Cambridge Credit Counseling - Personal Finance Blog

Cambridge Responds to Inaccurate Blog Posts

2010-02-24T10:41:00.009-05:00

We would like to thank those bloggers who posted after Cambridge was mentioned by noted personal finance author Jordan Goodman on the ABC program The View. One of the most endearing qualities of the online community is its passion for sharing information. Unfortunately, the absence of accepted journalistic and investigative standards is also common in the online world, which often makes a casualty of the truth. This was definitely the case yesterday, when a few individuals posted defamatory and terribly inaccurate entries on their blog sites about our agency.

Several posters reported that Cambridge was currently involved in litigation with the Illinois attorney general. The lawsuit mentioned in those postings resulted from the business practices of our organization's previous management, from whom we separated at the end of 2004. In fact, the Illinois suit, which was satisfactorily resolved in 2007, was the last item that new management had to deal with when it assumed control of the agency. All other actions were resolved previously.

Some other bloggers repeated old accusations about inappropriate fee structures, back-office business arrangements with the long-defunct Brighton Credit agency, and the absence of third-party accreditation. We would like to assure the thousands of people contacting us each month for assistance that these assertions are entirely without merit.

Cambridge is licensed or exempt from licensure in 45 states. Our fees are capped at $75 initial and $50 monthly, and are compliant with the fee limits in all states where we do business. At present, our average initial fee is just $46 and our average monthly fee is just $25. Approximately 7% of our clients pay no fees whatsoever, and a significant number receive more modest reductions.

Brighton Credit was a subsidiary of Cambridge's former management. All ties to that company were severed when the new Cambridge separated from the aforementioned team in 2004.

Our current Better Business Bureau rating is B+. We are confident that it will improve again by this summer.

All of Cambridge’s counselors and client services representatives are nationally certified by the Institute for Financial Literacy or the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, the two most widely recognized independent accrediting bodies. Certification by the IFL or AFCPE is required in many states prior to licensure. Our staff also receives at least 10 continuing education credits annually to maintain their certificates.

Recognition of Cambridge’s comprehensive approach to effective financial counseling came last summer, when we were unanimously recommended for membership in the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA), a universally respected national membership organization established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services.

Cambridge is ISO 9000 registered and audited annually to the AICCCA Code of Practice.

The dedication of Cambridge’s new board and management team has helped us expand our educational offerings and re-establish confidence in our commitment to quality service. A testament to this dedication was Cambridge’s recent approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing counseling services. Furthermore, through the efforts of our exceptional staff, our financial literacy education programs continue to reach a wide variety of social service agencies, including our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the Job Corps, several VA facilities for homeless veterans, and a number of family shelters.

We would like to apologize for any confusion caused by these postings and are hopeful that the individuals involved will retract the defamatory statements they’ve placed on their sites. Anyone interested in learning more about Cambridge’s community services is encouraged to contact our agency’s president, Christopher Viale, at 413-821-6919.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING EXPANDS ITS MONEY AMERICA RADIO PROGRAM TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS

2010-02-05T10:41:00.004-05:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413-821-6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING EXPANDS ITS MONEY AMERICA RADIO PROGRAM TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS

Weekly WAIC 91.9 FM radio program goes to an hour-long format to provide additional financial information to the local community.

Agawam, MA - Friday, February 05, 2010 – In April 2009, Cambridge Credit Counseling launched the Money America program which airs 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on American International College’s radio station, WAIC 91.9 FM. The show helps residents of Western Massachusetts, and beyond, by providing discussions of the oftentimes complex financial matters that impact their lives. Based on the success of the program, Cambridge and AIC have agreed to expand the half-hour show to a full hour format beginning February 7, 2009.

“We are thrilled the program has been so well received by the community,” remarked Christopher Viale, Cambridge’s president and CEO. “We know that more than 30,000 listeners are tuning in each week, and, based on their feedback, we’ve gotten a sense of the demand that exists for basic financial information. Our staff is looking forward to the additional opportunities that a longer format will make possible.”

Expanding the program to an hour will also allow the show’s hosts to interview other financial professionals and community leaders who are making an impact in the Pioneer Valley. The first scheduled guest is Jennifer A. Connolly, President of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. Ms. Connolly will discuss how JA has evolved since its founding in the Pioneer Valley, and how their economic curriculum is changing the lives of local young people. Future guests will include representatives of mortgage and lending institutions, a representative from the State Treasurer’s Office, local student loan counselors and authors. Those who would like to appear as a guest on Money America should contact Thomas Fox, at (413) 241-2362, or via e-mail at tfox@cambridgecredit.org.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional housing and debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management, and to providing financially distressed Americans with education, housing counseling and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit or check out the Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. financial literacy blog at http://www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

ABOUT MONEY AMERICA
Money America, is hosted by Cambridge’s Community Outreach Director, Thomas Fox, and A.I.C. alum Lavalle Smith, a nationally certified credit counselor. Money America airs on WAIC 91.9 FM at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time each Sunday. Each week, the program focuses on important financial topics, including credit reports and scores, managing credit and debt more effectively, and a host of other timely issues.

DORA ROBINSON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED WAY OF PIONEER VALLEY, APPEARS ON CAMBRIDGE’S MONEY AMERICA RADIO PROGRAM

2010-01-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

Long-time Springfield resident and community leader shares her vision for helping the United Way meet the needs of the Pioneer Valley.

Agawam, MA - Friday, January 08, 2010 -- After an exhaustive search for a new president, the United Way’s Board of Directors named Dora Robinson as its president and chief executive officer in August 2009. A resident of Springfield, Robinson has more than 25 years’ experience in human services administration, including 18 years as president and chief executive officer of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. She also served as Director of Children and Family Services at the Center for Human Development, and as Director of the Foster Grandparent Program at the Urban League of Springfield. Robinson brings her breadth of experience to the United Way of Pioneer Valley as the organization works to reinvent the way it assists our community. On Sunday’s edition of Cambridge Credit Counseling’s Money America radio program, Robinson shares her insights, vision and passion for helping Pioneer Valley residents meet the challenges ahead. Be sure to tune in to WAIC 91.9 FM for Money America this Sunday, January 10, at 7pm to listen to this enlightening interview.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF PIONEER VALLEY

United Way of Pioneer Valley is a local non-profit philanthropic organization that provides resources to address pressing community concerns. It supports community services for individuals and families, education and programs focused on helping children and youth achieve their potential, financial education and access services to increase family economic stability, and improving people’s health. The UWPV's service area is Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley.

ABOUT MONEY AMERICA

Money America, is hosted by Cambridge’s Community Outreach Director, Thomas Fox, and A.I.C. alum Lavalle Smith, a nationally certified credit counselor. Money America airs on WAIC 91.9 FM at 7 p.m. each Sunday. Each week, the program focuses on important financial topics, including credit reports and scores, managing credit and debt more effectively, and a host of other timely issues.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING LAUNCHES MONEY AMERICA RADIO PROGRAM AT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

2009-04-30T09:08:00.000-04:00

Weekly WAIC 91.9 FM radio program will provide financial education to local community.

As the nation’s economic crisis continues, credit card interest rates and unemployment are on the rise again, as millions of Americans fall further behind on their bills. While experts look for signs of an economic rebound, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and other officials have called for more aggressive financial literacy campaigns to help the public make more informed decisions. In response, Cambridge Credit Counseling and American International College announced today that they are co-producing a weekly radio program to help residents of Western Massachusetts learn about the financial issues of the day.

“American International College and Cambridge Credit Counseling are both passionate about helping people get a better understanding of today’s financial world,” noted Christopher Viale, Cambridge’s president and CEO. “At the same time, we’re thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with A.I.C., a prestigious institution with a long history of service to the Springfield community.”

The radio show, titled Money America, will be hosted by Cambridge’s Community Outreach Director, Thomas Fox, and by A.I.C. alum Lavalle Smith, a nationally certified credit counselor. Money America will debut on WAIC 91.9 FM at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Each week, the program will focus on an important financial topic, including credit reports and scores, managing credit and debt more effectively, and a host of other timely issues. The public will be encouraged to call in with questions.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING LAUNCHES KEEPYOURHOME.US TO PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE TO OBAMA HOUSING PROGRAM

2009-04-22T12:47:00.001-04:00

Website details Cambridge’s Home Sweet Home initiative to aid the ailing economy.

It’s been more than one month since the Obama administration announced the U.S. Treasury Department's Making Home Affordable program. While that initiative has its merits, many believe that it falls short of offering struggling homeowners the help they desperately need. In an effort to promote awareness of its Home Sweet Home alternative, Cambridge Credit Counseling announced today that it has recently launched a new website, keepyourhome.us. The organization’s Home Sweet Home plan achieves economic stability by directly addressing problems in the housing sector.

“Home Sweet Home has created a buzz in the credit counseling industry, and its merits are easily understood,” noted Christopher Viale, Cambridge’s president and CEO. “Our goal with the keepyourhome.us website is to generate support. Anyone who visits the site will see the initiative for what it is – an alternative that will help more homeowners than the current housing recovery plans in existence.”

Economists and analysts alike predict that prices in the housing market may decline by another 20 percent before they level off, and that nearly half of all homeowners will owe more on their mortgages than the current value of their homes. Some economists theorize that the housing market will need at least another three years to achieve price stability. Therefore, programs offering assistance should be structured to anticipate the future needs of homeowners.

The following is a brief overview of the progress that could be achieved through the Home Sweet Home initiative.

In the short-term, homeowners would gain the financial relief they desperately need, while in the long-term, restructured loans would help stabilize markets as these formerly toxic assets performed successfully.

The significant monthly savings to homeowners would allow for an infusion of cash into the economy, as consumer spending would undoubtedly increase.

Banks would avoid significant foreclosure costs and avoid having a backlog of homes to sell.

The restoration of real value to suspect or worthless loans would help free up the credit market and inspire consumer and investor confidence.

American families would be freed from the anxiety that is paralyzing our economy.

To view a brief social media introduction to keepyourhome.us, please visit the following link Obama's Housing Program: One Month Later.

AMERICAN CONSUMERS HELPED BY CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING TELL THEIR STORIES

2009-03-25T08:56:00.000-04:00

Credit counseling participants reveal how the economy has changed their lives.

Tremendous losses in 401(k) balances, historic numbers of foreclosures, and increasing credit card rates – it all sounds like a Hollywood screenplay about a financial apocalypse, but this is the reality that millions of Americans are experiencing today. Last week, Cambridge Credit Counseling president Christopher Viale reached out to a sampling of the tens of thousands of consumers his agency has counseled over the last six months, encouraging them to share their stories. Dozens responded, revealing how the economy has dramatically altered their lives. Many of these consumers would welcome the opportunity to speak with the media.

“The initial purpose of this outreach was to demonstrate that not enough is being done to help millions of hardworking Americans, and that we have a solution, Home Sweet Home, that deserves serious consideration,” stated Christopher Viale, President and CEO of Cambridge Credit. “In response, we received a number of very moving accounts from everyday people who will continue to struggle, despite the administration’s efforts.”

Cambridge sent the following message to individuals who had previously reached out to the agency for counseling.

“Over the last few weeks, our Home Sweet Home initiative has generated a good deal of interest in the news media. Within that time, I have worked to gain support for the initiative and to create awareness about the financial strain many of you and your loved ones may be experiencing. On St. Patrick's Day, I traveled to Manhattan to speak with reporters about the reforms we are championing, as well as the services Cambridge provides every day.

Several reporters have requested to speak with you, our clients. Specifically, the media would like to interview people who have experienced any of the following circumstances:

The inability to qualify for the Obama Administration's housing program
The inability to understand the requirements of the Obama Administration's housing program
A reduction in your credit limit on your credit card(s), resulting in diminished credit scores, higher interest rates, and/or reduced access to credit
The inability to maintain payments as a result of changes to the terms of your credit card account(s)
Overtime, bonus or other wage reductions that resulted in difficulty keeping up with increases in the cost of living

If you've experienced any of these situations, please send me an e-mail outlining your circumstances. My address is cviale@cambridgecredit.org. I will read each and every one of your responses and do my very best to reply to you in a timely fashion. Additionally, I will share some of your stories with the reporters who reached out to us for information. Some members of the media may wish to conduct a brief telephone interview with you, so please indicate your willingness to speak about your circumstances, as well as the best time and telephone number to reach you, if you'd like to participate. I will provide you with advance notice in the event that your story is chosen.

I thank you in advance for your time and effort in helping us to bring focus upon the issues that are affecting you most in these trying economic times. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help provide insight into the plight of struggling Americans.”

If you are writing a story about how the economy is affecting everyday people and wish to speak with any of those who responded to Cambridge’s query, please contact Christopher Viale at 413-821-6919 or cviale@cambridgecredit.org.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management, and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at http://www.cambridgecredit.org/. To learn more about Cambridge and the community, visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT OFFERS NEW ONLINE EDUCATION TO HELP CONSUMERS THROUGH THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

2009-02-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

Your Money 2.0 launches this week offering expert advice on financial challenges.

With more than 200 million Americans active on the Internet, Cambridge Credit Counseling is increasing its online education efforts. This week, Cambridge launches its new online news program, Your Money 2.0. The weekly program will highlight the most relevant financial stories of the day, and provide insight as to how these events may affect the average consumer. In addition, Your Money 2.0 will focus on the very best financial tools available online so consumers can be as informed as possible when making financial decisions. Personal finance websites, blogs, and other important Internet resources will be among the topics regularly featured on the program.

“The Internet connects the world, and it is becoming a fantastic medium to provide financial education,” noted Christopher Viale, president and CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “Cambridge’s Your Money 2.0 will have the ability to reach a mass audience and help empower individuals to regain control of their money.”

The program builds off Cambridge’s successful Learn Now or Pay Later webisodes, which were released throughout 2008. Your Money 2.0’s weekly format will allow for a more immediate delivery of pertinent education, helping ordinary consumers manage their finances as the country suffers through its worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Weekly programs will be available on the company’s YouTube page, and will be offered for free to financially themed sites across the Internet. Anyone interested in learning more about Your Money 2.0 should contact Thomas Fox, Community Outreach Director, at 413-241-2362 or via e-mail at tfox@cambridgecredit.org. Subscriptions to releases are available at the company’s YouTube page.

To view a Your Money 2.0 promotional package, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at http://www.cambridgecredit.org/. To learn more about Cambridge and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

WAITING FOR GEITHNER: CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING COMMENTS ON WHAT’S TO COME FOR MORTGAGE RELIEF

2009-02-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Treasury Secretary Geithner’s plan to “leverage and mobilize private capital” along with government funds to help take $500 billion worth of distressed assets off the balance sheets of the nation’s troubled banks did little to encourage the markets. The specifics of the Administration’s proposal have yet to be revealed, but, according to Christopher Viale, President of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., the plan reveals Geithner’s likely thinking about how his department intends to help the millions of homeowners facing foreclosure.

For Viale, whose “Home Sweet Home” initiative is designed to stave off the next wave of mortgage foreclosures and keep as many people in their homes as possible, Geithner’s approach will also, he hopes, be a public-private solution. “The problem is too big for government alone,” said Viale. “But until we see the specifics from Treasury on exactly how mortgage relief will work, I’m concerned that their approach might not go far enough. America needs a relief plan that provides options to homeowners beyond the group that is already in default. There are millions more Americans who are barely making their monthly payments.”

Viale should know. Cambridge Credit Counseling is a professional debt counseling organization that helps educate Americans on the importance of sound financial management. Cambridge, which has counseled well over 1.5 million consumers, is on the front lines of the country’s economic meltdown. Viale’s “Home Sweet Home” initiative hinges on a “50/40” concept: rewriting mortgages out to terms as long as 50 years and reducing the monthly payment by as much as 40%. The result would enable consumers in financial difficulty to meet their financial obligations – mortgage payments, credit cards, medical costs, establish personal savings and remain productive in the economy. "Preventing foreclosures and helping consumers pay their bills doesn’t just stabilize the economy, it’s a form of stimulus in itself,” said Viale.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEER TO HELP EDUCATE SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

2009-02-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

Cambridge welcomes students participating in Junior Achievement’s Groundhog Job Shadow Day.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. will serve as host to students from the Springfield, MA, public school system on February 3rd as part of the Groundhog Job Shadow Initiative. Job Shadow Day is the result of a collaborative effort by Junior Achievement and local businesses that is designed to introduce young people to a wide variety of professions, helping students prepare to join the workforce of the 21st century. Students “shadow” mentors through a normal workday – experiencing firsthand how skills learned in the classroom relate to the modern workplace.

Because Cambridge Credit Counseling’s core mission is to provide financial literacy, the agency’s Education Department will conduct its Keeping Money on Your Mind: Entering the American Economy seminar for all students in attendance, educating them on the importance of personal money management. In addition to discussing the nuances of personal finance, the seminar also address the mechanics of the job search, including successful interviewing strategies. The PowerPoint presentation used, complete with speaker notes, is available on Cambridge’s website for download by families, community groups and educational institutions. Please click here to download http://www.cambridge-credit.org/keepingmoneyonyourmind.ppt

“Cambridge is honored to be hosting yet another Job Shadow Day, and we’re happy to help educate students about the workforce,” remarked Christopher Viale, president of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “Junior Achievement does wonderful work, and they deserve the support of everyone in our local business community. We welcome the opportunity to share our experience and expertise on their behalf.”

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge in the community, please visit http://www.cambridgecredit.org..

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP. ANNOUNCES SEMINAR SERIES, LEARNING TO RUN THE BUSINESS CALLED YOUR LIFE

2009-01-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

New financial literacy seminars focus on preparing for economic challenges in 2009.

The year 2008 will likely go down in history as one of the most financially trying in generations. Over the last twelve months, Americans have seen dramatic increases in foreclosure and jobless rates, the erosion of pension plans and retirement savings, and a government opting for unprecedented remedies to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, 2009 looks as if it will be just as challenging. In an effort to provide critical financial education on both the local and national scale, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. will hold a series of seminars to help people better prepare themselves and their families to meet the difficulties they may face in the coming year.

On January 15, 2009, Cambridge will hold the first installment in this year's series -- Learning to Run the Business Called Your Life. Part one will focus on developing strategic plans to ensure long-term financial success. Among the topics discussed will be creating a practical spending plan, establishing an adequate emergency savings fund, and eliminating debt.

“Decreased access to credit, a struggling job market and the prospect of a worsening economy means that we all have to develop a more aggressive strategy toward our finances,” warns Christopher Viale, President of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “If we’ve learned anything from 2008, it’s that a lifestyle built on credit, and not savings, can be disastrous. We owe it to ourselves and our families to adopt a new philosophy in 2009.”

All seminars are offered for free to the public and will be held at Cambridge’s offices, located at 67 Hunt Street, Agawam, MA. Each session is scheduled to run from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, and a full listing of dates is available on Cambridge’s website, www.goodpayer.com. The organization understands that it may be geographically impossible for everyone interested to attend, so a PowerPoint presentation, complete with speaker notes, will also be available for download the day after each seminar. Families, community groups, and educational institutions are encouraged to use the information provided. For more information about Cambridge's seminars, please call the agency’s Director of Education, Martin Lynch, at 413-241-2401.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT URGES WASHINGTON TO PROMOTE MEASURES THAT BUILD CONFIDENCE, NOT DEBT

2008-12-09T09:53:00.001-05:00

Counseling organization offers Home Sweet Home initiative to address consumer concerns as recession deepens.

Over the last several months, the Bush administration has focused its efforts on thawing the nation's frozen credit markets. So far, banks and insurance companies have been the primary beneficiaries of the government's bailout plan, and little has been done to provide relief at the consumer level. This omission is not without its consequences, particularly when one considers the trillion-dollar credit card debt currently shouldered by consumers and the 20,000 foreclosures occurring each week across the country.

With the recent announcement by the National Bureau of Economic Research that the country's economy is officially in recession, consumers will undoubtedly look to reduce their spending, uncertain whether they'll have access to credit again in the foreseeable future. "Many of the people we've talked to lately have lost confidence in the credit system. They see the nation's reliance on credit as one of the catalysts in our economic meltdown," notes Christopher Viale, President of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

Perhaps that's a good thing. "Simply increasing the availability of credit to certain consumers is the equivalent of giving a drowning man a glass of water," according to Viale. "Any solution to resolve our current problems would have a much better chance of succeeding, and would help restore consumer confidence, if it included a mechanism to modify home loans. That's where this crisis began, and remedies that address this root cause will help end it."

In fact, Viale has assembled such a plan, the Home Sweet Home Initiative, which is intended to stabilize the economy by providing immediate mortgage relief to struggling homeowners. The plan is dependant on a coordinated effort by legislators and the private sector. In Viale's opinion there is little point to allowing millions of Americans to be turned out of their homes. "Many consumers wound up in bad home loans due to questionable lending practices and haven't been able to create a workout plan because their mortgages can't easily be rewritten. Home Sweet Home addresses this fact by mandating the availability of workout options for most consumers, thereby increasing the amount of monthly discretionary income at their disposal." The goal of Viale's plan is to help families become productive and responsible consumers, able to save, spend and use credit appropriately.

CAMBRIDGE PRESIDENT URGES MORTGAGE RE-WRITES TO SAVE HOMEOWNERS

2008-10-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling President Christopher Viale announces Home Sweet Home initiative to help avert foreclosures and restore market stability

With Wall Street focused on the details of last week’s bailout, millions of American homeowners continue to struggle to avoid foreclosure. Throughout Tuesday evening’s Presidential debates, both candidates acknowledged the need to keep those on the verge of foreclosure in their homes. It is also important to recognize the significant number of homeowners in need of reductions in their monthly mortgage payments who are not yet facing delinquency. These are families living one financial setback away from disaster. Homeowners in this predicament are barely meeting their mortgage obligations and, as a result, have little or no discretionary income, preventing them from full participation in our economy as healthy consumers.

A number of rescue plans have recently been circulated to save American homeowners, and while they are certainly a piece of the puzzle, program costs and eligibility limit the scope of their possible effectiveness on a nationwide scale. As time runs out for ordinary Americans looking to stay in their homes, and before the credit crisis derails more of our economy, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. President Christopher Viale is proposing common-sense solutions from a consumer perspective. The Home Sweet Home initiative is Viale’s plan to help struggling homeowners, and it ultimately provides a measure of stability to the economy. Both the private sector and the federal government would be required to take action and make reasonable concessions for the strategy to be effective, and, though it may not be appropriate for every situation, Viale believes his plan could be a lifeline for many of those currently drowning in mortgage debt.

“Everyone in a position to share their expertise - politicians, financial executives, economists and others, must come to the table to help contribute solutions to this crisis. Our agency hears from thousands of consumers every month, and we know the kind of relief they need. The federal government is providing massive amounts of aid to banks, and we need that kind of effort at the consumer level, as well. I’m confident that Home Sweet Home could be an important part of the solution,” notes Viale.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at http://www.cambridgecredit.org/. To learn more about Cambridge and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. or check out the Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. financial literacy blog at http://www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com/.

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CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP. TO PARTICIPATE IN TREASURER’S MONEY CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES

2008-09-25T10:32:00.000-04:00

Representatives will educate Massachusetts residents about sound financial matters and home ownership

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. will be participating in this weekend’s Money Conference for Women & Families on Saturday, September 27th, 2008. The conference is part of a series presented periodically throughout the Commonwealth by Timothy P. Cahill, Massachusetts State Treasurer, in conjunction with the YWCA. The goal of the free conference is to provide education and advice on a wide range of money management issues confronting women, including retirement and investment strategies.

“The dramatic events taking place in our financial markets is a clear reminder that all consumers need to know how to manage their finances wisely,” remarked Christopher Viale, Cambridge’s president and CEO. “Treasurer Cahill has been a strong advocate of financial literacy, and it is an honor for our organization to assist in providing the education so many Americans desperately need.”

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. will be on hand to advise attendees about their choices in developing a sound financial plan. In addition, Cambridge’s Community Outreach Director, Thomas J. Fox, will be part of the afternoon discussion, Home Ownership: How to be a Careful Consumer in a Complicated Market, which will be conducted from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.

For those interested in attending, the event will be held at the:

Reggie Lewis Athletic Center

Roxbury Community College

1350 Tremont Street

Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120

Pre-registration is required for this one-day conference, and registration information can be obtained by calling the State Treasurer's office at (617) 367-6900.

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING’S FINANCIAL EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO THE MEDIA

2008-09-25T10:25:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.'s public outreach staff offers assistance to journalists in forecasting impact of recent economic changes on average consumers.

While news of the upheaval on Wall Street continues to dominate the daily headlines, little attention has been paid to the impact that the recent string of bankruptcies and bailouts will have on the average consumer. As one of the leading credit counseling agencies in the country, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. hears first-hand every day the effect that America’s credit crisis is having on family budgets. At a time when 71% of Americans are already living from paycheck to paycheck, additional hikes in credit card interest rates and reduced access to new credit will pose financial challenges that this country hasn’t experienced for decades. Journalists interested in developing stories focused on the average consumer are encouraged to contact one of Cambridge's public outreach staff. Brief biographies are provided below.

Christopher Viale is the president and chief executive officer of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. In addition to his responsibilities as president, Mr. Viale is an AFCPE Accredited Credit Counselor and IFL Certified Educator in Personal Finance, and he personally oversees and implements the company's educational outreach program, Learn Now or Pay Later. Under Mr. Viale’s direction Cambridge’s educational efforts reach a diverse population, and are focused on teaching the importance of sound money management principles. Mr. Viale is also active within the business community, serving as a volunteer on the Business Development Committee for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and as a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Mr. Viale continues to stay abreast of issues affecting the credit counseling industry and is recognized as an expert in the field. Among the outlets that have featured Mr. Viale are Bankrate.com, the Washington Times, CNBC, the Dow Jones Newswire, CNN Money, the Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, and the Los Angeles Times.

Contact Information:

cviale@cambridgecredit.org

Office: 413-821-6919

Thomas Fox is the Community Outreach Director of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. He is an AFCPE Accredited Credit Counselor and IFL Certified Educator in Personal Finance, and has authored a number of financial guidebooks, DVDs and curricula designed to educate young people and low-income individuals about personal finance. Mr. Fox has also consulted on a number of educational initiatives, including the finance unit of Springfield Public School System and the Net Gain youth financial literacy program, which is produced in partnership with USA TODAY.

Mr. Fox has conducted seminars for a wide variety of audiences across the country, including appearances at Arizona State University, Rider University, UCONN, Springfield College, AIC, Western New England College, and numerous other organizations. He has also served as a guest lecturer for the Bruce Wells Scholar Upward Bound program, and as a panelist for Nichols College's forum on the Cycle of Debt In America, and for the California JumpStart Coalition’s Financial Literacy for Youth conference.

Recognized as an expert in his field, Mr. Fox has been interviewed for a variety of news segments regarding personal finance. Some of the outlets that have utilized his expertise include CNN, CN8, Bankrate.com, CreditCards.com, The Wall Street Journal, and local television stations WWLP, WGGB, and CBS-3 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Contact Information:

tfox@cambridgecredit.org

Office: 413-241-2362

Cell: 413-330-5254

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT HELPS PREPARE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO DEAL WITH CREDIT CARD DEBT

2008-08-21T10:46:00.001-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413.821.6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT HELPS PREPARE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO DEAL WITH CREDIT CARD DEBT

America's college students face unparalleled challenges in dealing with credit card debt!

Agawam, MA –Thursday, August 21, 2008 -- As another summer comes to a close, more than 15 million college students are busy preparing to return to their college campuses. The rush to purchase school supplies and replenish wardrobes has become a familiar ritual, however, many college students are not as prepared when it comes to their financial choices. College student credit card debt is on the rise, but few young adults are ready for the long-lasting consequences that come with it.

The debt accumulated by today’s students already forces many of them to work longer hours than their counterparts in preceding generations, often resulting in reduced academic loads and increased dropout rates among undergraduates. In fact, after academic difficulty, the need to deal with troublesome debt has become the second-most cited reason that students interrupt the traditional four-year college track. And for those who do make it to graduation, heavy student loan burdens and credit card debt pose a challenge that will make life after college a bigger financial challenge than ever before.

“Graduation from college is a wonderful achievement for students and parents, but these days it’s often a stressful experience, as well. Today’s students come face to face with the prospect of repaying their student loan debt at a time when they’re just discovering the realities of independent living on an entry-level salary,” notes Christopher Viale, president and CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “When a student complicates matters by taking on more credit card debt than they can properly manage, they’re also pushing back the clock on buying a home and starting a family, the traditional benchmarks of the American Dream.”

Cambridge Credit Counseling distributes a free guidebook called Learn Now or Pay Later to help educate students and their parents about the fundamentals of credit, debt and personal finance. According to Viale, “The goal of our free e-guide is to empower young adults with the knowledge they need to make sound financial decisions, allowing them to build a strong foundation for success.” The guide can be downloaded at no cost from the company’s financial education website, www.goodpayer.com or by clicking download Learn Now or Pay Later e-guide.

Cambridge's education staff also conducts seminars on a variety of financial topics for colleges and universities. Interested parties should contact Martin Lynch at (413)-241-2401 for more information.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at http://www.cambridgecredit.org/. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit our YouTube page. For more helpful information, check out Cambridge’s Financial Literacy Blog.

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CAMBRIDGE TO HOLD FIRST ANNUAL “BRING YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY” IN RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE CREDIT COUNSELING

2008-08-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413.821.6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE TO HOLD FIRST ANNUAL “BRING YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY” IN RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE CREDIT COUNSELING

As public demand increases for credit counseling, Cambridge’s employees sacrifice to rise to the challenge.

Agawam, MA –Thursday, August 14, 2008 --The demand for credit counseling has risen over the last few months as the sub-prime lending crisis continues to plague the economy. To meet the needs of the public, Cambridge has instituted extended service hours to help those scrambling to make sound financial decisions. These longer hours have required that many of Cambridge’s personnel rearrange their schedules to accommodate helping those in the community -- taking time away from their families to do so. As Cambridge is a family orientated organization, President Christopher Viale wanted to show employee’s children the fantastic work their moms and dads are doing in the community.

“Our office has been inundated with calls from people who desperately need advice in managing their financial challenges. In an effort to meet callers’ needs, my staff volunteered to change their hours,” stated Viale. “Our employees have really stepped up to the plate in developing our extended service schedule -- Monday through Thursday 8:00 am –10:00pm, and Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.”

The “Bring Your Child to Work” event will be held on Friday, August 15 and recognizes employee sacrifice to help the community. Throughout the day, children will have the opportunity to shadow their parents as they work to help individuals manage the stress that financial burdens create. The day itself will not be all work. “This day is a celebration of our family helping other families throughout America,” continued Viale. The employees at Cambridge have devised a fun filled day of arts and crafts, computer gaming and movies. The centerpiece of the event is the Pizza Picnic which will play host to a scavenger hunt, egg spoon, three legged and potato sack races and a rousing game of wiffle ball.

“Cambridge has undergone a lot of changes over the last decade, and our employees have hung in there with us. This is a small thank you to them, and their families, for believing in the wonderful work Cambridge has done in servicing over 2 million Americans in their quest to become debt free,” concluded Viale.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. For more helpful information, check out Cambridge’s financial literacy blog at www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

The proposed “Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights” may protect consumers, but becoming a financially literate society would help even more.

2008-08-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413.821.6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT REMINDS CONSUMERS THAT UNDERSTANDING CREDIT IS THEIR BEST DEFENSE

The proposed “Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights” may protect consumers, but becoming a financially literate society would help even more.

Agawam, MA – August 7, 2008 -- Many Americans have been directly affected by the housing crisis over the past two years, and almost all of us are feeling the effects of higher prices and tighter creditor policies. Recent statistics indicate that many consumers have begun relying on their credit cards more often to meet their day-to-day expenses. Not surprisingly, credit card debt has spiked - the national personal total is approaching $1 trillion dollars - and account delinquencies are on the rise. There may be no better time to enact a Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights, and that’s precisely what Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) has put before Congress.

“The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2008 is needed to protect consumers,” notes Christopher Viale, president and CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling, a Massachusetts-based agency that assists financially troubled individuals nationwide. “This type of legislation can help ensure the economic prosperity of all Americans by shielding them from potentially harmful consequences they may not understand.”

Some of the key provisions of the Act include:

Elimination of Universal Default policies – A creditor would no longer be able to change the terms of its agreement with a cardholder if late payments are made to other lenders.

Arbitrary increases in interest rates minimized – A creditor would only be able to increase its rates as stipulated in the original contract with the cardholder.

Advanced notice of intended rate increases – If a creditor wants to increase the interest rate charged on an account, it would have to inform the cardholder at least 45 days in advance, and allow for the consumer to decline the increase by canceling the account. The balance would then have to be repaid at the interest rate currently being charged.

Over-limit management – Consumers would be able to prohibit their creditors from extending credit beyond the original terms of their contract, thus eliminating over-limit fees.

Elimination of double-cycle billing – Double-cycle billing allows a creditor to charge interest on the cardholder’s average daily balance by including the purchases from that billing cycle and those from the month before.

Sufficient notice of payment – Creditors would be required to mail statements at least 25 days in advance of the cardholder’s due date.

“It may sound cliché, but knowledge really is power,” commented Viale. “While this legislation is long overdue, so is the need for financial literacy. Many of the people in trouble today could have avoided difficulty if they knew the fundamentals of personal finance.”

Cambridge offers a host of FREE financial literacy materials at its goodpayer.com website. Individuals are encouraged to visit the site to download Cambridge’s Learn Now or Pay Later guides. Currently, these guides are offered in two versions – one for adults, and one for young adults. In addition, Cambridge offers a variety of financial literacy videos on its YouTube page, which can be accessed at www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional credit counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. For more helpful information, check out Cambridge’s financial literacy blog at www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

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Free e-guide from Cambridge Credit Counseling offers comprehensive advice to save on gasoline.

2008-06-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Fox

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

413.821.6919

tfox@cambridgecredit.org

Agawam, MA – Friday, June 20, 2008 – Over the last few months the counselors at Cambridge have witnessed an increase in concern regarding the impact of record gasoline costs. Many Americans are having tremendous difficulties in managing the rising costs of travel within their already tight budgets. To assist the public with the burden of gasoline costs, Cambridge has developed the Driving as if Your Budget Depends on It e-guide. This guide discusses various options to reduce gas usage and protect your budget in these challenging economic times.

“So many individuals are feeling the crunch at the pump that we felt compelled to develop this insightful guide,” stated Christopher Viale, president and CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “These tips are but among the many solutions consumers can implement to manage the demand gasoline has upon their finances.”

To receive a FREE download of Driving as if Your Budget Depends on It, please visit http://www.cambridgecredit.org/. As always, Cambridge’s Certified Credit Counselors are prepared to help the public should they need further assistance in creating a workable budget. To speak to a Certified Counselor, please call 1-800-CAMBRIDGE.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional credit counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. For more helpful information, check out the Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. Financial Literacy blog at www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

Cambridge Credit offers free financial literacy webisodes to help Americans in trying financial times.

2008-04-29T13:20:00.000-04:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413.821.6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT OFFERS FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY WEBISODES TO HELP AMERICANS IN TRYING FINANCIAL TIMES.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp expands its online financial literacy programs.

Agawam, MA - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - In an effort to broaden the reach of its educational programs, Cambridge Credit Counseling has begun offering free video broadcasts of webisodes from its Learn Now or Pay Later financial literacy series. The first installment of the series has been posted on Cambridge’s YouTube page, which can be accessed by visiting www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. Each webisode offers advice to consumers dealing with basic credit and debt issues, knowledge of which have become increasingly important as the nation’s economy continues to slow.

“Social networking sites have a great potential to help create a more financially literate society,” notes Christopher Viale, president of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “In light of the critical concerns facing consumers these days, this series is a perfect resource for individuals who need practical advice they can immediately incorporate in their financial plan.”

Cambridge’s Learn Now or Pay Later webisodes will be posted weekly, with the first installments concerning topics such as credit reports and scores, budgeting, identity theft, and dealing with bill collectors. Consumers are encouraged to subscribe to the series, which is free, so they may receive notification of the latest posts as they are made available.

“This public service series is testament to Cambridge's commitment to providing financial education,” continued Mr. Viale. “The American public needs practical advice to survive the challenges we face as a nation, and Cambridge is proud to serve.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency, dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. and the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. For more helpful information, check out the Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. Financial Literacy blog at www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

Financial literacy seminar at Western New England College

2008-02-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 67 Hunt St., Agawam, MA, 01001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Fox
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
413.821.6919
tfox@cambridgecredit.org

CAMBRIDGE CREDIT EDUCATES COLLEGE SENIORS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Financial literacy seminar at Western New England College to focus on making the right financial choices after graduation.

Agawam, MA - Thursday, February 28, 2008 - On Saturday, March 1, 2008, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. will once again participate in Western New England College’s “Life After College Explained” seminar series. For the last several years, representatives from Cambridge’s Education Department have helped to educate students about the proper management of credit and the steps to building wealth.

When it comes to credit, college students are among the most vulnerable consumers. From the moment they set foot on campus, they are the focus of intense marketing efforts, particularly on the part of the major credit card banks. This is despite the fact that students rarely have meaningful full-time employment during their college years. Over the past few years in particular, rising levels of student loan and credit card debt have combined to place a unique burden on graduates. Many are entering the workforce with large monthly debt payments that not only prevent them from giving full attention to their career, but that will continue to hinder them as they pursue the American Dream of homeownership.

The seminar series at Western New England College is a cooperative effort to help graduates deal with the financial demands that will be made on them as they begin to live independently. Christopher Viale, president of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., is looking forward to the opportunity. “We are honored that WNEC has invited us to help prepare their seniors,” Viale noted. “The forward thinking approach of the university is exactly what will help to prepare our youth for the financial challenges that await them after graduation.”

The one-hour seminar will focus on credit scores, the cost of credit, and the importance of establishing an appropriate budget to meet financial goals. Each seminar participant will also receive a copy of Cambridge’s Learn Now or Pay Later financial literacy guide for young adults.

Other area colleges interested in establishing a seminar for their graduating seniors are encouraged to call Thomas Fox, Cambridge’s Community Outreach Coordinator, at 413-241-2362.

About Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management and providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. For more information on this article or to schedule an interview, please call 413-821-6919.

Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www.cambridgecredit.org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. in the community, please visit www.youtube.com/CambridgeCredit. For more helpful information, check out the Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. Financial Literacy blog at www.cambridgecredit.blogspot.com.

Cambridge Credit Counseling – Christopher Viale Interviews

2008-02-26T11:38:00.000-05:00

The New Year has started off rather busy as many consumers are looking for advice on how to manage their finances. Along with the increase in the education Cambridge is providing is an increased interest from the media as to the state of America’s consumers. Recently, our president, Christopher Viale, was interviewed by Bankrate.com for several important articles that address the financial concerns facing Americans.

To view these articles, please click on the links below.

Tallying the true costs of deb t

6 powerful debt-paydown strategies

Tackling debt as a family

National poll: What, us worry about debt?

What will you do with your economic stimulus check?

2008-02-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, the Bush administration passed the $168 billion economic rescue package. According to details, most taxpayers will receive rebates of $600 to $1,200, with families receiving an additional $300 per child. The goal is to get this money into consumer’s hands so that they will spend it - fighting off a looming recession. So far, most polls indicate that people will be taking their check from the government and doing the exact opposite. Roughly 25% of consumers plan to spend their money, while the remainder plans to save it, or reduce their debt.

So, what do you plan to do with your rebate check?

Community-based organizations combine efforts to help strengthen local families.

2007-12-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

The financial challenges that face today’s consumers are unique in our country’s history. Credit card debt currently exceeds $900 billion dollars, energy prices are soaring, and personal savings rates are in the negative. Trying to successfully manage the average budget these days has become increasingly difficult, even for the most financially savvy consumer, and the consequences for those who aren’t can be devastating. To help consumers within its community who have special needs, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. has teamed with Clinical and Support Options, Inc. to provide financial counseling and education.

“I believe that the financial information and guidance Cambridge will provide to the adults and families we serve will have a positive effect on their everyday lives and help give them a measure of hope for a positive financial future,” stated Lee Weissman, Director of Fund Development for Clinical and Support Options, Inc. “Counseling and financial literacy can only make people stronger and more self sufficient, which is a perfect complement to CSO’s mission of enhancing lives and strengthening families.”

Cambridge will offer its wide array of credit and debt management services, including fundamental budgeting and planning advice, to help CSO’s clients regain control of their finances. In addition to financial literacy seminars, Cambridge will provide one-on-one counseling sessions for individuals who require personalized assistance in managing their debt and building savings.

"We are happy to be working with an agency of Clinical and Support Options’ stature,” remarked Christopher Viale, president of Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. “CSO provides such a valuable service to the community, and the inclusion of Cambridge’s support to its members will truly help change lives in a positive manner.”

Don’t Get Stuck In The Cold-Plan Now For High Heating Costs!

2007-11-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

As the price of crude oil approaches $100 per barrel, millions of Americans are facing the prospect of a difficult home heating season. The national average for a gallon of heating oil is currently $3.11, seventy-three cents higher than this time last year, and many analysts anticipate that the price will go much higher. As a result, many families may be forced to make some difficult last-minute decisions as they try to keep their homes warm this winter. According to budgeting experts, it doesn’t have to be that way – if consumers plan for increased prices now.

This will be a costly winter, especially for residents of the northern states. In order to deal with the increased demand on their budgets, it’s important for consumers to create a spending plan that incorporates the rising costs of heating oil and natural gas. Taking the time to design such a plan is often cited as an essential part of any money management strategy. Unfortunately, with all of the demands on their time, many consumers fail to prioritize their expenses or to plan far enough in advance for significant expenditures like this winter’s heating bills.

A spending plan helps individuals analyze their spending throughout the various categories of their expenses and identify areas that could be trimmed. Almost all of us have some form of overspending that can be put to better use. By adopting a longer view, consumers can adjust their budgets in advance and accommodate increases more easily.

Your daily cup of coffee can help demonstrate the benefits of the spending plan process. If you were to purchase two cups of coffee every day, each costing $2.10, you’d spend $29.40 in the course of a week. Over a one-month period, your coffee would cost $117.60, and your total expense for the year would come to a surprising $1,411.20. Most of us would balk at the thought of paying nearly $1,500 for coffee, but until we adopt a larger perspective, it doesn’t resonate with us. We’re only focused on the incremental expense, the $2.10 per cup.

Looking at incremental expenses in relation to annual costs can have a profound effect on your plan, because it forces you to weigh the importance of each element in relation to the others. In the example above, an individual could decide to reduce their annual expense for coffee to $260 a year by making their own at home. In that scenario, they would have $1,151.20 to allocate to more important areas of their spending plan – a good start toward meeting their home heating needs.

To learn more about the proper steps to take in developing a spending plan that is appropriate to your family’s needs, call your local credit counseling agency. If you’re interested in receiving a free budget analysis from Cambridge, contact the company directly at 1-800-CAMBRIDGE.

Advice to First-Time Homebuyers

2007-11-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

As the sub-prime mortgage market continues its remarkable collapse, it’s only natural that lending practices are getting tighter, particularly for those applicants with weak credit histories. But according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve, 41% of America’s banks have tightened loan standards for prime borrowers, as well. Translation: Even if you have good credit, it’s becoming much harder to qualify for a mortgage.

The mortgage industry is in shock from the sub-prime disaster that continues to rock our financial markets. Part of the current problem is that too many adjustable rate mortgages were given to too many unprepared or undeserving borrowers. Today’s prospective homebuyers should view this as an opportunity to learn more about the mortgage process, to determine whether homeownership is actually within their financial means.

Unfortunately, we’ve come to regard homeownership as a right, but it’s a privilege to own your own home. Rather than lose that privilege by failing to consider the responsibilities that go with it, consumers need to prepare themselves financially long before they sign a mortgage agreement.

Cambridge offers this advice to those looking to buy their first home:

The monthly mortgage payment quoted by your lender is almost always based on your gross income - your income before taxes and other deductions are taken out. That may help you qualify for a nicer house, but that money isn’t truly available to you for your mortgage or any of your other expenses, either. Instead, you should think in terms of your net income - what you actually bring home.

Your new home will more than likely be bigger than your former living space, so you should expect higher energy bills. Be sure to ask the current occupants what their monthly averages are so you can plan accordingly.

You may need to make significant purchases to furnish the additional living area. Be sure to estimate how much furniture you’ll need and what the cost will be, including delivery.

After you have a good idea of your increased expenses, develop a projected monthly budget. If you find that you’ll be struggling to maintain your obligations or that you’ll be unable to set aside monthly savings (anywhere from 5 to 10% of your net income), you might want to reconsider homeownership at this time.

If you can afford your new home, be sure that you have a financial emergency fund equal to three months’ worth of these new expenses, before you buy. Accidents happen. The American Dream can quickly become a nightmare following an unexpected financial setback, but an emergency fund can help get your family through tough times with your home intact.

Talk with friends and family members about their home-buying experiences. Do some research on the Internet, and consider taking a homeownership course if one is available in your area. The more information you have before you move can make for a better experience when you receive the key to your new home.

Money stresses are devastating American families.

2007-11-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

by Thom Fox
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

Every day in this country, an army of non-profit agencies works diligently to provide support and bring much-needed services to millions of Americans. These organizations address a wide range of important social conditions, from housing to healthcare, but referral networks between social service non-profits and credit counseling agencies are inconsistent. To eliminate one common omission, Cambridge Credit Counseling is encouraging non-profit organizations to establish relationships with credit counseling agencies that can address their clients’ financial concerns.

Studies indicate an increasing correlation between many common social problems and indebtedness. Findings suggest that the inability to pay debts, combined with demands from creditors, often exposes debtors and their families to harmful levels of stress, contributing to insomnia, anxiety, depression, increased marital tension and, most startling, the deterioration of parent-child relationships [1].

More troubling are the studies that focus on debtors receiving harassing phone calls and letters from creditors and collections agents. These individuals were much more likely to suffer mental and physical complications than debtors who were not the subject of aggressive debt collection. Such studies reinforce the belief that money problems undermine both individual health and family structure. The conclusion of one researcher summed up what health professionals had theorized for years, “Findings would suggest that the current system of resolving disputes between creditors and debtors is far too costly, both to the debtors and to society at large [2].”

As the financial pressures of our society increase, the family and social bonds that keep us together become strained. It’s difficult enough to raise a family these days, adding the burden of debt produces a volatile situation. Cambridge Credit is urging non-profit organizations to reach out to credit counseling agencies to help their financially distressed clients. As a national organization, Cambridge offers its assistance to every community service agency in America. Those interested in learning more about the services offered by Cambridge can contact Thomas Fox, the organization’s Community Outreach Coordinator, at 413-241-2362.

[1] Ryan, M. (1996). Social Work and Debt Problems. New York: Little Brown & Co.

[2] Caplovitz, D. (1974). Consumers in Trouble: A study of debtors in default. The Free Press.

Saving: The Worst Thing an American Could Do?

2007-10-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

by Thom Fox
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

Many investors were excited in September by the news that the Federal Reserve had cut interest rates; however, average Americans may not fully realize the impact these cuts may have on their wallet. There will be some winners – some homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages, for example, but there will be losers as well - those with Certificates of Deposits and traditional savings accounts.

Interest rate cuts not only affect the amount a consumer is charged to borrow money, they also tempt people to go out and make additional charges, reducing any inclination they may have had to actually start saving money. Our national savings rate is negative 1%, meaning that we’re consuming more than we earn. In light of this fact, these cuts do little to promote the establishment of healthy savings.

Americans used to save nearly 10% of their income every year, but that mark fell into the negatives two years ago. Why? A major factor is the amount the average consumer spends servicing credit card debt, roughly 11% of their disposable income. In looking at the move the Federal Reserve has made, essentially soliciting consumers to get further into debt, one wonders - will a focus ever be put on savings?

When a person is committed to establishing savings, they become more disciplined with their money. That commitment promotes a realistic attitude toward finances that helps individuals live within their means and not beyond them.

At one time in America, a homebuyer couldn’t get a mortgage without a significant down payment, traditionally 20%. In recent years, however, mortgage companies began offering 100%, or even 110% financing. In the absence of the 20% requirement, prospective homebuyers quickly got out of the habit of saving, and now many struggle to save even a minimum down payment of 5%. For an average home worth $250,000, for example, a 5% down payment would require a deposit of $12,500. But even that modest figure would be beyond the reach of Americans whose savings mentality eroded during the years of easy credit.

Placing an emphasis on savings could have prevented the turmoil facing the American markets today. If consumers understood that building savings is a necessary component of the American Dream, more people would take it seriously, and they’d be able to avoid the predatory practices of disingenuous lenders looking to profit at their expense.

Reviewing Your Credit Profile

2007-09-30T19:48:00.000-04:00

by Thom Fox
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

It’s important to realize that if your credit score is poor, it won’t necessarily remain that way forever. Your current score is simply a snapshot of your credit profile at any given point in time. As long as they are accurate, negative credit notations that appear on your reports will only remain for seven years, and then they must be removed. Bankruptcy notations are treated differently. They stay on your report for ten years. In the meantime, it’s your responsibility to make sure that every new addition to your report shows evidence of better payment patterns.

Credit reports and scores are very time-sensitive items. Your score from three months ago is probably not the same score a lender would get from the credit reporting agencies today. If you do have negative notations on your report, even before the seven years have passed, if you’ve re-dedicated yourself to meeting your obligations on time, your credit score should begin to reflect these efforts. If you can be patient and make the necessary adjustments, it is possible to improve your overall credit profile and your credit score. The bottom line is, it’s up to you to improve your credit performance from this day forward.

Perform a Credit Check-up
To begin the process of improving your credit profile, order a copy of each of your credit reports from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, the country’s three major credit-reporting agencies. Many businesses and lenders report information to only one or two of the agencies, but rarely to all three. This causes the information in your reports to vary greatly. Reviewing each of your reports will provide you with a clearer picture of your overall credit profile.

During your check-up, be on the lookout for errors contained within your credit reports. It has been estimated that more than 40% of the reports on file contain mistakes. Do you have negative entries on your report that are incorrect, invalid or that have been in some way misrepresented? You should also look closely for unauthorized inquiries, incorrect mailing addresses and Social Security numbers, as these may indicate that you have been a victim of identity theft.

If you do find errors within your report or discover that you’re a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to correct the items in question. As stipulated in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), both the credit reporting bureau and the information provider (the person, creditor or organization that provided information about you to the credit-reporting agency) are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. They won’t make these fixes on their own, however; it is up to you to notify them of any mistake.

Managing Credit Responsibly
The following are some additional strategies you may make use of when attempting to improve your credit profile.

Keep the balances as low as possible on your credit card accounts. High outstanding debt can have a negative effect on your score.

Pay off debt rather than move it around. The best way to improve your score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit accounts. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may actually result in a lower score.

Don’t close unused or old credit cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score. Shutting down credit accounts lowers the total amount of credit available to you, and it also gives additional weight to any balances you do have when it comes to calculating your credit score. Closing your oldest accounts can actually shorten the length of your reported credit history and make you seem less creditworthy.

Don’t open a number of new credit cards that you don’t need. This approach could backfire and actually lower your score.

Don’t open a series of new accounts in a short period of time. If you have only been managing credit for a little while, don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly. New accounts will lower your average account age, which will have a negative effect on your score, especially if you don’t have a lot of other credit information.

Re-establish your credit history if you have had problems in the past. Opening new accounts responsibly and paying them off on time will help raise your score in the long term.

Add positive information whenever possible to show stability in your credit profile. If you have extremely poor credit or have even filed for bankruptcy, don't let your credit status go dormant. The faster you begin to re-establish positive credit, the faster you'll improve your credit profile. One way to achieve this is to get a secured credit card.

It’s okay to have credit cards, but you must manage them responsibly! In general, having credit cards and installment loans (and making timely payments) will raise your score. Someone with no credit cards, for example, tends to be a higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsibly.

Improving you credit profile takes time. Unfortunately, negative items tend to affect your credit score much more quickly than positive items. Late payments can negatively affect your score in just a few months, whereas paying bills on time may take 6 to 12 months to generate a significant improvement in your score. The best course of action is to adopt healthy credit habits and maintain them.

Seniors Gamble Their Retirement on “Risky Business”

2007-09-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

by Thom Fox
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

Instead of playing shuffleboard or golfing in Florida, many recent retirees are engaging in a more dangerous activity - entrepreneurship. An increasing number of seniors are opting out of the traditional retiree lifestyle to become players in the 21st-century economy, choosing instead to start businesses ranging from dry cleaners to sandwich shops. Experts are worried, however, that they’re often using portions of their retirement funds to get things up and running.

While these authorities recognize the importance of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, starting a business is notoriously risky. Statistics show that two-thirds of all new businesses fail within the first few years. When retirement funds are used as seed money, the risk may outweigh the anticipated return.

If you are in your golden years and want to contribute to the economy, you should seek guidance from as many business experts and community sources as you can before investing in a new business. It’s recommended that individuals set aside 80% of their annual income for each year of retirement. With our rising life expectancy, people naturally need to increase the amount of their retirement savings. Using the money it has taken decades to save is quite chancy.

How can you ensure that your investment is worth the risk?

Write a business plan: Writing a business plan is a good way to see if your idea is realistic, and it will force you to conduct valuable research. If you discover that the local market is over-saturated or that businesses similar to yours have failed, it can save you a tremendous amount of money.

Immerse yourself in your chosen industry: You’ll need to become an expert within the industry you’ve chosen. Join related industry or professional associations before you start your business to get the edge you need.

Get professional help: Talk to your local Small Business Association (SBA), a personal Financial Planner, your Tax-Accountant, basically anyone who can offer the support you need in your venture.

Seek alternative financing: Your idea may be attractive to other investors. Consider applying for an SBA loan or bank loan before tapping into your valuable retirement savings.

As with any aspect of personal finance, it’s best to be prepared for every outcome. Starting your own business can be rewarding, but you don’t want to jeopardize your retirement savings by investing beyond your capacity for loss.

Save Some Green by Thinking Green

2007-09-13T08:46:00.000-04:00

by Thom Fox
Community Outreach Coordinator
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

Global warming has been the focus of a great deal of attention recently, from full-length documentaries to world-wide concert broadcasts urging consumers to “think green.” But what if there were a way to help the environment and save money in the process? Well, there is and it’s quite simple – avoid impulse purchases.

Every day, advertisers urge consumers to spend their money on the newest, most advanced products, and many people have difficulty resisting such temptations. That’s because shoppers typically focus on their wants, not their needs. Beyond such unnecessary spending, however, is the obvious fact that every MP3 player, laptop, PDA or other gadget has to come from somewhere on the planet, and additional energy must be expended to bring these products to market. Despite the best efforts of manufacturers and shippers, there are tremendous amounts of waste involved in the processes that create and deliver the goods we seem to think we can’t live without.

For example, the creation of a desktop computer requires more than 700 different materials, including metals that must be mined, oil that has to be extracted from wells, and chemicals that must be produced in factories. The manufacturing processes that combine these resources also require large amounts of energy, mostly involving the burning of fossil fuels. This often results in the release of CO2 and other pollutants into the air, contributing to the planet’s natural greenhouse effect. In fact, for every pound of electronics in a typical computer, an astounding 8,000 pounds of solid and liquid waste are created!

Analyzing your wants and needs not only helps curb your reliance on credit, it can also be good for the environment.

To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., please click here.