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Helping people and families avoid debt and get out of debt is our mission and passion. This economy has brought unprecedented financial hardship on a generation of Americans who are fighting just like you to manage their way to a better financial future.
We need your Help! ACCI is a non-profit, IRS approved 501(c)(3) educational and counseling organization and our expenses and operations are supported through generous contributions from corporations and individuals like you.
Will you please consider providing some support so that we can continue our mission?
The donation you make today will help fund debt relief programs, education, and client services, while providing help and hope to thousands.
YES, I'd like to help fund ACCI's Debt Relief and Education efforts with a contribution of: ( ) $25 ( ) $50
( ) Other $________. Please mail your donation to:ACCI
Education Development
23123 S.R. 7
Suite 210
Boca Raton, FL 33428 Thank you for your generosity!
Charitable giving can be tax deductible. A charitable gift to ACCI may benefit you financially and give you the sense of well being that you are helping others who are struggling financially. (Consult a Tax Professional for advice on proper tax preparation).
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We are dedicated to getting America out of Debt!
 American Credit Counselors, Inc. is a national, non-profit 501(c)(3), Credit Counseling Education organization dedicated to assisting clients improve their personal finances with professional money management services and financial education. ACCI is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and financial accountability and is dedicated to client satisfaction. |
Credit and Debit Card numbers stolen from Target
Recently you may have heard in the news that credit and debit card numbers of customers of the retailer, Target, may have been
compromised in November and December of 2013. Your creditors may have contacted you with information about this incident.
Target did report that some credit and debit cards used at Target stores between November 27 and December 15 were compromised by thieves. The company reports that no social security numbers were stolen and it is working with Visa and MasterCard and law enforcement to ensure no further information is exposed.
This event is yet another reminder that anyone using credit and debit cards must remain vigilant in protecting their information and checking credit reports and monitoring their accounts regularly to ensure fraud and ID Theft have not occurred.
The good news is banks and Credit Card companies have made protecting your personal and account information a top priority and they take it very seriously. Their systems actively monitor customer accounts for suspicious activity and if they suspect fraud, they will contact you. Some creditors provide customers with zero liability for fraudulent activity. However, you must still take the responsibility to monitor your accounts and if you notice any activity that you do not recognize, you should call the number on the back of your card as soon as possible.
TAKE ACTION:
Whether you're notified or not, it's always a good idea to check your credit report and be aware of any suspicious activity on all of your accounts. |
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Watch out for untruthful auto ads
'Operation Steer Clear' Drives Home That Auto Ads Must Be Truthful
The Federal Trade Commission announced today that nine auto dealers agreed to settle deceptive advertising charges, and the agency is taking action against a 10th dealer, in a nationwide sweep focusing on the sale, financing, and leasing of motor vehicles.
According to the complaints, the dealers made a variety of
misrepresentations in print, Internet, and video advertisements that violated the FTC Act, falsely leading consumers to believe they could purchase vehicles for low prices, finance vehicles with low monthly payments, and/or make no upfront payment to lease vehicles. One dealer even misrepresented that consumers had won prizes they could collect at the dealership.
"Buying or leasing a car is a big deal, and car ads are an important source of information for serious shoppers," said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "Dealers' ads need to spell out costs and other important terms customers can count on. If they don't, dealers can count on the FTC to take action."
'Operation Steer Clear' is the latest effort from the FTC to protect consumers in the auto marketplace.
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Want to pay off your debt more quickly?
If you have the desire and the ability to make extra payments towards your DMP, contact ACCI Customer Service to coordinate making the extra payment. Since your DMP is set up to pay a certain amount each month changes must be handled properly to make sure you do not get removed from the Creditors DMP.
ACCI Customer Service 1-800-708-1335
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5 ways to save $1000 in 2014
Everyone starts off the new year with plans to save money, but how many will actually reach their savings goal? To make it easier, here are 5 creative ways to save $1000 in 2014 from money expert Vincent Turner of Planwise.com, a free online tool to better plan your financial future:
Calculate Weekly (savings: up to $20/week): your goal will be more achievable when you break it down into manageable pieces. Since most people get paid weekly or monthly, think in those terms. To save $1,000 in a year, you will need to save $20 a week or $83 a month - so use those numbers to help you figure out where you may be able to cut some costs. It could be as simple as buying a few less lattes each week!
Turn Down the Heat (savings: up to $45/month): though it's hard to calculate exactly, there is a rough rule of thumb that you can reduce your heating bill by about 3% for every degree that you set back your thermostat. Most people can comfortably reduce the temperature by a few degrees while they're home, especially at night, and even more (up to 10 degrees) when you're out.
Buy in Bulk (savings: up to $20/week): there's no better time to get friendly with the neighbors! Buying in bulk saves money overall; if you're single or in a relationship consider pooling with other singles/couples to take advantage of buying household and cooking basics in bulk from larger suppliers.
Brown Bag It (savings: up to $50/week): lunch costs are close to $10 per day or more in most areas. Start with packing a lunch twice a week to save $20 and grow from there. To notice the difference, take the $20 and put it in a safe place in your room each week - watch your lunch costs pile grow!
Use Your Library Card (savings: up to $30/week): yes, we said it, the library! We're so used to paying for Netflix or buying books at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but the library has all of these things for free. If DVDs and books are some of your usual purchases, consider taking a trip to your local library and checking out their collections!
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Do you have a friend or relative considering bankruptcy? Remind them that it's a short-term solution with long-term consequences. Have them call ACCI for some debt relief advice from a certified counselor.
1-877-969-3328. |
9 tips for saving at the movies
Even if you are having financial challenges, it is a good idea to relax and enjoy some entertainment once in a while. Movies are always a popular choice and here are some ideas on how best to spend your movie money and avoid letting the inflated cost of the cinema deflate your family's desire to have some fun.
1. Join AAA
The automobile club offers $8 tickets to Regal, United Artists and Edwards movie theaters. The catch is that you have to go to one of their offices to buy them.
2. Buy Movie Packs
This is the way to go for families. You can buy a four-pack of tickets from Costco, good for a variety of theatres, for just $34.99 and a 10-pack for $82.99. There's no expiration date and you can use the tickets seven days a week. BulkTix.com also saves you an average of $2 to $3 off a ticket's face value for seven different chains.
3. Attend Second-Run Theatres
There are several chains that show movies a bit past their prime. If you can wait to see the latest iteration of a Marvel comic, you'll pay anywhere from $3 to $6 for the same movie.
4. Ask for Senior Rates
If you're 60 or over, you'll get a discount from select locations of AMC Theatres. And Cinemark offers Seniors Day every Monday at some locations for seniors 62 and older. Ultimately, it helps to ask the cashier or one of the theatre managers about available discounts for seniors. Just be prepared to show your ID.
5. Skip the Concession Stand
Eat before you head out to the movies so you won't be tempted by the many treats on offer. Granted this is how theaters make their money, but it's also how you double the cost of your ticket.
6. Use Discount Gift Cards
Save 10 to 30 percent by purchasing discount movie theater gift cards from such sites as GiftCardGranny. In addition to saving instantly on ticket prices, you can cut the cost of concessions if the smell of popcorn is too tempting to overcome.
7. Be Loyal
Kerasotes Theaters has the FiveBuckClub, which sends weekly emails with a list of movies members can see for $5. AMC Theatres offers points toward discounts, concession upgrades and more if you join their Stubs Rewards Program. Check with your local theatres to see if they provide similar deals for loyal customers.
8. Daily Deal It
Though daily deals for restaurants and spa services overwhelm your inbox, you have good reason to search through the clutter. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial have featured movie theater savings of up to 50 percent, and will likely offer similar promotions this summer. The vouchers typically expire within a couple months so make note of the date and use them up before then.
9. Early-Bird Deals
Matinees can save you anywhere from 30 to 50 percent off prime-time ticket prices, leaving more money in your wallet for warm summer evenings.
Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles.
Have a money saving tip that you'd like to share? Send it to us for possible publication in this newsletter at:
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Get the most out of your garage sale
There is never a bad time to do some household cleaning and hold a garage sale; it's time to part with the what's getting in the way (i.e. your unused snowboard or record collection) and find what you really want (i.e. a bigger computer monitor and a grill).
Getting people to your sale is key for earning maximum profits and selling as much as possible. Don't just put a sign out in the yard and hope people drive by. Using the internet to post ads and draw buyers and a key suggestion by those who are very successful. It's not difficult to do and could make you much more money than you thought.
Here's how to get the most out of your craigslist post & your weekend garage sale:
1. Write a clear headline.
Most people on craigslist are looking for something specific. Write a detailed headline for what you're offering, and don't YELL AT YOUR AUDIENCE or use annoying characters (*#$$+@&*&*).
2. Balance creativity with clarity in your post.
Write a clear, descriptive post about what you are selling. Include all item details and dimensions.
3. Use lists.
When posting a garage sale, list all of the items for sale in the post. Lists are also good for including details about one particular item for sale.
4. Include images.
Use your own pictures instead of linking to similar items on websites. People prefer seeing photos of the exact item for sale.
5. Price your item(s) right.
Do a bit of research to see what the market rate is for each item you are selling, and be open to negotiation and bartering.
6. Have your garage sale outdoors with family & friends.
Don't invite strangers over when you're alone or invite anyone into your home. Keep your doors locked as you will likely be distracted during the sale.
7. Accept cash only.
Don't use a cash box; keep the cash on you.
8. Be open to meeting new friends.
We have heard countless stories about people meeting friends and significant others while buying/selling items via craigslist. Be friendly!
*It's very important to take the same common sense precautions online as you would offline. Read all of the craigslist safety tips and familiarize yourself with common online scams. |
When Adult Children move back home
from AARP
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center last December, 3 in 10 parents of adult children (29 percent) report that the economy forced their grown child to move back in with them in the past few years.
Experts say that such living arrangements can be a positive experience, but can also cause conflict if there's no proper planning.
Here are some ways you can make sure to keep your savings and your sanity:
-Your Home is a "No Freeloading Zone" - Make your child pay a mutually
agreed upon rent for room and board.
-Doing Nothing is not an Option - Even if you've got an unemployed college grad or a recently laid-off worker, delegate chores around the house, preferably the kind that will save you money.
-Respect the Space - Your home is not a frat house- put a limit on the number of guests who can visit at any one time.
-Have an Exit Clause - Make it clear that if at any time your child doesn't agree with your rules, they'll have to leave.
-Set a deadline. "Don't assume your child will leave when the time is right," Newberry says. Instead, establish a timeline to help the boarder reach independence. An adult child can get stuck if there's no clear expiration date to what should be a short-term living situation.
-Don't be an ATM machine. Your household expenses are already ticking upward. But on top of that, you're being asked for $20 here and there. Or perhaps your child needs your help getting a loan and asks you to cosign. Don't put yourself in a financial bind to help your children, Newberry says. Have a talk about financial discipline with your child and do only what you can afford.
Have an exit clause in place. Make it clear that if at any time your child doesn't agree with your rules, he'll have to leave. "Many parents who have adult children living with them are way too timid and constantly tiptoe around their kids," Khalfani-Cox says. "If anything, it should be the other way around."
In the end, parents should not be enablers, our experts declare. "You can't have kids imposing on your life," Owens says. "What you can do is become their coach, not their friend. Do what you can to facilitate their independence. That is what parenting is about."
Give Yourself Credit!
Get your three credit reports for free each year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. Or call toll free 1-877-322-8228. |
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Living with Healthcare Reform
Can I buy a Catostrophic Plan?
People under 30 and people with hardship exemptions may buy a "catastrophic" health plan. This type of plan mainly protects you from very high medical costs.
Protection from worst-case scenarios
A catastrophic plan generally requires you to pay all of your medical costs up to a certain amount, usually several thousand dollars. (Some care is paid for before you reach this limit, known as a
deductible.
After you reach your deductible, costs for essential health benefits are generally paid by the plan.
Catastrophic plans usually have lower monthly premiums than a comprehensive plan, but cover you only if you need a lot of care. They basically protect you from worst-case scenarios like serious accidents or illnesses.
Catastrophic plans cover prevention and some primary care
In the Marketplace, catastrophic plans cover 3 primary care visits per year at no cost, even before you've met your deductible. They also cover free preventive services.
If you buy a catastrophic plan in the Marketplace, you can't get lower costs on your monthly premiums or lower out-of-pocket costs based on your income. Regardless of your income, you pay the standard price for the catastrophic plan.
Catastrophic plans for people 30 and over
People 30 and over with a "hardship exemption" may be able to buy a catastrophic plan. Hardship exemptions from paying the penalty are granted to some people based on income or other factors that prevent them from getting coverage. Learn about the 13 types of hardship exemptions.
If your individual insurance plan has been cancelled and you believe other Marketplace plans aren't affordable, you can apply for a hardship exemption. This will allow you buy a catastrophic plan.
Questions? Call HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) |
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American Credit Counselors
Educational Workshops
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As a non-profit Credit Counseling and Financial Education organization, ACCI is dedicated to reaching out to the community. ACCI provides free financial education seminars and workshops at community centers, local organizations, and companies. Ask about customized seminars for your group, staff, congregation, team, or club! Call 1-800-708-1335 or email education@acchelp.org.
Popular Topics Include:
Managing Money in Tough Times
Creating and Using a Spending Plan
Managing Debt and dealing with Creditors
Fighting Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
Understanding Your Credit Report and Boosting Your Credit Score
Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Money
How to Get Out of Debt
Helpful Financial Resources:
Information on choosing and using credit cards wisely, Federal Trade Commission:
Understanding taxes, Internal Revenue Service:
www.irs.gov
Get a free copy of your credit reports:
www.annualcreditreport.com
Your Credit Rights:
Fair Credit Reporting Act
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Get Smart Consumer Tips:
www.consumeraction.gov
Mortgage assistance:
Homeowners Hope Hotline 1-888-995-4673
Benefits.gov Learn about a variety of Government Benefits, how to qualify and how to apply. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive a block grant to design and operate their programs to accomplish the purposes of TANF. These are:
-assist needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
-reduce dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
-preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies
-encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Medicaid
Medicaid is health insurance that helps many people who can't afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy and stay healthy.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
is a Federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income.
It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you can't afford to pay your home energy bill, your home may not be safe, and you may be at risk of serious illness or injury. The LIHEAP may be able to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.
National School Lunch Free Lunch Program (NSLP) Established in 1946, The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
Federal Housing Assistance/Section 8 (FPHA)
Public housing assistance was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high rise apartments for elderly families. FreeBirthday.com Get free birthday gifts on your birthday! Making Home Affordable Program (HAMP) 888-995-HOPE If you are struggling with your monthly mortgage payments or have already missed a payment, now is the time to take action. |
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Thank you for choosing American Credit Counselors, Inc. (ACCI) as your credit counseling organization. We welcome your comments and suggestions for future issues. Please email us at education@acchelp.org with your ideas.
Editor in Chief:
Mike Schiano, "The DebtBuster"
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Until next month, American Credit Counselors, Inc.
This newsletter is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. This information is given with the understanding that neither ACCI nor the Editor and Writers are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Since the details of your situation are fact dependent, you should always seek the services of a competent professional before making any financial decisions.
© Copyright American Credit Counselors, Inc. 2014. All Rights Reserved.
Use of all or part of this newsletter allowed with proper attribution and link: Source: American Credit Counselors, Inc. www.acchelp.org |
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