Are you interested in establishing a relationship with a bank or credit union (for instance, do you want to open a checking or savings account)?

Having a relationship with a bank is very important if you want to have good credit. This relationship can be as simple as a checking or savings account. Savings accounts can also help families to start building up personal wealth.

However, many of us may not have a relationship with a bank, for various reasons, and as a result are considered "unbanked." The following organizations can help you open up bank accounts, and work with you to clear up any past issues you may have.

Get Checking is a national financial education program designed specifically to help consumers establish a primary banking relationship and gain access to mainstream financial services. This program works with you to clean up any past issues that you may have had. Once you graduated from Get Checking's program, you will be able to open accounts at local banks. (678) 475-0032.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services provides an extensive array of counseling services, including credit and debt counseling, foreclosure prevention, bankruptcy, and budgeting. They also provide educational programs on how to clear up past banking situations. These programs can help you take control of your household finances and your financial situation. If you have unpaid bills, CCCS can help you set up repayment plans. (800) 251-2227.

Center for Family Resources partners with local banks to provide financial counseling and education to residents of Cobb County. These programs can help you take control of your household finances and your financial situation. Click on "Our Programs", then click on "Housing Services." (770) 428-2601.

Center for Working Families provides financial counseling and education programs to residents of NPU-V (which includes Adair Park, Capitol Homes, Mechanicsville, Pittsburgh, Peoplestown, and Summerhill). These programs can help you take control of your household finances and your financial situation. Click on "Services", then on "Moving to Wealth" on the left column. (404) 223-3303.

Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, a bureau of the city of Atlanta, offers financial counseling and education programs to residents of the city of Atlanta. These programs can help you take control of your household finances and your financial situation. www.atlantaworkforce.org. Click on "One-Stop Center" at the top of the page. (404) 658-9675.

EarnBenefits provides general information for families that are looking to repair their credit.