Understanding the New Bankruptcy Reform:This article gives a breakdown of the new requirements specific to Ch 7 and
13. It touches on the new credit counseling portion (we could write much more
here) and talks about the price of filing, both financially and the negative
effects on one?s credit history.
Eight Simple Ways to Save on Energy Costs:This article offers useful suggestions on how to reduce your winter energy
bill by doing things such as lowering the hot water thermostat and lining
windows with a clear film insulator.
Tips to Prevent Identity Theft:Lists ways to prevent identity theft like avoiding carrying all your credit
cards and shredding all documents with personal information.
Minimize Your Holiday Debt:Prevent overspending during the holidays by following these simple rules. A
few examples include transferring balance to lower rate cards and considering
your tax return to pay off debt.
Don?t Let Your Tax Refund go MIA:Make
sure your refund comes to you and avoid being one of the thousands of Americans
whose refund goes missing in the mail.
New Rules for Payday Loans:Beginning
in June, Michigan payday loan stores face new restrictions such as limiting
loan amounts and capping finance charges.
Use Your Tax Refund Wisely:Smart
ways to use your refund include paying off your credit card debt and
establishing an emergency fund.
Money Smart Travel Tips:If you
don?t want to take a vacation by driving, use some of these tips to save on
airfare.
Backyard Vows:The setting is
priceless, but the savings may be elusive.
Keeping Your Job:
Make it difficult for your employer to fire you by promoting yourself in the
workplace.
Jobs and Teens:Discuss the
importance of managing your personal finances while helping your children
search for a summer job.
Wedding:Follow these simple
suggestions to avoid going broke on the big event.
Grad Gifts:Consider these
low-cost options when attending a graduation party.
ARMs: With soaring gas prices and the
doubling of credit card minimum monthly payments, consumers with an Adjustable
Rate Mortgage may be struggling to make ends meet. Options such as refinancing
or downsizing are discussed in this article.
Avoid overspending on V-Day: Don't go in the red this February 14; check for early deals on flowers and
online shopping coupons.
Check Out Dollar Stores:
You'll be pleasantly surprised at the great deals you can find at dollar
stores. Items such as gift wrap and cleaning supplies are much cheaper here
than at a chain store.
College loan rate increase: Is your child headed off to college? Learn about the interest rates
associated with college loans.
Cosigning a Loan: Don't get
pressured into consigning a friend's loan or lease; the risks far outweigh the
rewards.
Creative Holiday Donations: If you want to make a donation during the holidays but can't afford a
monetary contribution, read about the other ways you can help like donating
gently used clothes or giving blood.
Fly For Less: Instantly save on
airfare by searching for fares midweek, traveling on a Tuesday or negotiating
rates on large groups.
Free College Tuition: Some
of the big-name public and private universities offer special deals on tuition
for financially struggling families.
Identity Theft and Students: College students are especially susceptible to identity theft. Check out
these tips to avoid becoming a victim.
Newlyweds and Finances:
Merging and managing your personal finances after the wedding can be difficult.
Learn how to plan a budget and establish an emergency fund.
Preparing for Retirement:
Saving for retirement is very important but also a challenging task. Starting
the process early can make a huge difference.
Save on Groceries: Try
these helpful tips next time you're tempted to overspend at the supermarket.
Study Affirms Value
of Credit Counseling: According to a study in 2002, credit
counseling significantly improved consumers' borrowing and payment behavior in
the years following completion of a counseling program.
Use Your Debt Card Wisely:
The debit card is a great tool for learning smart money management skills. Just
try not to over draft your account or incur excessive ATM fees.
When to accept a buyout
package: Consumers across the country are being faced with
company downsizing. Check out some helpful tips to help with your
decision-making process.
Call us for immediate assistance. In less than an hour you will
be on the path to financial relief.
We need to talk to you, so calling us is the quickest way to get
started. Or, if you prefer, you can click on the link below to complete an
online form and we will attempt to reach you.
Licensed by New York State Banking
Department
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Michigan
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New York
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northwest Illinois
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Indiana