Sunday, October 28, 2012

Facts for Consumers


Knee Deep in Debt

Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
You're not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. Your financial situation doesn't have to go from bad to worse.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Debt settlement is yet another option. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.

Self-Help

Developing a Budget: The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your "fixed" expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.
Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
Contacting Your Creditors: Contact your creditors immediately if you're having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it's difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don't wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you're at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn't approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.
Managing Your Auto and Home Loans: Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services.
Most automobile financing agreements allow a creditor to repossess your car any time you're in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can't do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You'll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report.
If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you're acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time. When you resume regular payments, though, you may have to pay an additional amount toward the past due total. Other lenders may agree to change the terms of the mortgage by extending the repayment period to reduce the monthly debt. Ask whether additional fees would be assessed for these changes, and calculate how much they total in the long term.
If you and your lender cannot work out a plan, contact a housing counseling agency. Some agencies limit their counseling services to homeowners with FHA mortgages, but many offer free help to any homeowner who's having trouble making mortgage payments. Call the local office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the housing authority in your state, city, or county for help in finding a legitimate housing counseling agency near you.

Debt Relief Services

Credit Counseling: If you're not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can't work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can't keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that, just because an organization says it's "nonprofit," there's no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make "voluntary" contributions that can cause more debt.
Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions. 

Debt Management Plans

If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.
In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you're participating in the plan. 

Debt Settlement Programs

Debt settlement differs greatly from credit counseling and DMPs. It can be very risky, and have a long term negative impact on your credit report and, in turn, your ability to get credit.

The Claims

Debt settlement firms may claim they'll negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe. Some debt settlement companies may claim that they can arrange for your debt to be paid off for a much lower amount – anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of the balance you owe. For example, if you owe $10,000 on a credit card, a debt settlement company may claim it can arrange for you to pay off the debt for less, say $4,000. Some debt settlement firms may also claim to be nonprofit. 
Debt settlement firms often pitch their services as an alternative to bankruptcy. They may claim that using their services will have little or no negative impact on your ability to get credit in the future, or that any negative information can be removed from your credit report when you complete their debt negotiation program. The firms usually tell you to stop making payments to your creditors, and instead, send payments to the debt negotiation company. The firm may promise to hold your funds in a special account and pay your creditors on your behalf.

The Truth

There is no guarantee that the services debt settlement companies offer are legitimate. There also is no guarantee that a creditor will accept partial payment of a legitimate debt. In fact, if you stop making payments on a credit card, late fees and interest usually are added to the debt each month. If you exceed your credit limit, additional fees and charges also can be added. This can cause your original debt to double or triple. All these fees will put you further in the hole.
While creditors have no obligation to agree to negotiate the amount a consumer owes, they have a legal obligation to provide accurate information to the credit reporting agencies, including your failure to make monthly payments. That can result in a negative entry on your credit report. And in certain situations, creditors may have the right to sue you to recover the money you owe. In some instances, when creditors win a lawsuit, they have the right to garnish your wages or put a lien on your home. Finally, the Internal Revenue Service may consider any amount of forgiven debt to be taxable income.

Fees

Amendments to the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibit companies that sell debt settlement and other debt relief services on the phone from charging a fee before they settle or reduce your debt.
If you do business with a debt settlement company, you may be required to put money in a dedicated bank account, which will be administered by an independent third party. The account administrator may charge you a reasonable fee, and is responsible for transferring funds from your account to pay your creditors and the debt settlement company when settlements occur. See Settling Your Credit Card Debts at ftc.gov/credit for more information.

Disclosure Requirements

Before you sign up for the service, the debt settlement company must give you information about the program's: 
  • Price and terms. The company must explain its fees and must tell you about any conditions on its services.
  • Results. The company must tell you how long it will take to get results. That is, how many months or years before the company will make an offer to each creditor. 
  • Offers. The company must tell you how much money or what percentage of each outstanding debt you must save before it will make an offer to each creditor. 
  • Non-payment. If the company asks you to stop making payments to your creditors – or if the program relies on your not making payments – the company must tell you about the possible negative consequences of doing so.

Tax Consequences

Depending on your financial condition, the amount of any savings you obtain from debt relief services can be considered income and taxable. Credit card companies and others may report settled debt to the IRS, and the IRS considers it income, unless you are "insolvent." You are insolvent when your total debts are more than the fair market value of your total assets. Insolvency can be fairly complex to determine – please talk to a tax professional if are not sure whether you qualify for this exception. 

Researching Companies

If you decide to pay a company to negotiate your debt, do some research. Consider other people's experiences. One way to do that is to enter the company name with the word "complaints" into a search engine. Read what others have said. You are making a big decision that involves spending a lot of your money that could go toward paying down your debt. 

Protect Yourself 

Be wary of any debt relief organization that: 
  • charges any fees before it settles your debts
  • pressures you to make "voluntary contributions," another name for fees
  • touts a "new government program" to bail out personal credit card debt 
  • guarantees it can make your unsecured debt go away 
  • tells you to stop communicating with your creditors 
  • tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits 
  • guarantees that your unsecured debts can be paid off for just pennies on the dollar
  • won't send you free information about the services it provides without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers, and balances
  • tries to enroll you in a debt relief program without spending time reviewing your financial situation.
  • offers to enroll you in a DMP without teaching you budgeting and money management skills.
  • demands that you make payments into a DMP before your creditors have accepted you into the program.

Debt Consolidation

You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit. Remember that these loans require you to put up your home as collateral. If you can't make the payments — or if your payments are late — you could lose your home.
What's more, the costs of consolidation loans can add up. In addition to interest on the loans, you may have to pay "points," with one point equal to one percent of the amount you borrow. Still, these loans may provide certain tax advantages that are not available with other kinds of credit.

Bankruptcy

Personal bankruptcy generally is considered the debt management option of last resort because the results are long-lasting and far reaching. People who follow the bankruptcy rules receive a discharge — a court order that says they don't have to repay certain debts. However, bankruptcy information (both the date of your filing and the later date of discharge) stay on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job. Still, bankruptcy is a legal procedure that offers a fresh start for people who have gotten into financial difficulty and can't satisfy their debts.
There are two primary types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. Each must be filed in federal bankruptcy court. Filing fees are several hundred dollars. For more information visit www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/fees.html. Attorney fees are additional and can vary. 
Chapter 13 allows people with a steady income to keep property, like a mortgaged house or a car, that they might otherwise lose through the bankruptcy process. In Chapter 13, the court approves a repayment plan that allows you to use your future income to pay off your debts during a three-to-five-year period, rather than surrender any property. After you have made all the payments under the plan, you receive a discharge of your debts. 
Chapter 7 is known as straight bankruptcy, and involves liquidation of all assets that are not exempt. Exempt property may include automobiles, work-related tools, and basic household furnishings. Some of your property may be sold by a court-appointed official — a trustee — or turned over to your creditors. You must wait 8 years after receiving a discharge in Chapter 7 before you can file again under that chapter. The Chapter 13 waiting period is much shorter and can be as little as two years between filings.
Both types of bankruptcy may get rid of unsecured debts and stop foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments and utility shut-offs, and debt collection activities. Both also provide exemptions that allow people to keep certain assets, although exemption amounts vary by state. Note that personal bankruptcy usually does not erase child support, alimony, fines, taxes, and some student loan obligations. And, unless you have an acceptable plan to catch up on your debt under Chapter 13, bankruptcy usually does not allow you to keep property when your creditor has an unpaid mortgage or security lien on it.
You must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within six months before you file for any bankruptcy relief. You can find a state-by-state list of government-approved organizations at www.usdoj.gov/ust. That is the website of the U.S. Trustee Program, the organization within the U.S. Department of Justice that supervises bankruptcy cases and trustees. Also, before you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you must satisfy a "means test." This test requires you to confirm that your income does not exceed a certain amount. The amount varies by state and is publicized by the U.S. Trustee Program at www.usdoj.gov/ust.

Damage Control

Turning to a business that offers help in solving debt problems may seem like a reasonable solution when your bills become unmanageable. But before you do business with any company, check it out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if any consumer complaints are on file about the firm you're considering doing business with. Ask your state Attorney General if the company is required to be licensed to work in your state and, if so, whether it is.
Some businesses that offer to help you with your debt problems may charge high fees and fail to follow through on the services they sell. Others may misrepresent the terms of a debt consolidation loan, failing to explain certain costs or mention that you're signing over your home as collateral. Businesses advertising voluntary debt reorganization plans may not explain that the plan is a bankruptcy filing, tell you everything that's involved, or help you through what can be a long and complex process.
In addition, some companies guarantee you a loan if you pay a fee in advance. The fee may range from $100 to several hundred dollars. Resist the temptation to follow up on these advance-fee loan guarantees. They may be illegal. It is true that many legitimate creditors offer extensions of credit through telemarketing and require an application or appraisal fee in advance. But legitimate creditors never guarantee that the consumer will get the loan — or even represent that a loan is likely. Under the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, a seller or telemarketer who guarantees or represents a high likelihood of your getting a loan or some other extension of credit may not ask for or accept payment until you've received the loan.
You should be cautious of claims from so-called credit repair clinics. Many companies appeal to consumers with poor credit histories, promising to clean up credit reports for a fee. But you already have the right to have any inaccurate information in your file corrected. And a credit repair clinic cannot have accurate information removed from your credit report, despite their promises. You also should know that federal and some state laws prohibit these companies from charging you for their services until the services are fully performed. Only time and a conscientious effort to repay your debts will improve your credit report.
If you're thinking about getting help to stabilize your financial situation, do some homework first. Find out what services a business provides and what it costs, and don't rely on verbal promises. Get everything in writing, and read your contracts carefully.

For More Information

To learn more about dealing with debt, visit www.ftc.gov/MoneyMatters.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Consumer Credit & Budget Counseling


The Union Plus Consumer Credit Counseling Service Difference:

  • Free budget analysis session for union members: Request a session online or call 1-877-833-1745.
  • Program provider, non-profit Money Management International (MMI), is accredited to provide counseling for labor union members entering bankruptcy
  • No set up fee for initial debt management plan (DMP)
  • Receive reimbursement of all first year DMP fees after successfully completing 12 months of the plan (union members only).
  • Bankruptcy service fee waived.  Call 1-866-279-7197 - use code BUP 99999
  • Largest network of local offices for those who don't prefer credit counseling online or by phone
  • Consumer credit and money management counseling workshops provided for union members
  • Experienced credit counselors are available 24/7.  Call 1-877-833-1745.



Reliable consumer credit counseling services


Managing your money and credit doesn't have to be a risky business…It's often difficult to choose among the messages bombarding consumers from fraudulent debt management companies and their misleading credit counseling service offers.
Labor union families can turn to Union Plus Credit Counseling through Money Management International (MMI).

Advice designed and discounted especially for union members


Certified, experienced consumer credit counseling advisors listen to you and your needs, then help you develop a plan of action for debt repayment that you can follow to help eliminate your debt. 

No confusing gimmicks or overwhelming options. Just sound advice that'll help you stop collection agencies from controlling your financial life.

Budget analysis & credit counseling


You can get a FREE consumer credit counseling session, budget analysis and money management advice to get back on the road to financial recovery. Complete a confidential request for consumer credit counseling online or call 1-877-833-1745 - available 24/7.
Your free session covers:
  • Complete financial review, budget analysis and credit management counseling
  • Assistance in budgeting or advice on sources of additional income
  • Advice on how to work with creditors
  • A written Action Plan that summarizes your financial situation, provides a budget and timeline for reaching your debt management and repayment goals, and restates action items
  • Referral to a social service organization in your area, if appropriate
  • Referral to Union Plus Legal Service or Union Plus Mortgage Assistance program, if appropriate


Credit counseling
features

Debt management plan (DMP)
After the initial credit counseling session, if you need additional assistance to eliminate debt, your counselor will develop a customized debt management plan (DMP) for you. With the Union SAFE grant, you don't need to pay any of the DMP set-up fees. Union members who complete one year on a DMP are also eligible to apply for reimbursement of the monthly fees.
In short, a DMP allows you to make one simple monthly payment to MMI, and authorizes MMI to pay each of your creditors on your behalf based on the debt repayment plan terms negotiated with them.
MMI also works with creditors to stop collection, waive or reduce interest charges, and eliminate finance charge or late fees, wherever possible.
Bankruptcy services
Pre-filing bankruptcy counseling and pre-discharge education as required under the new bankruptcy code are also now available. 
To waive the bankruptcy service fee, call the special Union Plus Credit Counseling line at 1-866-279-7197 (use code - BUP 99999) for bankruptcy counseling.
Save my home hotline
The dedicated "Save My Home Hotline", 1-866-490-5361, is available for labor union members to reach HUD-certified counselors to discuss issues surrounding home mortgage payment difficulties. If you're falling behind on payments or expect to fall behind soon (e.g. because of an ARM adjustment), it's much better to act now and call to figure out options.
Mortgage assistance grants are available to assist qualifying labor union members with delinquent mortgage payments; grants are available to union members in:
  • Arizona,
  • California,
  • Connecticut,
  • Florida,
  • Illinois,
  • Maryland,
  • Massachusetts,
  • Michigan,
  • Nevada,
  • New Jersey,
  • New York,
  • Ohio,
  • Pennsylvania,
  • Texas, and
  • Virginia.

Debt and Credit Counseling


ClearPoint’s NFCC-certified, consumer credit counselors are specialists in the areas of money management, credit cards, budgeting, credit and debt reduction. We offer credit counseling over the telephone, online, and face-to-face at one of our 50+branches across the nation. As a nonprofit organization, we offer free credit counseling sessions which usually last about 60 minutes.

After getting an overview of your financial picture by taking inventory of your credit cards, income and expenses, you and your ClearPoint credit counselor will discuss your financial goals and create an action plan to help you meet those goals. Financial goals may include surviving a financial crisis–such as a job loss, divorce or death; getting out of debt; saving for a downpayment on a home; building an emergency savings cushion. Most personalized plans include prioritizing debt repayment, use of household budget, addressing credit issues, and possibly a debt management plan. We usually also run your credit report, at no cost to you, to get a clearer snapshot of your credit standing.
To maximize the time you can work with your credit counselor to strategize your plan, write down a detailed list of your monthly expenses and income for use in your credit counseling session. Before beginning, let your counselor know you have created this list and ask to email it to him or her.
Call ClearPoint at 800.750.2227 (CCCS) to schedule a credit counseling appointment or go ahead and get started now online.

Certified Credit Counselors


It's important for especially troubled borrowers to take a careful look at all aspects of their finances to see if there are ways they can streamline their budgets and put themselves back on more secure fiscal ground. But because of the amount of work that has to go into such a process to do it correctly, and the knowhow that will be required to do so, the large majority of consumers will not be able to do this on their own and need the help of a certified credit counselor.
These financial professionals will be able to give clients far more insight into all aspects of their finances than they would likely be able to glean themselves, and can help to put them back on the right path to success. A certified credit counselor will be trained in listening and counseling techniques, financial management and be educated about consumer protection laws.
The credit counselors at Consolidated Credit Counseling Services are able to have a better look at consumers' finances because they have all undergone this rigorous training. In addition of being certified, many credit counselors participate in continuing education to ensure they are up to date on the latest laws and credit counseling techniques.
During the first credit counseling session, the counselor will conduct a careful review of all aspects of a consumer's finances, including not only how much they owe on their credit cards and other debts, but also their income and what they pay for basic living expenses and other monthly costs. By taking all this into account, the credit counselor will be able to put together a reasonable budget that will help their client more easily live within their financial means while also increasing the amount of money they are able to pay into their outstanding debts every month. The counselor may also choose to help the consumer set some financial goals that they can work toward so that they're in a better position to see the kind of progress that's being made in cutting their debt and getting their personal finances in order.
But in some cases, consumers have so much debt that their financial problems cannot be fixed by simply setting and sticking to a monthly budget no matter how carefully prepared it is. In these cases, credit counselors will likely have to come up with a new and more effective plan of action, such as a debt management program. With such an option, the counselor will explore several options to find a plan that works best for the consumer.
This can include setting up a way that the client can make one payment large enough to pay all their bills in a given month and send it to their credit counselor, rather than sending a number of checks to their various lenders. In other cases, it end up that the professional negotiates with their client's lenders to reduce the amount they owe in some way, be it by cutting their interest rate to make it more affordable or, in the most extreme cases, reducing their remaining balance.
But consumers who are interested in reducing their debt and getting their finances back on track won't know what method will be most effective for them until they speak with a reputable credit counseling agency.
Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc. is ready to help you get out of credit card debt. Our credit counseling agency has been helped over 5 million people find solutions to their debt problems. You can call
1-800-320-9929 to speak with a certified credit counselor now or start your Free Credit Counseling Session online.

Benefits of a Credit Counseling Service


Whatever the reason for their financial concerns, many Americans are now looking for ways to get themselves back on the right track, get their credit in order and put themselves in a better position to continue to live a fiscally healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Often, one of the best ways consumers can do this is by looking into a reputable credit counseling service, which can help troubled Americans find all sorts of solutions to their various worries.

When using a credit counseling service, the consumer will first be matched up with a certified professional financial expert known as a credit counselor. They will work with their new clients to help them better understand their financial situation. For example, after carefully examining their borrowing history, the counselor will be able to explain to the consumer what aspects of their finances are most troublesome in terms of how lenders may view them, as well as what missteps they made that helped them end up in their current situation. With this in mind, consumers may then begin to get a better understanding of how to behave in the future, which may include several options.

One of the most important things consumers will be able to do with their credit counselor is to work together in an effort to create a smart, comprehensive budget that works for them and is designed to help them to pay all their monthly bills on time. Often, these budgets may be so effective that consumers are able to avoid any more drastic measures when it comes to getting their money problems under control. Overall, having a better handle on managing their personal finances will point troubled consumers toward financial health.

In addition, many creditors see working with a credit counseling service as move in a right direction because it shows that the consumer is making a serious effort to pay off their bills. The counselor can review what debt options can assist with reducing a person's level of debt. In many cases they will recommend debt management as the first option because it will have the least negative impact on a consumer's credit score. Building up a better credit history can help people get back on solid financial footing.

Because of the myriad products available, it's important to work with a credit counselor throughout the process, as they will be in a good position to evaluate a person's financial situation and determine what financial route is best.

For consumers who have concerns about the way their finances are headed and want to get out before the problems get unmanageable, contact Consolidated Credit Counseling Services. The guidance they receive from the professionals there can be invaluable for even the most troubled consumers.

Everything You Need to Know About Credit Counseling


Everything You Need to Know About Credit Counseling

Credit counseling helps consumers who are struggling with debt and credit problems. Credit counselors work with you to solve financial hardship and find the root causes of the issues so you can avoid problems in the future. With the right credit counseling agency, you can get back on the right path with your finances and help ensure a bright financial future.
Although every financial situation is different, in many cases, credit counseling provides consumers with a way out of debt. If you’re struggling with your finances because of too much credit card debt, you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Call Consolidated Credit today at 1-800-320-9929 to speak with a certified credit counselor today. You can also get started online with a request for a Free Debt Analysis.

Wikipedia credit counseling


Credit counseling (known in the United Kingdom as debt counseling) is a process that involves offering education to consumers about how to avoid incurring debts that cannot be repaid through establishing an effective Debt Management Plan and Budget. Credit counseling is usually less typified by functions of credit education or the psychology of spending habits, rather credit counseling establishes a planned method of debt relief, typically through a Debt Management Plan.
Credit counseling often involves negotiating with creditors to establish a debt management plan (DMP) for a consumer. A DMP may help the debtor repay his or her debt by working out a repayment plan with the creditor. DMPs, set up by credit counselors, usually offer reduced payments, fees and interest rates to the client. Credit counselors refer to the terms dictated by the creditors to determine payments or interest reductions offered to consumers in a debt management plan.

Credit Improvement Counseling


Does a trip to the mailbox make you nervous? Do you want to improve your credit but don't know how?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, Contact us to learn how you may be able to improve your credit today!
Many of us are in need of additional help understanding and cleaning up past and current credit issues. The Homeownership Resource Center and Consumer Credit Counseling Services, both divisions of Family Services, Inc., work together to offer clients one-stop services for their home buying and credit needs.
Our credit improvement programs will help you:
  • learn the positive steps you can take to improve your credit;
  • learn strategies to control your day-to-day finances;
  • learn how to put your money to work for you;
  • find out what creditors look for when you apply for credit;
  • learn to understand and manage your credit report;
  • get tips on budgeting;





  •  

    CLICK on one of the following opti

    ons to learn more!! 


Credit Counselling


Canada’s Specialists in Debt Consolidation Alternatives & Credit Counselling

Welcome to the Credit Counselling Canada (CCC) national association website. These pages introduce our accredited member agencies and provide information on how we can help you. The primary focus of CCC members is providing confidential assistance for individuals and families facing personal financial issues. We offer the following services:
  • Money Management Education
  • Credit and Debt Counseling
  • Alternatives to Debt Consolidation such as Debt Management Plans
  • Tools like our Online Financial Calculator
Credit Counselling Canada is a national association of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. We work to our industry's strictest standards of accreditation. Members provide education and guidance in money management, credit counseling and debt payments. Take Action By:
  • Finding a Qualified Credit Counsellor
  • Learning About Debt and Repayment Alternatives
  • Creating a Debt Management Plan

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Ve Haberler









Duyduğuma göre Cindrellanın ayakkabısı camdan değilmiş!
Disney ile iş birliği yapan Louboutin masallardaki ayakkabıların da tabanını kırmızıya boyamak konusunda iddialı! İşe prensin gönlünü ayaklarıyla çalan (fetish victim) Cindrella ile başlamış. Ayakkabı herkesi mutlu eder. Hele masalsı olanı… Ne diyelim… Kiminin parası kiminin duası.



Eşi istediği için Valentino’yu satın aldı ! 
Ah bana bunun kimse gerçek olduğunu anlatamaz. Benim annem de çok sey istiyor ama babam gidip Chanel’e ortak olmuyor. Aslında benim şu anda yaptıgım tek şey çene çalmak ama haksız mıyım? Okuduğuma göre de alan da memnunmuş veren de… Dedim ya kimse eşini memnun etmek için Valentino’yu satın almaz (Kar marjı yüksek ki Arap yatırımcı, Batılı şirket sahiplerinin ilgisini çeker. Anlarsnız ya). Ama elin Katarlı’sı ideal erkek oldu… Valentino’ya ortak diye. Peh…



Bir sen eksiktin Karl! 
Karl L. Olimpiyat temalı bir koleksiyon hazırlıyormuş. “Ah..! Tabi harika!” diye atlamayın hemen. Mayonuzun göğüs kısmına tutturulmuş Chanel tokalar veya güreşçi tulumunuzda altın kopçalarla iliklemek zorunda kalabilirsiniz benden söylemesi. Sonra ay memem ay çüküm diye dolanırsınız sokaklarda tamam mı?



FNO başlıyor!
Vogue’un işin içinde olduğu FNO’nun tarihi belirlenmiş. 13 Eylül 2012’de yapılacak olan etkinilik hakkında tonlarca dedikodu var ama icraat yok. Şaşıracağımı umarak diyorum ki; Seda bebeğim törpülemeye devam tırnakları…



efegeozden





Designer Weekend – Prada













Prada, Miuccia Prada ile bir statü sembolü haline geldi. Moda için kısa sayılabilecek bir zaman dilimi içinde markasını en iyiler arasına soktu. Günümüz modasının yönünü tayin eden, trend belirleyici, kilit isim ‘’Miuccia’’ ’Ben her zaman imkansız bir şey yapmak istedim’’ diyor. Sofistike çizgisi, lüks ama gösterişten uzak bakış açısıyla trend belirleyici unvanını fazlasıyla hak ediyor. Onun koleksiyonlarındaki her bir parça öylesine kuvvetli ki nerede, kimin üzerinde görürseniz görün ‘Evet bu Prada’ dedirtir. Beklenmedik bir anda ortaya koyduğu tasarımlarıyla pek çok trendin fitilini ateşleyen biridir..








Designer Weekend – Alexander McQueen









Bir taksi şoförünün oğlu olan ünlü modacı 17 Mart 1969 doğumludur. Çok çocuklu bir ailenin en küçüğü olan McQueen’in 3 ablası vardı. İlk tasarımlarını da ablaları için yapmıştı. 1996 – 2003 yılları arasında 4 kez “Yılın Modacısı” ödülünü aldı. Kariyerinin dönüm noktası 1996 yıllında John Galliano’dan sonra Givenchy’nin baş tasarımcısı olmasıyla gerçekleşti. 2001 yılında ise Givenchy ile yollarını ayırdı.

Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss ve , gibi ünlüleri giydiren modacı, kırmızı halıya ismini altın harflerle yazdırmıştır.
































Sunday, July 15, 2012

Coco Chanel



1930′lu yıllarda Coco Chanel, kamgarn iplikleriyle işlenmiş ceketi, özel yapım şapkaları, deri bel kemerleri ve oxford ayakkabıları ile erkek kıyafetlerinde kullanılan birçok aksesuar ve modeli kadın kıyafetlerine uygulayarak, kravatlı, ekose ceketli, şapkalı özgür kadın imajını, yani maskulenliği yarattı. Yaşadığı dönemde farklı giyim tarzıyla ön plana çıkan Coco Chanel, dönemindeki kadınları maskulen detaylarla buluşturmakla kalmamış, Winston Curchil ile çıktığı av gezilerinde de yine bu tarzıyla dikkatleri üzerine çekmeyi başarmıştı. Chanel, ekose desenli takım elbiseleri ve deri ayakkabılarıyla maskulen tarzını dışarı yansıtırken inci kolyeleri ve ipek gömleklerinin yakasına iliştirdiği gümüş broşlarıyla kadınsı tarafını da göstermeyi ihmal etmemişti. Şüphesiz bugün Coco Chanel maskulen tarz dendiğinde akla gelen ‘en kadınsı’ isimlerden birisi… Bu yüzden günümüzde oldukça popüler olan bu trendi incelerken onu görmezlikten gelmek imkansız bir hal alıyor…







Coco’nun maskulen stilinin ardından günümüze dönecek olursak bugün maskulen trendinin son birkaç sezondur tekrar tekrar önümüze çıktığını görüyoruz. Tasarımcılar koleksiyonlarında erkeksi ve kadınsı detayları harmanlarken ceketler ile tülleri bir arada kullanmaktan çekinmiyorlar. Geçtiğimiz yıl Paul Smith’in F/W 2011, Dolce Gabbana’nın F/W 2011 ve Türkiye’de Tuana Büyükçınar’ın IFW 2011 koleksiyonlarına bakacak olursak tasarımlarda maskulen detaylara bolca rastlamak mümkün. Geçmişte Coco Chanel günümüzde ise Tilda Swinton ile özdeşleşmiş bu stili Leighton Meester, Olivia Palermo, Dita Von Teese ve Halle Berry gibi bir çok ünlü holywood isimi de kullanıyor.








Sokak stillerine gelecek olursak (özellikle bloggerlarda) yine maskulen trendine sık sık rastlamak mümkün. Cesur ve stil sahibi kadınların vazgeçilmezi ve aslında kimi zaman da kaçış noktası olan bu stilde herşey yaratıcılık ve hayal gücünüze kalmış durumda. Blazzer ceketlerinizi dar kotlar ve asker botlarıyla kombinleyerek veya gömleklerinizi boynunuza takacağınız kravatlarla kullanarak siz de bu stili günlük hayatınızda rahatlıkla kullanabilirsiniz. ‘Kubiicik bu kadar anlattın ama ben hala maskulen olmayı hiç mi hiç sevmiyorum! ‘ diyorsanız işte size aşağıda iki örnek. Seçim size kalmış ! Bu trendin uzun bir süre boyunca gündemde olacağını düşünecek olursak, kendinizi yavaş yavaş alıştırmaya başlayın derim. Hem arada bir değişiklikten zarar gelmez değil mi? 












Herkese mutlu pazarlar..;)






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