Business Owner And Former Professional Football Player, Dhani Jones, Hosts Financial Health Digital Campaign – The Game Plan – To Guide Americans Toward A Strong Financial Future

Rhea-AI Summary

Courageous Studios, in collaboration with VantageScore Solutions, TransUnion, and American Express, launched a new content campaign targeting financial health amidst ongoing pandemic challenges. The campaign reveals that 57% of Americans are still facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. 'The Game Plan', hosted by Dhani Jones, is a five-part video series providing actionable advice on managing finances during crises. The series highlights real stories and expert insights to aid viewers in improving their financial literacy and credit health, featuring tools like MyCredit Guide by American Express.

Positive

• Partnership with VantageScore Solutions and American Express enhances credibility.
• Addresses relevant financial challenges faced by millions during the pandemic.
• 'The Game Plan' series provides actionable financial advice and personal stories.

Negative

• 57% of Americans still face financial hardships from COVID-19, indicating ongoing economic instability.
• One in five consumers report job loss, suggesting significant unemployment issues.

Courageous Studios, brand studio for CNN, in partnership with credit score model developer VantageScore Solutions, TransUnion and American Express, today announced the launch of a new, branded content campaign focused on financial health. The campaign provides tips and advice to help people navigate the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic.

The pandemic has impacted millions of people across the country. In fact, 57% of Americans continue to be affected financially by COVID-19, according to TransUnion’s Financial Hardship study. One in five consumers who have been impacted by the pandemic have lost their jobs, and a similar percentage report they don’t know how they will pay their bills and loans.

“The Game Plan” – hosted by Dhani Jones, former professional football player and business owner – aims to address the need for clear and actionable advice to help people manage pandemic-related financial hardships. In this five-part video series, Dhani bridges Main Street and Wall Street, discussing topics like debt management and saving for retirement, to managing finances in times of crisis and investing in the future.

In each episode, Dhani connects financial experts with Americans across the country to talk about how the pandemic has impacted them - both personally and financially - and formulate a “game plan” to help navigate the unprecedented impacts caused by the pandemic. The series utilized Courageous Studios’ sophisticated remote production capabilities to film the series in a safe way, using 15 cameras per episode to capture dynamic footage across various locations.

“Like so many Americans, I got knocked down in 2020. Even with expertise in entrepreneurship and investing, it’s proven difficult,” said Jones. "Despite the challenges, my career has taught me the power of perseverance and resilience, and most importantly, community.”

Distributed across digital and social platforms on CNN and CNN Business, the campaign includes Courageous Studios’ documentary-style videos and interactive digital assets to provide far-reaching audiences with actionable guidance to help guide them to stronger financial futures. Courageous Studios is part of WarnerMedia’s ad sales division.

People looking to better manage their overall financial health can tap into MyCredit Guide, American Express’ popular credit score tool powered by TransUnion, which is featured in the series. MyCredit Guide offers Score Goals, a capability to help U.S. consumers, even those who are not American Express Card Members, take steps to improve their VantageScore® 3.0 credit score.

The first in-depth episode features Santa Fe public artist, Jessica Ortiz. After years of credit-building and saving, Jessica bought her first home right before the pandemic hit. With cancelled projects, little to no new income and depleted savings, she feared the loss of her new home. Ortiz and Jones connect with Yanely Espinal, a financial educator based in New York City, to discuss avoiding foreclosure, cementing a stable credit score and building positive financial habits. Vibrant scenes of Ortiz’s Santa Fe home, heritage and art illuminate the scenes of the story.

“ ‘The Game Plan’ series tackles the challenges we all face — improving credit health, investing for the future and managing debt — in a relatable, educational and heartwarming way with real stories from individuals and families,” said Barrett Burns, president and CEO of VantageScore Solutions. “We are proud to stand alongside TransUnion and American Express to provide clear and actionable suggestions when people need it most.”

To learn more about the campaign and to access financial resources from VantageScore Solutions, TransUnion and American Express, visit www.cnn.com/thegameplan.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing a comprehensive picture of each person so they can be reliably and safely represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.®

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

About VantageScore Solutions

VantageScore Solutions is the independent company behind the VantageScore credit scoring models, the first of which was developed by America’s three national credit reporting companies (CRCs) – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

VantageScore credit scores are used by lenders, landlords, utility companies, telecom companies, and many others to determine creditworthiness. While there are many credit scoring models, the “win-win” for VantageScore is its innovative, highly predictive, patent-protected, tri-bureau scoring methodology that scores more people – without lowering risk standards – and provides lenders and consumers with more consistent credit scores across all three national CRCs.

About WarnerMedia

WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content from a diverse array of talented storytellers and journalists to global audiences through its consumer brands including HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others. The organization also includes Xandr’s suite of advanced advertising solutions designed to help to improve advertising for brands, publishers, and consumers.

WarnerMedia is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210209005767/en/

FAQ

What is the focus of the new campaign launched by Courageous Studios and partners?

The campaign focuses on financial health, providing tips and advice for navigating pandemic-related financial challenges.

Who hosts 'The Game Plan' series?

'The Game Plan' is hosted by Dhani Jones, a former professional football player and entrepreneur.

How many Americans are impacted financially by COVID-19 according to the campaign?

According to the campaign, 57% of Americans continue to face financial difficulties due to COVID-19.

What resources are provided for improving credit health?

The campaign features MyCredit Guide, a tool by American Express powered by TransUnion, to help consumers improve their credit scores.

Where can I watch 'The Game Plan' series?

'The Game Plan' series is available on digital and social platforms of CNN and CNN Business.