For Moms Managing Finances Advice, Support and Hope are Available

A 2010 survey performed by researcher iVillage, found that an increasing amount of women are making the financial decisions for the entire household. The survey discovered 61% of moms are in charge of the family’s finances and 41% expressed they would like to be more educated when it comes to financial decision making. Only 37% responded that they would seek information from a financial advisor (Making the Case for Financial Literacy 1). There are many reasons people might not want to seek out information from a professional. Embarrassment, distrust, inconvenience and cost are some of the barriers people face. So what do you do? The solution may be easier than you think. American Financial Solutions is a trusted, non-profit credit counseling agency. Our...

Posted on Mar 10, 2013

Survival Plan for Maintaining Financial Stability during Sequestration

  Washington, DC – Sequestration is now in place, and along with it came a good amount of uncertainty, causing many Americans to wonder how they will be impacted.  By some estimates, more than one million employees of federal agencies may receive furlough notices.   Some workers are not adequately prepared to deal with a loss of income, even a short-term one.  For those living from paycheck to paycheck or without significant savings, any income interruption is likely to put them over the financial edge.    For example, consider the statistics below from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Financial Literacy Survey:   ·         Thirty-three percent of respondents admit to not paying all bills on time; ·         Thirty-nine percent have zero non-retirement savings; ·         Thirty-nine percent carry...

Posted on Mar 03, 2013

Overspending and Under-saving Actually Same Problem

Washington, DC – The January poll hosted on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) website asked consumers if they had a spending problem, savings problem, neither or both.  The overwhelming majority, 62%, identified themselves as having problems related to both spending and saving. “The good news is that having a problem with both spending and savings is actually just one problem: spending,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.  “The bad news is that overspending is often tied to deep-rooted behavior, making it very difficult to change.” Consumers are showing signs of a willingness to begin spending again, as according to Gallup, monthly spending hit a four-year high this past December.  As further proof of an increased comfort level with spending,...

Posted on Feb 04, 2013

NFCC Poll Reveals Majority of Consumers Admit Financial Problems are Self-Inflicted

  Washington, DC – According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) December poll, when asked if their personal financial problems were self-inflicted or the result of events beyond their control, the overwhelming majority of respondents, 63 percent, admitted responsibility for their financial woes. “The poll results are encouraging, as the first step to correcting a problem is recognizing it,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.  “Taking ownership of financial problems empowers consumers, putting them in the driver’s seat to affect change.” There is no better time than the start of a New Year to change behaviors. To help consumers get on the right track for 2013, the NFCC offers the following 12 action steps which can either be implemented one...

Posted on Jan 02, 2013

Medical Bills: Finding the Right Help Is Critical for Eliminating Debt, Says American Financial Solutions

  When Mrs. Ramirez met with American Financial Solutions’ certified credit counselor Carmen Perales, she and her husband owed $30,000 in medical bills. Perales worked with the family to establish a budget and to understand all of their expenses, but that was not all they accomplished.  The Supreme Court’s recent ruling in favor of the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (visit our website to learn more), provides multiple benefits for consumers. Free preventative care, no waiting periods for care, and no maximum amount of benefits someone can receive in a lifetime. However, those benefits may come at a higher price for other services. Some insurance companies, medical providers and pharmaceutical companies are struggling to reduce their expenses...

Posted on Jul 03, 2012

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