Shred, eCycle & Share
Northern Colorado Shred, eCycle & Share Community Event
When: 9 AM – Noon, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Where: The Ranch in Loveland (Lots A and B)
This community event is hosted by the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Credit Counseling Service in support of Northern Colorado National Protect Your Identity Week, and in partnership with Apex Shredding, Inc., Cintas Document Managment and Waste-Not Recycling.
Individuals are invited to drive through and safely dispose of sensitive documents and computer equipment as well as donate food and coats. Volunteers will be on hand to unload and accept materials and donations.
- Shred up to 50 lbs. (3 boxes) of sensitive papers.
- eCycle computer monitors, printers, scanners & fax machines for $5 each (cash or check only).
- PC towers and peripherals are free!
- Please no televisions.
- Help your community by bringing nonperishable food to benefit the Larimer County and Weld County Food Banks and gently used coats and jackets for Coats for Folks.
Corporate Sponsor: GUARANTY BANK And TRUST COMPANY
Media Sponsors: K99, The Point 99.9 FM, Northern Colorado 5
For additional information, visit- wynco.bbb.org/secure-your-id
Press Release From the National Foundation For Credit Counseling
NFCC PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
August 2, 2010
Contact: Gail Cunningham – gcunningham@nfcc.org
(940) 691-6322 direct - (240) 672-2700 cell
NFCC LEADERS NAMED TO TOP 10 WOMEN IN MONEY LIST
Keating and Chatzky Make Prestigious List
Silver Spring, MD – The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is pleased to announce that two of its national leaders, president and CEO Susan C. Keating and Board Member Jean Chatzky, have been named among the Top 10 Women in Money by the largest online site dedicated to personal finance, WalletPop.com.
“I am honored by the recognition which is a reflection of the incredible work done each day by our professional counselors,” said Keating. “Now it is more critical than ever for American families to know where to go to get the help they need to achieve financial stability. The NFCC and its Member Agencies are proud to play a part in helping consumers find solutions to their financial concerns.”
The NFCC is the nation’s largest and longest serving network of nonprofit community-based credit counseling agencies. With close to 100 Member Agencies, counseling is delivered in- person, by phone or online at nearly 830 locations across the country. In 2009, NFCC Member Agencies assisted close to four million consumers. Reflective of the economic times in which we live, this represents an increase of 56 percent in two short years.
“I’m thrilled to be in the company of such amazing women trying to make a difference,” commented Chatzky. In addition to being on the NFCC Board, Chatzky is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, is the financial editor for NBC’s Today, a contributing editor for More Magazine, a columnist for The New York Daily News, a contributor to The Oprah Winfrey Show, and blogs daily at JeanChatzky.com.
The selections were made by the author of the article, well-known personal finance figure Vera Gibbons, in consultation with the WalletPop.com editors. WalletPop is owned by AOL, and has 10 million unique visitors per month.
To view the complete article, visit http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/07/30/the-top-10-women-in-money/.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its Members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help four million consumers through close to 830 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NFCCDebtAdvice and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFCCDebtAdvice.
Press Release From the National Foundation For Credit Counseling
NFCC PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
August 1, 2010
Contact: Gail Cunningham – gcunningham@nfcc.org
(940) 691-6322 direct - (240) 672-2700 cell
POLL REVEALS THAT MORE THAN ONE-QUARTER OF AMERICANS WILL OPT IN TO OVERDRAFT PROTECTION
Silver Spring, MD – Recent legislation passed by Congress has changed how financial institutions will authorize and pay overdrafts associated with checking accounts. Although most overdrafts from paper checks and automatic payments will continue to be covered (for a fee), consumers must now opt in to authorize this service for ATM and debit card transactions made at a point of sale.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s (NFCC) July online poll revealed that 26 percent of the 2,089 respondents intend to opt in to overdraft protection in spite of there being a fee charged for the service.
“It is disturbing that this many people live so close to the financial edge. Anticipating that they will overdraw their account, they are willing to exacerbate the problem by paying a fee to have their purchases approved. The real answer lies in examining the root problem and resolving it, as continued overdrafts can result in some significant financial damage,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.
As of August 15, 2010, both existing and new customers of financial institutions must sign up for overdraft protection before the bank is allowed to charge the customer a fee for clearing the transaction. If consumers do not notify their bank or credit union, they will not be covered, thus no action is necessary by consumers who do not wish to opt in.
Industry studies show that the average overdraft fee charged by a financial institution is $27, with approximately half of the more than $37 billion generated in fees in 2009 coming from debit card and ATM overdrafts. Banks are anxious to retain these fees, with many having launched significant campaigns encouraging consumers to opt in.
The NFCC suggests that consumers consider the following instead of opting in to the potentially costly overdraft protection:
- Keep your check register current, recording all withdrawals and balancing often. Be sure to notate all ATM and debit card transactions along with any paper checks written on your account.
- Link your checking account to your savings account. In case of an overdraft, the money will be automatically taken from your savings with little or no fee attached.
- Pad your checking account by carrying a balance that you will not likely exceed. Most people spend a similar amount each month. If possible, keep an extra $100 in your checking account to cover unplanned expenses.
- Utilize technology. If your financial institution offers it, sign up for email or text alerts that notify you when your balance is low.
- Reach out to your creditors. If payment due dates do not coincide with paydays, contact your creditor and request a due date change. You may have to pay a little extra interest to cover the gap for the first month, but over time this step should help to organize your finances.
- Get help managing your finances. Reach out to an NFCC Member Agency by going online to www.DebtAdvice.org, or to be automatically connected to the Agency closest to you, call (800) 388-2227. For assistance in Spanish dial (800) 682-9832.
“Even though there may be a small embarrassment if a transaction is denied, the consumer should evaluate this inconvenience against the potential savings and value of solving the underlying financial issue that resulted in the overdraft. Know that if you have already opted in, you can always cancel the program,” continued Cunningham.
The actual July survey question and results are as follows:
Q: Consumers must now opt in to have their debit card purchases approved if the charge exceeds the balance in their account. Will you
- Opt in to ensure that purchases will be approved even though a fee will be added on = 26%
- Opt out and risk being embarrassed at checkout, but save the fee = 74%
”Note: The NFCC’s July Financial Literacy Opinion Index was conducted via the homepage of the NFCC Web site (www.DebtAdvice.org) from July 1-31, 2010 and answered by 2,089 individuals.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its Members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help four million consumers through close to 830 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NFCCDebtAdvice and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFCCDebtAdvice.
Press Release
CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE EXPANDS BANKRUPTCY EDUCATION TO AN ON-LINE OPTION
(Fort Collins, CO)– Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Colorado and Southeast Wyoming reports that they are rolling out an on-line version of the curriculum that is required to be taken by consumers prior to the discharge of a bankruptcy filing.
Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA), individuals are required to take part in a credit counseling session before they can file for bankruptcy, as well as complete a debtor education course before their bankruptcy filing is discharged. CCCS is approved* to provide both of these requirements by the Justice Department. The new online course at CCCS fulfills the second requirement for debtor education.
Due to the current recession bankruptcies are on the rise. Colorado and Wyoming consumers will now have one more option available to them to complete their bankruptcy education requirements online in the privacy of their home after filing bankruptcy. The new on-line bankruptcy education course offered by CCCS is available for all Colorado and Wyoming bankruptcy cases.
The online pre-discharge education course can be accessed 24 hours per day. More information and entrance to the course can be found at the agency website which is www.cccsnc.org. Certificates of completion are issued to consumers following the completion of the course.
The two hour educational course is required before bankruptcy filers can have their bankruptcy discharged. CCCS is happy to be able to provide the course on-line or in a classroom setting (see the agency website for face to face class scheduling).
CCCS is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to help people resolve financial problems and learn money management skills. CCCS has offices in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Sterling, CO and Cheyenne, WY. Confidential services can be accessed by calling 970-229-0695 or 800-424-2227 or visiting us on the web at www.cccsnc.org.
CCCS is approved* to issue certificates evidencing completion of a personal financial management instructional course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. *This approval does not endorse or assure the quality of the provider’s services.
CCCS Bankruptcy classes online & classroom
CCCS OFFERS ONLINE & CLASSROOM BANKRUPTCY CLASSES !
The United States Bankruptcy code requires that all filers of bankruptcy complete an approved financial education course with an approved agency* like Consumer Credit Counseling Service of N Colorado and SE Wyoming before your debts can be discharged. We are pleased to offer the financial education program “Money In Motion” which can be completed online. For more information visit – http://www.cccsnc.org/bankruptcy-education.aspx
CCCS also offers the course at least monthly in a classroom setting and you can check our course calendar for the next offerings and locations. For more information visit – http://www.cccsnc.org/classes.aspx
This course satisfies the requirements of the bankruptcy code for pre-discharge education for Colorado and Wyoming persons who have filed bankruptcy in those states.
970-229-0695
800-424-2227
MoneySense Financial Health Center Classes August 2010
This month means back to school for many of us, so why not take the time to sign up for class!
MoneySense
MoneySense Financial Health Center
An educational program of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Colorado and SE Wyoming
• 9th — Healthy, Low Cost Meals 1:00p – 2:30p • Fort Collins Senior Center
• 12th — Surviving a Layoff 12:30p – 2:30p • CCCS Office—Fort Collins
• 19th — Financial Fitness 1 10:30a – 12:00p • Sister Mary Alice Murphy Center for Hope—FC
• 23rd — Financial Fitness 1 10:00 – 12:00p • House of Neighborly Service—Loveland
• 25th — Financial Fitness 1 10:00 – 12:00p • Connections for Independent Living—Greeley
• 29th — Healthy, Low Cost Meals 6:00p – 7:30p • CARE Housing—Fort Collins
Classes are FREE, please call to register
970-229-0695 or 800-424-2227
CCCS of N CO & SE WY 2009 Annual Report
We are happy to publish our 2009 Annual Report.
Click for CCCS N CO & SE WY 2009 Annual Report – (2,021 KB .pdf)
Back to School $avings
Part of the Money Monday Financial Presentations
-
Find out how to get the most for your money as you get ready for school.
- Review Smart Shopping Strategies that will help you save!
- Learn about resources in your community.
- Discover ways to involve your child or grandchild in the shopping process to help them learn the basics of good money management.
- Win a great door prize!
WHEN: July 12, 2010 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at the Fort Collins Senior Center
- OR -
July 26 from 6—7:30 pm (Child care provided.) at CARE Housing, 1303 W Swallow, Fort Collins
CALL for information & registration: (970) 494-3307
An education program of
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
of Northern Colorado and Southeast Wyoming
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SPONSORED BY:
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MoneySense Financial Health Center
- CARE Housing
- Fort Collins Housing Authority
- Neighbor to Neighbor
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Project Self-Sufficiency
Cash in on the Coupon Craze . . .
and other $mart $hopping $trategies
- Everyone can use help reducing the amount spent at the grocery store and coupons can help.
- Learn how to use coupons effectively along with ads, sales and rebates to save money.
- Find out how to get the most for your money as you stock your pantry.
- Learn the steps to develop a personalized shopping plan for the places you shop.
Join Kathy Cox, Director of Education with the
MoneySense Financial Health Center
June 14, 2010 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at the Fort Collins CO Senior Center
- or -
June 28 from 6—7:30 pm at CARE Housing, 1303 W Swallow, Fort Collins CO
Call for registration: (970) 494-3307
Housing Assistance Fair and Forum
Come to this free and confidential event!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Southwest Weld County Services Complex
4209 WCR 24 1/2
Longmont, Colorado
| ♦ Loan modifications | ———————————— | ♦ Loss mitigation |
| ♦ Short sales | ———————————— | ♦ Refinancing |
| ♦ Foreclosure options | ———————————— | ♦ Services supporting families |
| ♦ Current Pay Stubs (within last 30 days) | —- | ♦ 2008 and 2009 Income Tax Returns |
| ♦ 3 Months of Bank Statements | —- | ♦ Household Expense Budget |
| ♦ Copy of Closing Documents | ♦ Last Property Insurance & Mortgage Statements |
√ How to Speak with Your Mortgage Company
For more information: Please call United Way of Weld County 970-353-4300
Facing foreclosure? Dial 2-1-1 / (800) 559-5590 / (877) 601-4673
* Bi-lingual professionals will be on site
Participants and Co-Sponsors
| Office of US Senator Mark Udall | — | Office of US Senator Michael Bennet |
| Office of US Congresswoman Betsy Markey | — | Weld County Public Trustee |
| Colorado Division of Housing | — | Colorado Foreclosure Hotline |
| United Way of Weld County 2-1-1 | — | Consumer Credit Counseling Service |
| Weld County | — | Chase Homeownership Center |
| Federal Housing Hotline | — | Building Healthy Marriages |
| Colorado Civil Rights Division | — | Wells Fargo |
| GMAC | — | Faith Community Service Fund/Bridges of Hope |
| ———————————————. . . & more | — | —————————————————– |
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