1^st Choice Credit Counseling and Financial Education started in the hearts of Danette Banyai and Staci Mintz many years ago. Their mission began --- to empower and educate people in their communities about personal finances. Experiencing the ups and downs of finances and business in their own lives along with their various personal and educational experiences provided them a unique ability to help bring information and education to others from an experiential and holistic perspective.

Staci and Danette formed the non-profit charity organization, DBSM, Inc, in 2004.

In 2005, the company was approved by the Department of Justice to offer the Personal Financial Management course required for the discharge of bankruptcy cases. In 2009, they were approved to add the Pre-Filing credit counseling course required before bankruptcy. These courses can be found online at www.mybknow.com.

Since its inception, the organization has helped thousands of people find their way through the confusing maze of finances.

• As 1^st Choice Credit Counseling and Financial Education, the company provides online and phone courses in most of the 50 states, as well as live individual and small group classes in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
• 1st Choice is now providing credit help and various forms of housing counseling. 
• Part of its ongoing efforts are furthering our counseling related to the healing on the mental, emotional, and spiritual level in regards to money.

Staff includes:

Danette Banyai -- Vice President and CFO. Danette earned a B.S. Degree at California State University, Northridge with a major in Public Health Education, and minors in Business, Accounting and Psychology. Danette holds a State of California Teaching Credential and Certificates from the Entrepreneur Academy as well as the Hypnosis Motivational Institute. She has also completed trainings through the County of Ventura in various counseling & teaching methodologies.

Staci Mintz -- President and Director of Marketing and Counseling, earned her B.S. Degree at University of Phoenix with a major in Business as well as a Masters Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the esteemed University of Santa Monica. She is also an Accredited Financial Counselor with AFCPE.

Brian Fitzpatrick -- Attorney at law and a valued member of our staff, not only for his 20+ years in the legal field but just as importantly, his unique background in teaching both in the US and China. He brings to the legal playing field a deep sense of fairplay and dedication to upholding strong spiritual principles in all his affairs.

All staff are passionate, caring and superbly well suited to help those in need when financial troubles confuse and complicate their lives. All staff receives personalized training from Staci and Danette.

*DBSM, Inc and 1^st Choice Credit Counseling is approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a provider's services.