News & Press Releases

Need a small-dollar mortgage? Here’s what to know

December 8, 2020 – By Zach Wichter Low mortgage interest rates have not helped all homeowners and homebuyers equally. Facing a demand spike, many lenders have tightened qualifications for new loans, making small mortgages more difficult to get than ever. That makes it all that much harder to get financing in ... Read More »

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Debt Consolidation Pros and Cons

December 4, 2020 – By Lauren Ward American consumer debt has reached $14.35 trillion, including mortgages, car loans, credit cards and student loans, according to the New York Federal Reserve. Some Americans are unable to manage the thousands of dollars of debt that they have, forcing them to ... Read More »

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8 Tips for Paying Off Student Loans Fast

November 18, 2020 – By Hanneh Gundersen While some may argue that you can’t put a price on a good education, many of today’s graduates face the grueling task of paying off student loans within a reasonable time frame. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by student loan ... Read More »

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Is COVID-19 Credit Relief Going Away?

October 29, 2020 – By Dawn Papandrea When spring's COVID-19 shutdowns put millions out of work, lenders and credit card issuers stepped up with payment relief and other special programs for struggling Americans.

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7 Steps To Take To Finish 2020 Financially Strong

October 2, 2020 – By Sarah Sharkey It's safe to say that 2020 has been a wild ride for nearly every American. Not only have we been dealing with a global pandemic, but also unprecedented job losses and wild price swings in financial markets. The economic chaos caused by COVID-19 has upended the financial plans of millions of people throughout the year.

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ACCC: Storm-Proof Your Credit During COVID-19

Boston, MA – September 30, 2020 Consumers struggling to pay monthly bills as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic must be proactive and communicate regularly with lenders, credit card issuers, and other financial institutions, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) said today.

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How Long Can A Debt Collector Pursue Old Debt?

September 17, 2020 – By Nicole Dieker If you’ve ever received a phone call from a debt collector asking about a credit card debt that you barely remember, you might be wondering just how long debt collectors can pursue an old debt.

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ACCC Issues Advice, Caution On Borrowing From A 401(K)

Boston, MA – August 24, 2020 American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is advising more and more people who are considering a loan or hardship withdrawal from their 401(k) plan or other retirement savings to cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Americans Tapping Into 401(K) and Other Retirement Funds

Boston, MA – July 15, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic and related economic crisis are forcing Americans to borrow against their retirement funds, and confidence in the U.S. economy is further declining among those who have been hardest hit, according to a new poll by American Consumer Credit Counseling.

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ACCC Warns Consumers On COVID-19 Scams

Boston, MA – June 24, 2020 American Consumer Credit Counseling warned today that consumers are at increased risk of being scammed as economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic creates an environment ripe for financial predators.

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How To Consolidate Student Loans

June 18, 2020 – By Barry Bridges Student loan consolidation is the process of taking multiple outstanding loans and reorganizing them into a single loan, sometimes with a longer repayment period and therefore a lower monthly payment.

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America’s Economy Is Reopening But Small Businesses Face Uncertainty

Boston, MA – May 28, 2020 America’s small business owners face a long road to recovery as the U.S. economy begins reopening in all 50 states – and the challenge of balancing personal and business finances is creating unprecedented levels of stress. Budget and credit counselors from the nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling are spending more time helping small business owners prioritize their financial lives.

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Pandemic-Related IRS Changes Could Delay American Tax Refunds

Boston, MA – April 27, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered drastic changes within the IRS that could cause significant delays with American’s tax refunds – especially for those who file paper tax returns, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling warned today.

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What To Do If You’re Struggling With Payments During Coronavirus

April 17, 2020 – By Latoya Irby The COVID-19 virus has ravaged both the world and our personal finances. Stay-at-home orders and the closure of non-essential businesses throughout the U.S. have led to pay cuts, job loss, and furloughs, leaving many consumers struggling to pay bills or stretch their money during the coronavirus.

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Your Credit Report: Everything You Need To Know

April 6, 2020 – By Coryanne Hicks Your Credit Report is a detailed statement of your credit history. It includes your credit card accounts, loans, bill payment history and public records of any bankruptcies, liens or judgments against you.

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Americans Must Have a Financial Emergency Kit

Boston MA – March 20, 2020 The global COVID-19 pandemic is creating worldwide economic peril. American households must act now to establish a financial emergency kit and improve readiness for fast-developing events, American Consumer Credit Counseling said today.

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How To Pay Off Your Debt In Retirement

March 3, 2020 – By Rachel Hartman While stepping into retirement might mean walking away from a job, many Americans are dragging financial baggage into this next stage: debt. In recent years, the amount of debt retirees carry has grown, and the numbers are troubling from both a monetary and emotional standpoint.

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How To Pay Off Debt Fast

February 5, 2020 – By Daniel Bortz No one sets out with a goal of accumulating debt, but that doesn’t change the fact that personal debt in the United States is at an all-time high. Adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older report having an average of $29,800 in personal debt, excluding home mortgages, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2019 Planning & Progress Study.

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What Is The Highest Credit Score?

January 24, 2020 – By Barri Segal When it comes to credit scores, there is a lot of information to absorb. What are they? How do they affect you financially? What is a “good” score? What is the highest credit score available? Should everyone be striving to achieve a perfect score?

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Tips For Paying Off Your Holiday Credit Card Debt

January 3, 2020 – By Ann Carrns The holiday decorations have been put away, the gift boxes recycled. Now it’s time to pay the cost of December’s gift and entertainment binge. Experts suggest everything from following a three-month repayment plan to selling used clothes and toys or temporarily reducing your 401(k) contributions.

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Loan Default: What Happens When You Can’t Repay Your Car Or Personal Loan?

January 2, 2020 – By Terri Williams Almost no one who takes out a loan plans to default on it. But as household debt in the U.S. continues to increase, defaults are inevitable. A defaulted loan won’t just go away. If you don’t resolve it, your lender will–and it won’t be pretty. Some lenders are willing to work with you, but it’s important to communicate early and often to resolve the issue amicably.

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