Avoiding Debt Settlement Scams Unfortunately, there are plenty of companies out there that prey on those trying to get their debt under control. In most cases, these companies refer to themselves as debt management organizations. They often promise to act as the go-between with you and your creditors; promising a low monthly payment plan to help you pay off debt. … Read More
4 Ways To Quit Neglecting Your Savings Account
By Chuck Bentley Looking ahead to the future is an important, but often scary, thing to do, especially when it comes to your finances. The best way to prepare for the future and give yourself a financial margin is to establish a healthy savings account. Not only will it help to ensure that you have the cash to cover expenses, but … Read More
Now Is the Time to Prepare Financially for Hurricane Season
By FEMA Survivors at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after hurricanes Irma and María. Financial preparedness is an essential part of 2018 hurricane season planning. Being financially prepared means you should: Consider the costs associated with disasters such as insurance deductibles and evacuation costs, and plan for those costs. Anticipate initial out-of-pocket disaster expenses … Read More
Disaster-Proof Your Pocketbook in Three Steps
By: FEMA Severe weather such as floods, storms, and tornadoes are threats to take seriously and prepare for. But not all disasters have to be record-breaking or historic to be catastrophic to your family. What about a wildfire that destroys your home and all of your belongings? Or a sump pump failure that damages your home’s electrical, water heater and furnace, … Read More
How to Talk to Your Spouse About Money
Building wealth is a lot like building a strong marriage. Both require determination, passion and the ability to communicate effectively. Determination Marriage is not a spectator sport. Neither is building wealth. You must be determined to be in the game and make certain you’re not taking your current status for granted. Don’t take your eye off of the prize. Action: … Read More
Share Financial Information with Your Spouse Now to Avoid Problems Later
By: CFPB It’s common for couples to share their financial lives but not the responsibility for managing household finances. It might be time-consuming for both of you to review your bills, as well as spending and savings plans each month. But if responsibilities unexpectedly shift due to a sudden illness or loss of a spouse, getting up to speed quickly … Read More
13 Money-Saving Hacks
By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries Saving is biblical; God wants us to be savers! He wants us to have the resources we need to take care of our families and others. He also wants us to be in a position to serve Him so that He will be made known and honored. Saving does not represent a lack of … Read More
Ask Chuck: How To Use My Tax Refund To Get Out Of Debt
By: Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministries Dear Chuck, I need help prioritizing how to use my tax refund. We are expecting to receive about $3,100 from our refund and want to use it wisely since we have a little over $23,000 of debt and are in desperate need of new tires for my car ($450). In what order should we … Read More
4 Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances
By: Liane Weissenberger, CFPB Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get your home and your finances in order. Here are a few ways to get started spring cleaning your finances: 1. Request a free credit report You can request a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and … Read More
Tax-Related Identity Theft & Scams
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone steals your Social Security number (SSN) to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund. You may be unaware that this has happened until you file your return and discover that a return already has been filed using your SSN, or the IRS may send you a letter saying they have identified a … Read More