Category: Education

Nobody likes to take a call from the collections department. It doesn’t matter if the call is about a credit card, a utility bill, a bounced check or anything else that may be delinquent. Avoiding the issue may seem like a good strategy to those who really hate conflict, but it is usually the worst thing you can [...]

The cost of raising a child is elevating every day. Paying for baseball leagues, dance lessons, day care, clothing, food and school supplies can add up to be a large sum of money. On the other hand, if you are caring for a parent, a spouse or any other dependent that are physically or mentally incapable of caring [...]

Instead of spending your tax refund on something you do not truly need, put it in a savings account where it will accrue interest and grow. A savings account can serve as a retirement fund or emergency account. It is recommended to have funds to cover your expenses for four to six months in your savings account in [...]

Have you ever wondered what to do with your pet if you suddenly passed away? Who is going to take care of it? What if it gets sick and needs medical attention? Who is going to pay the medical bills? Who is going to pay for routine shots? These are many questions you may ask yourself in thinking [...]

How many people does it take to screw in a CFL light bulb? One but what a smart consumer. CFLs or Compact Florescent Lamps may not be a shoppers first choice when picking out bulbs but they should be. These bulbs retail for about $4. Much more costly then the traditional incandescent bulbs many households still use. [...]

ChexSystems is a database that 80 percent of banking institutions review before letting you open a checking account. This database is very similar to the three major credit bureaus  Experian, Equifax and Trans Union  except it lists account mishandlings such as overdrafts. If your name somehow ends up in this database, you may find it very difficult to [...]

If you find yourself using your savings account to pay bills or prevent your checks from bouncing, then its time to reevaluate your spending habits. This may seem like a difficult task at first, but after a short period of time, saving money should become a breeze. To better reap the rewards of a savings account, update your budget [...]

Watch Out for Those Overdraft Charges Have you ever looked at your bank statement and felt like screaming at the top of your lungs? Do you feel like you are throwing money out the window? Maybe you purchased an item for $197.99 and you have $197.85 in your checking account. Congratulations, you have mastered the art of bouncing [...]

Banks across the country have adopted a tricky new type of overdraft plan with huge fees. It is called Courtesy Draft Protection. This new type of overdraft protection replaces the traditional overdraft protection. The traditional plan allows a consumer to prevent writing bad checks by drawing on a savings account, line of credit or credit card. Washington Mutual is [...]

Debit cards  also known as check cards, ATM cards, and express checking cards can be used to withdraw cash from your bank account via ATM and make purchases without using credit. They look similar to a credit card and work by taking the money directly out of your bank account. According to the American Bankers Association, ABA, in 2005, [...]

Did you know that adding a teen to a car insurance policy could increase premiums from 100 percent to 355 percent, even if the teen is just driving the family minivan? There are several different ways to get lower premiums for your teenagers. Many insurance companies offer online tutorials that they can take and, if passed, companies will provide [...]

I need to buy a car when I graduate from high school. I want something reliable that I can take up to college. How do I go about finding and purchasing a vehicle?  Buying a car can be both exciting and stressful but you can reduce the stress level involved if you do a bit of research [...]

Do you need financial guidance? Would you like help putting a budget together? DMCC can help you. Call us at 1-800-863-9011 and speak to a certified financial counselor completely free of charge. Volume 1; January 2004 – Educational Series What Can I Afford? The better your credit, the easier it is for you to qualify for [...]

Do you need financial guidance? Would you like help putting a budget together? DMCC can help you. Call us at 1-800-863-9011 and speak to a certified financial counselor completely free of charge.  Volume 1; January 2004 – Educational Series Until recently, there were two main ways to get cash from your home: you could sell your [...]

Buying a vehicle can be both a stressful and rewarding experience, especially if you plan on purchasing a used vehicle. Even if you get great financing and find the exact car you want with all the extras, there is still a chance that the car may not be as reliable as you hoped.  To avoid any future headaches, [...]

Do you need financial guidance? Would you like help putting a budget together? DMCC can help you. Call us at 1-800-863-9011 and speak to a certified financial counselor completely free of charge. Volume 1; January 2004 – Educational Series Get Pre-Qualified Do you know if you can afford a home?  How much can you afford to [...]

FTC Adds “Do Not Call” Registry to Current Telemarketing Sales Rule The Federal Trade Commission’s amended Telemarketing Sales Rule puts consumers in control of telemarketing calls they receive at home. With the creation of the National ”Do Not Call” Registry, the FTC will make it easier and more efficient for consumers to stop getting unwanted telemarketing. The National [...]

Telephone expenses have increased over time. Although you frequently see advertisements for low telephone rates, it is essential that you monitor your calling patterns and select a calling plan based on your individual needs. Many consumers are now able to choose both local and long distance phone service providers. These companies offer many optional services such as voicemail, [...]

While bankruptcy may be a life vest for most people drowning in debt, choosing to file is never an easy decision. For some financially distressed debtors, bankruptcy may not always be the best option. Several events can cause individuals to lose control of their financial situation. Divorce, job loss, lawsuits, foreclosures or credit card debt can drive a [...]

With the cost of college education constantly rising, it is very difficult for anyone to attend a university without getting some sort of financial aid. What is available? The Federal government provides any or all of the following financial aid programs to undergraduate* college students: Grants: Money that you do not have to pay back. Loans: Money [...]