight locations through a program announced Monday by the city and nonprofit organization Neighborhood Allies.

Residents can receive one-on-one counseling for challenges such as debt, low credit scores, budgeting and saving money, according to the Mayor’s Office. The centers will accept walk-in clients or schedule meetings through an appointment.

The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, a New York City nonprofit that selected Pittsburgh to participate in the program, and local charities are providing funding for the $666,000, two-year initiative. The city’s cost is $30,000.

Pittsburgh and Neighborhood Allies hired nonprofit Advantage Credit Counseling Service based in the South Side to provide staffing for the centers.

Residents can schedule a counseling session by calling 800-298-0237 or sending an email to fecinfo@advantageccs.org.

Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bob at 412-765-2312, bbauder@tribweb.com or via Twitter.