Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

5 Personal Budgeting Myths

nmolina — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:11:21 +0000

For many people, budgeting means suffering. But that is a myth. And there are many such myths people believe when it comes to personal budgeting. More than myth, these are excuses for not having a budget. Here are five of the most common budgeting myths.

Myth #1 – Budgeting is suffering

And how is that? The fact is, most consumers are always on a budget, whether they have formally planned it or not. The problem is that their current budget is not saving them any dollars and not helping them get ahead. Budgeting isn’t suffering. In fact, it is an end to your suffering as it helps you to avoid being buried under debts, save for more important things, and be financially independent.

Myth #2 – Budgets are for poor people

This is another misconception people have. They believe budgets are for people who are facing some financial problems or are just poor. That is far from the truth. Budgets are for everyone. Even the richest person on earth has a budget; it might be managed by someone else, but it is still a budget.

Myth #3 – Budgeting takes too much paperwork and time

This is more of a fear than a myth. People are generally lazy about spending a few minutes on their budget. Over time, this laziness turns into fear; fear of all the paperwork and time a budget requires. The fact is, you can implement budgeting steps without any paperwork and the only time required is the initial time to choose the budgeting steps.

Myth #4 – Budgeting will deprive you

Budgeting doesn’t mean spending very little or making yourself feel guilty for every purchase that you make. The main purpose of having a budget is to try and save a little every month by getting control of your expenses and maintaining a positive balance between your income and spending. It’s not deprivation; it’s salvation.

Myth #5 – You don’t need a budget to survive

Many people feel they can survive without a budget. But in order to build savings, pay bills, clear debts and have enough for emergencies, a budget is a necessary tool. It is a useful financial tool that relieves stress, organizes thoughts and keeps your daily expenditures in check.

Thrifty Spending Issue 103

jstokes — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:44:16 +0000

FEATURE ARTICLE: What to do with your tax refund Expecting a hefty tax refund this year? You may have visions of plasma televisions and Hawaiian vacations. But with the economy locked in recession and the unemployment rate at a 25-year high, there might be more practical ways to spend the extra cash.

MONEY SAVING TIP: The ExtraBucks Rewards at CVS can be overwhelming when you first sign up, but it is one of those loyalty cards that pays off.

DID YOU KNOW…offers to repair your credit can be a rip off?

Credit repair agencies enjoy soliciting their special industry knowledge and insights, and people often assume these firms can do things that individuals can’t.

Debt Management Credit Counseling Obtaining Repayment Plans For Payday Loan Borrowers

jstokes — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:57:43 +0000

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit organization (DMCC), announced that is has been successfully obtaining affordable repayment plans for consumers that are struggling with payday loans for the past year. Program provides repayment plans with affordable monthly payments and suspension of collection calls.

Lighthouse Point, FL (PRWEB) April 30, 2013

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit organization (DMCC), announced today that is has been successfully obtaining affordable repayment plans for consumers that are struggling with payday loans for the past year. DMCC launched its payday loan service in April 2012 and has assisted hundreds of consumers with their payday loans since that time. The DMCC Payday Loan Assistance program provides consumers a repayment plan acceptable to their lender at a monthly payment they can afford. Consumers with multiple payday loans outstanding are able to consolidate their loan payments into one lower monthly payment to DMCC. Repayment plans are typically structured over a 6 to 12 month period depending on the total amount of payday loans outstanding. During the repayment plan term, the payday lenders also suspend their collection efforts, providing the consumer relief from harassing collection calls and letters.

Florida residents with outstanding payday loans can get additional relief from DMCC under the State of Florida Payday Advance Law. Under the law, Florida residents are entitled to a 60 day deferment of their payday loan payments, if they complete a credit counseling session with an Approved Provider. Following the deferment period, the payday lender must accept a reasonable repayment plan provided by the credit counselor. DMCC is approved by the State of Florida to provide the required counseling and repayment plans. DMCC sends the required notices to payday lenders and provides the counseling sessions free of charge. Consumers electing to repay their loans through DMCC are charged fees in accordance with state regulations. Approval as a credit counseling agency for payday advance loans does not constitute an endorsement of DMCC, or any other agency, by the State of Florida.

“Over the past year we have successfully setup affordable repayment plans with over one hundred different payday loan lenders”, said Phil Heinemann, Executive Director of DMCC. “We believe that both our clients and their lenders have benefited from this program”. Consumers interested in taking advantage of this program should call and speak to a DMCC Certified Credit Counselor at (866) 618-3328 or request to be contacted by completing an online application form on the DMCC website.

About Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

DMCC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers via seminars, workshops, a proprietary financial literacy program, and a vast array of online and printed materials. Free personal counseling is provided to consumers to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. DMCC is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, is approved by the U.S. Trustee to provide bankruptcy counseling and education, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

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Ref: http://www.prweb.com/releases/debt_management/payday_loans/prweb10682704.htm

Thrifty Spending Issue 102

jstokes — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:08:58 +0000

FEATURE ARTICLE: The IRS is giving taxpayers impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing an additional three months to file their taxes.

The extension automatically applies to anyone who lives in Suffolk County, Mass., which includes Boston.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Cut your food budget in half

We all lead busy lives. And it’s too easy to throw money at “quick” food solutions because we’re too tired to figure out a better way to function. But the food budget is the single easiest way to reduce expenses and derive more satisfaction out of everything you eat.

DID YOU KNOW…that your weight could determine the price of your plane ticket?

Samoa Air has begun charging higher fares for heavyset people, stating such a system is not only fair but the future for other airlines.

Debt Management Credit Counseling Providing Seminar in Support of National Fair Housing Month

jstokes — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:22:14 +0000

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit organization (DMCC), providing free Fair Housing Seminar in Fort Lauderdale on April 24, 2013 in support of National Fair Housing Month. Attendees will learn their rights under the Fair Housing Act and be provided personal assistance from DMCC in filing a complaint, if needed.

Lighthouse Point, FL (PRWEB) March 28, 2013

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit organization (DMCC), announced today that it will be providing a free Fair Housing Seminar in Fort Lauderdale on April 24, 2013 in support of National Fair Housing Month. The seminar will be held at the African American Research Library from 6:00pm to 7:45pm and is open to the public. Consumers attending will learn their rights and how to exercise them when seeking a place to live. DMCC encourages anyone who believes they may have been discriminated against in the purchase or rental of housing to attend.

The seminar is designed to educate attendees on their rights under the Fair Housing Act, including how to recognize and report discrimination encountered. DMCC will provide personal assistance in the filing of a complaint to any consumer that believes they have been discriminated against for no charge. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or handicap, and familial status. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination in lending and renting, as well as home purchasing. “DMCC is pleased to provide this seminar and help our local community fight housing discrimination.” said Jeremy Montanti, Director of Housing for DMCC. “It is important that our community be made aware of their rights under the Fair Housing Act.”

This free seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at the African American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, from 6:00pm to 7:45pm. Space is limited. Consumers wishing to attend must call (866) 618-3328 in advance to reserve a seat.

About Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

DMCC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers overextended with debt. Education is provided to consumers via seminars, workshops, a proprietary financial literacy program, and a vast array of online and printed materials. Free personal counseling is provided to consumers to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. Consumers interested in speaking with a DMCC Certified Credit Counselor may call (866) 618-3328 or request help at dmcconline.org. DMCC is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, is approved by the U.S. Trustee to provide bankruptcy counseling and education, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Ref: http://www.prweb.com/releases/debt_management/credit_counseling/prweb10572075.htm

Debt Management Credit Counseling Awarded Grant from TD Bank for High School Financial Literacy Program

jstokes — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:26:42 +0000

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit charitable organization (DMCC), awarded grant of $5,000 from the TD Charitable Foundation. Grant funds to be used to expand DMCC’s High School Financial Literacy Program to students attending schools in low-income neighborhoods with low FCAT scores.

Lighthouse Point, Florida (PRWEB) March 26, 2013

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit 501c3 organization (DMCC), announced today that it has been awarded a grant of $5,000 from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®. The funds awarded to DMCC are to help fund its High School Financial Literacy Program, which provides free financial literacy education to high school students in the South Florida area.

DMCC has been providing its proprietary financial literacy course, Debt, Money & Credit Concepts, to students in high schools and colleges throughout South Florida for over 10 years at no charge. The course is designed to teach basic financial education that will help students manage their personal finances and make informed financial decisions. Financial literacy is not a required curriculum in the State of Florida, so schools and teachers typically depend on banks and nonprofit organizations to provide this education to their students. The grant from TD Bank will provide funding to expand the DMCC program to include in-classroom instruction to students attending high schools in low-income neighborhoods with lower than average FCAT scores. In the State of Florida, schools with low FCAT scores receive less state funding, making DMCC’s free program a valuable resource for the school and its students.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® and the TD Charitable Foundation provide support to affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.

About Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

DMCC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers via seminars, workshops, a proprietary financial literacy program, and a vast array of online and printed materials. Free personal counseling is provided to consumers to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. Consumers interested in speaking with a DMCC Certified Credit Counselor may call (866) 618-3328 or request help at dmcconline.org. DMCC is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, is approved by the U.S. Trustee to provide bankruptcy counseling and education, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

About the TD Charitable Foundation

The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank N.A., which operates as TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, and is one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. The Foundation’s mission is to serve the individuals, families and businesses in all the communities where TD Bank operates, having made $100.4 million in charitable donations since its inception in 2002. The Foundation’s areas of focus are affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and the environment. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation, including an online grant application, is available at http://www.TDBank.com.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing nearly 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine. To learn more, visit http://www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDMoneyLoungeUS and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD.” To learn more, visithttp://www.td.com.

Ref: http://www.prweb.com/releases/debt_management/credit_counseling/prweb10562019.htm

Use Your Tax Refund to Improve Your Credit Scores

nmolina — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:25:08 +0000

It’s income tax season and many Americans have already planned what they will do with their refund check as soon as they get it. Making large purchases or taking a vacation are popular ways to spend tax money. Many consumers also use their tax refunds to pay down credit cards or other debt. Whether you are looking to buy your dream car or improve your financial wellness, DMCC has a great service to give your goals a boost.

DMCC’s Credit Score Analysis service will provide you a custom plan of action on how to improve your credit scores for only $49.

If you plan to make a large purchase with financing, your credit score will be a deciding factor for approval, as well as getting a desirable interest rate. Your purchase options may also be limited if your credit score does not meet the lender’s requirements. Even with approval, a low credit score may result in a higher interest rate costing you thousands of dollars. Ultimately, your credit score will either cost you thousands of dollars or save you thousands of dollars in interest over the long run.

If you plan to pay down your credit card balances or other debts and do not have sufficient funds to pay all your debts in full, then you should allocate payments in amounts that will maximize your credit scores. For example, reducing the balance-to-credit ratio on three of your credit cards to below 30% should increase your credit scores by more than just paying one of your credit cards in full.

DMCC’s Credit Score Analysis service will identify the specific steps you can take to increase your credit scores, helping you get affordable financing for that planned purchase, either now or in the future. Our certified credit counselors will provide you a written report that tells you exactly what you can do, including how much cash you need to pay down each of your outstanding debts to maximize the positive effect on your credit scores. After you take each step, it will typically take 30-60 days for the credit reporting agencies to update your credit reports and scores. Once the changes have taken effect, you can start planning your purchases with confidence in knowing your credit worthiness has improved.

If you think your credit scores could be better and anticipate receiving a tax refund this year, consider taking advantage of this valuable DMCC service.

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agency Provides Gifts to Economically Challenged Children

jstokes — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:07:51 +0000

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp. http://www.dmcconline.org, a nonprofit credit counseling organization (“DMCC”), delivered holiday gifts to the children of Florence Fuller Child Development Center (FFCDC) in Boca Raton. Every holiday season, DMCC participates in the “Adopt an Angel” charity to give a child in need a new toy.

Lighthouse Point, FL (PRWEB) December 27, 2012

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.http://www.dmcccorp.org, a nonprofit credit counseling organization (“DMCC”), donated toys to the children of FFCDC for the ninth year in a row. Since 2003, DMCC employees have donated over 450 gifts to the children of FFCDC as part of their December, Charity of the Month program. The DMCC program helps local charities by organizing food and clothing drives, providing volunteers, and making every effort to help the chosen charity thrive and succeed.

FFCDC is a children development center that offers affordable childcare, early education and family support programs to children of economically challenged families in their community. DMCC collaborates with FFCDC by purchasing gifts for children whose parents have limited income during the holiday season. “We are honored to take part in this charity. Our employees always gets excited when this time of the year arrives,” said Jessica Francese, Education Coordinator for DMCC. “There is nothing more rewarding then to deliver these gifts and see the smiles on the children’s faces.”

As a nonprofit, DMCC knows the importance of community support and involvement. The Charity of the Month program implemented by DMCC is an extension of those efforts to educate the local community and provide financial assistance through their debt management plans. To read more about DMCC’s past charity work, click here.

About Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

DMCC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers via seminars, workshops, a proprietary financial literacy program, and a vast array of online and printed materials. Free personal counseling is provided to consumers to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. Consumers interested in speaking with a DMCC certified credit counselor may call (866) 618-3328 or request help at dmcconline.org. DMCC is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, is approved by the U.S. Trustee to provide bankruptcy counseling and education, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Ref: http://www.prweb.com/releases/charity/credit_counseling/prweb10273467.htm

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agency Announces Sweepstakes Winner

jstokes — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:38:16 +0000

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp http://www.dmcconline.org, a nonprofit organization (DMCC), announces winner of its “Get Out of Debt” sweepstakes. DMCC paid $500 towards the winner’s credit card in furtherance of its charitable mission to help consumers with their personal finances.

Lighthouse Point, FL (PRWEB) December 24, 2012

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corphttp://www.dmcconline.org, a nonprofit organization (DMCC), announced today that Patricia Kunkle of Toms River, NJ, was the lucky winner of its “Get Out of Debt Sweepstakes”. For winning the sweepstakes, DMCC paid Five Hundred U.S. Dollars ($500.00) directly toward Patricia’s credit card in furtherance of its charitable mission to help consumers with their personal finances. The sweepstakes was open from September 17, 2012 through December 16, 2012 to U.S. residents who “Liked” the DMCC Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/dmcconline1, were at least 18 years of age, and had credit card accounts, student loans or payday loans in their name with balances totaling at least Five Thousand U.S. Dollars ($5000.00).

“I was extremely happy to find out that I had won”, said Patricia Kunkle, the Get Out of Debt Sweepstakes winner. “We had to charge quite a bit on our credit card following my husband’s return from a tour in Afghanistan, so DMCC’s payment is a huge help”. DMCC has been helping consumers get out of debt for over 12 years. Certified credit counselors at DMCC provide consumers free budget counseling and, when appropriate, debt management plans to lower credit card interest rates and payments. DMCC is also able to help individuals setup affordable repayment plans for their student loans, payday loans, medical bills and federal income taxes. “Congratulations to Patricia and her family”, said Phil Heinemann, DMCC Executive Director. “We could not have hoped for a more deserving person to win”.

About Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp.

DMCC is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers via seminars, workshops, a proprietary financial literacy program, and a vast array of online and printed materials. Free personal counseling is provided to consumers to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. DMCC is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, is approved by the U.S. Trustee to provide bankruptcy counseling and education, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Thrifty Spending Issue 101

jstokes — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:19:16 +0000

FEATURE ARTICLE: Best Ways to Find Holiday Deals Online. These shopping strategies can help you save big.

Sure, doing your holiday shopping on Black Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — is one way to score deep discounts. But if you didn’t want to deal with the crowds in the stores, you can still save big by buying the items on your gift list online. In fact, if you use the strategies and sites listed below, shopping online may be the best way to get deals this holiday season.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Keep your budget in check while shopping this holiday season.

Holiday shopping can get overwhelming. Shoppers need to be prepared in order to avoid making financial mistakes this season.

Here are tips to make sure this holiday does not cause debt related stress in the new year.

DID YOU KNOW…about the Hill-Burton Act?

The Act states that hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities that received government money provide free or reduced-cost services to patients.

Do you owe on a medical debt and are unable to make payments?