SmartEdge by GMAC Adds Insurance to Curriculum

Free financial literacy program expands scope with tips on insurance

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6 -- GMAC Financial Services is expanding the focus of its free financial literacy program, SmartEdge by GMAC, to include consumer-friendly tips on insurance-related products and services. The new component adds to its existing automotive and mortgage financing lessons. The curriculum will be available on the SmartEdge Web site in April, and the first public event, featuring the insurance component, is scheduled for May 14.

Now in its fourth year, SmartEdge is an educational campaign designed to unlock the mysteries of personal credit, increase awareness and understanding of financing, and help consumers with important financial decisions. Topics include whether to buy or lease a vehicle, how to finance a new home and what to consider when buying home or automotive insurance.

"SmartEdge has always been a fantastic tool for consumers to educate themselves about personal credit, and soon they also will use it to better understand how to address their personal insurance needs," said Deborah Pfliegel, vice president of Corporate Alignment for GMAC Insurance. "Whether it's homeowners insurance, vehicle service contracts or other automotive insurance products, SmartEdge will break down these insurance offerings into easy-to-understand information."

SmartEdge focuses on teaching consumers how to establish good credit, manage a budget and evaluate financing and insurance options. The program and consumer tips are free with absolutely no strings attached.

"Buying a vehicle, a home or seeking the security of insurance are big financial decisions and not always well understood. That's why GMAC created SmartEdge and continues to develop the program," said Don Ferguson, director of Minority Dealer Development, Relationship Marketing and Diversity. "SmartEdge is an education tool that brings information to consumers in a more fresh and engaging way, giving people the flexibility to learn at their own pace."

Consumers can access current SmartEdge program information at its newly redesigned Web site at www.SmartEdgebyGMAC.com, via seminars and by attending one of the in-person events conducted by GMAC in local communities. In 2007, GMAC held more than 2,300 events and activities nationwide.

In addition to the hundreds of events and seminars conducted around the country, GMAC has also established the SmartEdge Book Allowance scholarship program. Through this program, GMAC collaborates with non-profit organizations to identify book-award recipients to help offset the costs of textbooks for post-high school education.

GMAC Financial Services is a global, diversified financial services company that operates in approximately 40 countries in automotive finance, real estate finance, insurance and commercial finance businesses. GMAC is passionate in its support of efforts that strengthen communities, focusing on housing and human services, financial literacy, education, youth development and the arts. For more information, go to www.gmacfs.com.