TAKE CHARGE AMERICA


Associated tags: Senior counsel, Professional Services, Finance, Personal Finance, Bank, Consumer, Pal Maliga, Banking

Locations: ARIZONA, UNITED STATES, NORTH AMERICA, NEW YEAR

What You Need to Know Before Cosigning a Loan

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Many people have been approached by a family member, friend or even acquaintance about cosigning a loan, and aren’t sure how to proceed.

Key Points: 
  • Many people have been approached by a family member, friend or even acquaintance about cosigning a loan, and aren’t sure how to proceed.
  • Cosigning a loan is a major responsibility and should not be considered without a full knowledge of the process and potential outcomes.
  • Be aware of how cosigning a loan could impact your relationship: A cosigned loan that reaches full payment without issues can build trust and strengthen a relationship.
  • Discover more about the pros and cons of cosigning a loan

Three Smart Ways to Consolidate Credit Card Debt and Boost Your Finances

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports total credit card debt in the United States has surged to a record-breaking $1.13 trillion.

Key Points: 
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports total credit card debt in the United States has surged to a record-breaking $1.13 trillion.
  • At the same time, delinquency rates are rising, particularly among millennials ages 30-39, many of whom are also grappling with student loan debt.
  • “Debt consolidation can be a game-changer for juggling multiple debts and paying off balances in a smart, strategic way.”
    Robbins highlights three effective debt consolidation methods to pave the way to financial stability:
    Consider credit card balance transfers for lower rates: Moving credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate can significantly reduce the amount of interest you pay.
  • Balance transfers also allow you to consolidate multiple credit card balances into a single payment, simplifying your finances and making it easier to manage your debt.

Take Charge America Announces Manuel Salazar as Chief Executive Officer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Take Charge America, a national leader in nonprofit credit counseling and debt management, announced today that Manuel Salazar has been appointed CEO.

Key Points: 
  • Take Charge America, a national leader in nonprofit credit counseling and debt management, announced today that Manuel Salazar has been appointed CEO.
  • Prior to joining Take Charge America , Salazar served in executive leadership roles with two nonprofits supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • “Take Charge America provides critical services for people struggling with their finances,” he said.
  • Additionally, Take Charge America offers housing counseling to individuals in various parts of the homeownership or rental journey.

What Are “Junk Fees,” and How Do You Spot Them?

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

They aren’t prominently advertised or communicated upfront — consumers think they’re paying one price, but end up footing a larger bill.

Key Points: 
  • They aren’t prominently advertised or communicated upfront — consumers think they’re paying one price, but end up footing a larger bill.
  • Robbins notes these types of fees commonly appear on bills for hotels, resorts, travel, concerts, festivals, parking, online subscriptions and home services.
  • Look for “service,” “convenience” and “processing” fees, which add to the total cost of a product or service.
  • Services like Google Shopping, PriceRunner and Shopzilla can make it more efficient to compare prices online.

Did You Miss a Credit Card Payment? Here’s What to Do Next

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Missing a credit card payment can be stressful, and even accidental lapses in payments can have lasting repercussions on your credit.

Key Points: 
  • Missing a credit card payment can be stressful, and even accidental lapses in payments can have lasting repercussions on your credit.
  • “Timely credit card payments are crucial for maintaining your financial stability and protecting your creditworthiness,” said Amy Robbins, associate director of operations with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency .
  • Pay at least the minimum promptly: Credit card issuers typically wait 30 days before reporting a late payment to credit bureaus.
  • Seek credit card debt relief: If you are consistently missing payments and find yourself overwhelmed by credit card debt, it may be time to seek professional help.

Unlocking Financial Freedom: Expert Guidance for Credit Card Debt Repayment

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 10, 2024

For many, this means redoubling efforts to pay off credit card debt.

Key Points: 
  • For many, this means redoubling efforts to pay off credit card debt.
  • “In our evolving economy, financial health is critically important,” said Amy Maliga, financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency .
  • Talk to an Expert: Schedule a free credit counseling session to establish specific, measurable and achievable goals for debt repayment.
  • Consolidate Payments: Enroll in a debt management plan to consolidate your credit card payments into one, often lower monthly payment, saving time, money and stress.

How to Get Your Financial Footing in the New Year

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 6, 2023

With 67% of Americans planning to make a financial resolution in 2024 , paying off debt is the most common goal.

Key Points: 
  • With 67% of Americans planning to make a financial resolution in 2024 , paying off debt is the most common goal.
  • Despite an air of optimism, resolutions like this are quickly put on the backburner without a plan driving them forward.
  • Get an accountability partner: Enlist the help of a close friend, spouse or another loved one to reach your financial goals.
  • Seek debt relief options: If you are deep in debt, seek relief options such as nonprofit credit counseling or debt management to help reclaim your financial independence.

Need to Boost Your Credit Score? Try These Top Tips

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

"Your credit score can be a passport to financial freedom,” said Amy Maliga, financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency .

Key Points: 
  • "Your credit score can be a passport to financial freedom,” said Amy Maliga, financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency .
  • Maintain Low Credit Utilization: Limit your spending and pay down debt to get your credit utilization below 30%.
  • Limit New Accounts: New credit cards will reduce the average age, or length, of your credit history, also influencing your score.
  • Consider a Secured Credit Card: If you're struggling to get approved for credit, start with a secured credit card.

Dealing With Debt Collectors? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Debt collectors are often a huge source of anxiety for consumers behind on payments, underscoring the need to keep thorough records of all communications.

Key Points: 
  • Debt collectors are often a huge source of anxiety for consumers behind on payments, underscoring the need to keep thorough records of all communications.
  • Then, the debt will need to be verified by the collector.
  • Right to ensure the debt is legitimate: Before giving any personal information, ask the collector’s name, debt collection company, company address and phone number.
  • If you believe a debt collector is violating the FDCPA, you can file a complaint online or call (855) 411-2372.

How Does a Fraud Alert Work, and When Do You Need One?

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023

With the Federal Trade Commission reporting consumer fraud losses up by 30% , fraud alerts help consumers safeguard their financial wellbeing.

Key Points: 
  • With the Federal Trade Commission reporting consumer fraud losses up by 30% , fraud alerts help consumers safeguard their financial wellbeing.
  • Placing a fraud alert on your credit report is free and has no effect on your credit score.
  • “However, the fraud alert process is designed to combat even more stresses down the road.
  • Be proactive: Continually monitor your credit accounts and reports to ensure you’re not a victim of identity theft or fraud.