Debt consolidation and credit counseling have been a hot topic in today's market. Attached is an article from MSN Money that covers the basics on the good and bad side of credit counseling. For local information on a non-profit credit counseling agency, please visit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NEPA. The consumer's guide to credit counseling Credit counselors are falling all over themselves to help you out of debt, but some do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know,   More...

Terms of U se High debt and misuse of credit cards make it tough to save for retirement. Money that goes to pay interest, late fees, and old bills is money that could earn money for retirement and other goals. How much debt is too much debt? Debt isn't necessarily bad, but too much debt is. Add up what you pay monthly in car loans, student loans, credit card and charge card loans, personal loans - everything but your mortgage. Divide that total by the money you bring home each month. The r  More...

Terms of Use The credit card you pick can save you money Table of Contents: Credit Card Interest Rates How Much Will You Pay? Credit Card Shopper's Checklist Deciphering the Application Glossary For More Information Smart consumers comparison shop for credit, whether they're looking for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a credit card. Comparison shopping is important because it could save you money. When you're looking for a credit card, be sure to consider the costs and terms. They can  More...

A secured loan is one where you have assigned Service 1st the right to take possession of one or more of your assets if you do not repay the loan within its term. These assets are specifically identified as part of the loan documentation and serve as collateral for Service 1st in the event that you default on your loan. If you default on a secured loan, Service 1st can take possession of the asset(s) and sell it to recoup any balance outstanding on the debt. Any amount recouped from the as  More...

Terms of Use What is a Coverdell ESA? Formerly called Education IRAs, a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a type of IRA that allows you to make nondeductible contributions up to $2,000 annually for anyone under the age of 18 or a special needs beneficiary of any age. Assets in a Coverdell ESA must be used for qualified education expenses before your child (the designated beneficiary) turns 30 in order to be withdrawn tax-free. Coverdell accounts offer individuals a simple savings mec  More...

Terms of Use: Your Get out of Debt Step-by-Step Roadmap You've heard the old saying, live within your means. Easier said than done for some. The important thing is that you've reached a point where you realize your life would be a lot less stressful if you didn't have bills to worry about. Short of winning the lottery, what can you do? Here's help. Four rules to live by: 1. Be realistic! If you are spending $500 a month now on food, don't expect to cut your grocery bill t  More...

h1 { font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold; } [Skip to Content] Home Budget Analysis Managing your monthly budget can be difficult and frustrating. One of the most important aspects of controlling your budget is to determine where your money is going. This calculator helps you do just that. By entering your income and monthly expenditures, you can see how much you have left to save and where your money is being spent. In addition, you can click the View Report to see your entries results in detai  More...

Terms of Use Credit Score A credit score (ranging from 300 to 850) is a measure of your credit worthiness or how likely you are to pay back your debts and do so on time. You want to have a high score. Your credit score is used by lenders, credit card companies, employers, landlords, insurance companies and others in evaluating whether to extend credit to you. The higher your credit score, the lower the assumed risk to lend you money. While no specific definition of “good” is un  More...

Terms of Use: If you can't make your mortgage payments, your lender can foreclose on your home. Foreclosure is a process that can begin immediately and will result in your losing your home. Most lenders, however, will allow you to miss a couple of payments before starting foreclosure proceedings. If you're at risk of missing a mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately. While the process of foreclosure can take several months, be aware that the process itself will be a costly   More...

Terms of Use: Below we have identified what is generally covered by a standard homeowners policy, but you need to talk to your insurance agent to understand specifically what your policy covers and up to what amount. What's generally covered: Damage to both structures and personal property caused by: fire lightning windstorm (including hurricanes and tornadoes) or hail explosions riot or civil commotion aircraft and vehicles smoke theft or vandalism falling objects weight of ice, snow or sle  More...