Credit Counseling
A Quick Guide for Consumers on Credit, Debit, and Prepaid Cards from the FDIC
From the FDIC Below is a great guide developed by the FDIC. Use this guide to understand the difference in protections you have when using different types of credit, debit and prepaid cards. Credit Cards Debit Cards Prepaid Cards What it is A credit card is a loan. A debit card is linked to your bank account and is issued by your bank. There are a variety of prepaid cards, including "general purpose reloadable" (GPR) cards which carry a brand of a card network (such as Visa or MasterCard) and can be used where that brand is accepted. Payroll cards and gift cards are two other types of prepaid cards. How it Works When you borrow funds using a credit card, you must pay the money back. You may...
Posted on Mar 07, 2012
Longtime Champion for Workforce Readiness Recognized for Leadership and Service
For Immediate Release Washington State, 12/2/2011. Audi Ritz was awarded the Certificate of Recognition for Leadership and Dedicated Service, by the Washington State Affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Managers (WASHRM). The Certificate of Recognition for Leadership and Dedicated Service is awarded by WASHRM to recognize a member’s great direction, commitment, and guidance in meeting the goals of the organization. Ms. Ritz is the 2011 and 2012 Workforce Readiness Director for the SHRM Washington State Council. She has provided meritorious service to the HR Profession in various roles including her currently held Workforce Readiness Director role, Education Director, Diversity Director, Community Liaison, Legislative Reporter and VP of Programs. In addition, Audi Ritz has made significant contributions to the community volunteering as Board...
Posted on Dec 06, 2011
AMERICAN FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS WINS WASHINGTON STATE AWARD
Yakima, WA., June 22, 2011. – American Financial Solutions (AFS) was selected by the Washington State Asset Building Coalition at their statewide conference in Yakima last week to receive their “Amazing Impact Award” for AFS’ contributions to Asset Building initiatives in Washington. The Washington Asset Building Coalition coordinates with similar Asset Building groups at the local level to provide financial education, access to mainstream banking and credit counseling for individuals through local events and community organizations. American Financial Solutions was selected for the award based on its active commitment in providing these services and in working collaboratively with other financial education providers to help individuals in Washington get control of their financial lives. This is the first step for people in...
Posted on Jun 26, 2011
Why is it Important to Check Your Credit Report?
Today, our credit reports are used to make many decisions about our financial future. This includes auto insurance rates, employment opportunities, ability to rent a home or apartment and, of course, whether we can obtain a home, car or credit card loan. It is critical to protect this very important asset by checking it, at least, annually. Below are some other reasons to check your report and some common things to look for when reviewing it. Make sure that only accurate information is on the report. It is very common for credit reports to contain errors. You don’t want an error to prevent you from getting the best rate on a car loan, home loan, or credit card do you? So you...
Posted on Nov 10, 2010
American Financial Solution's Survey
COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION New York, NY 10005 • phone (866) 262-8088 • www.coanet.org North Seattle Community College Foundation dba American Financial Solutions is interested in becoming accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA is a national organization that sets standards for quality service and sends teams of experienced professionals to visit organizations to see whether they meet these standards. Since you are currently using or have recently used this American Financial Solution’s services, it would be very helpful for COA to know what you think about those services. To start the survey, call the toll-free number contained below or go on-line. Note: When you are prompted, please enter the organization code shown below. TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 888-312-2415 ON-LINE: http://info.coanet.org/survey?iv=b6120fcd09375a6&q1=0065000000Cqmhh ORGANIZATION CODE: 2064 The information you provide will be...
Posted on Mar 22, 2010
There are only 31 hours until the New Year and a new opportunity to make sure your finances are in shape to help you reach your life goals. The beginning of the year can be a great time to take stock of your financial health because it is an easy date to remember. So start a new tradition and use the first of the year as your financial check-up date. Below is a list of some areas to review and make changes if necessary. Your credit report. Visit annualcreditreport.com and request your free credit report from each one of the major credit reporting agencies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Analyze your auto insurance coverage to make sure you are getting the best deal and...
Posted on Dec 29, 2009
Credit is a convenience; you can enjoy your purchase while you’re paying for it, or you can make a purchase when you’re lacking ready cash. There are strings attached – it will cost you. Credit costs do vary a lot depending on the interest and other finance charges. Take our Credit Reality Quiz to truly understand the cost of credit.
Posted on Apr 22, 2009
It’s your money so when choosing a credit card it is important to pay attention to and compare the following features: Annual Percentage Rate (APR): When evaluating credit card offers it’s important to understand the difference between the interest rate and the APR. The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount that the bank is charging you to borrow money. The APR includes other costs of the loan (the upfront fees, annual fees, etc.) and calculates them as a yearly percentage of the loan amount. Because of this, APR is a more accurate representation of the true cost of a loan. The lower the APR the less you will be charged for using the credit card. Compare APR’s carefully...
Posted on Apr 21, 2009
Banks evaluate customers who are seeking loans. There are five characteristics that banks and other financial institutions examine in deciding who qualifies for a loan. These are the five C’s of Credit; Character, Credit capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. Character might include personal characteristics like consistency, stability, and standing in the community and usually includes credit history, banking history, and length of time at your current residence. Credit capacity is an evaluation of your current income and expenses. In order to be eligible for more debt you must prove that your current income is both stable and of a sufficient amount to allow for additional borrowing. In addition, your expenses must not exceed an acceptable debt-to-income ratio. Capital consists of the amount of...
Posted on Apr 20, 2009
Using credit properly can be a great tool but requires organization, money management skills, and responsibility. The simplest reason for using credit from time to time is that some purchases are so large that they would exhaust your savings if you had to come up with all of the cash at the time of purchase. These include purchasing items like a home or vehicles, or paying for college. Before you use your credit for a major purchase, consider the realities; All borrowed money must be paid back. Payback consists of both the principal (the amount you borrowed) and interest (the cost of borrowing). If you are contemplating using credit or a loan, there are some important aspects for you to consider. Complete the Credit Decision...
Posted on Apr 19, 2009
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