Southern Blog
Credit Reports and Scores Explained in Simple Terms
By Charlestien Harris Having access to credit can make dreams come true. In today’s world, you can hardly conduct business without using credit, rather it be renting a vehicle or hotel room or making a large purchase. Most people don’t worry about...
The Great Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020
By Jayla Wilson I have seen and laughed at numerous memes about how so many of us thought 2020 was going to be our best year yet and coronavirus said, “You want to bet?” While I know this pandemic has thrown a wrench in many of our plans, I encourage you not to give...
Debt Management: Do it yourself or Pay A Company
By Charlestien Harris While watching the news and scanning Facebook, I have noticed numerous advertisements for debt management companies. With ads promising easy debt relief, these programs are tempting to anybody struggling to stay on top of debt. The question...
What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Bills
By Charlestien Harris When managing finances, the number one priority is to keep current with your mortgage or rent, as well as your monthly household bills. There are many factors that can affect your ability to stay current with bills such as death, job loss,...
Recognizing Roadblocks to Financial Success
By Charlestien Harris Hello, my financial fitness trainees! This week, I decided it was time to help you recognize some obstacles that might hinder you from moving forward with getting your finances in order once we move past this health crisis. Whatever they are,...
Consider All Your Options before Making Long Term Financial Decisions
Filing Bankruptcy: The Facts By Charlestien Harris This is a particularly tough time for millions of Americans, and a lot of people are wondering what the next step should be when this pandemic is over. As a credit/housing counselor, I see many cases where...
Meet ALICE
By Janie Ginocchio You might be thinking, “I only know one person named ALICE and she’s my 86-year-old great aunt.” That’s surely true, but what’s true, too, is that ALICE is your waitress at your favorite diner, the lovely people who help you get your groceries to...
Learning How to Get Through the Month
By Charlestien Harris As difficult as it can be to make ends meet, it’s getting even tougher during this pandemic. Now is the time to develop strategies that will guide your finances well beyond this health crisis. Understanding your cash flow will help...
Economic Impact Payments: How a Digital Economic System Can Leave the Unbanked Behind
By James Owen Cutting checks to 171 million Americans is no easy logistical undertaking. It gets harder when you don’t have direct deposit information for as many as 110 million.[1] That challenge is why you’ve probably tried to check the status of your refund on the...
Customer Alert: COVID-19 Online Shopping Scams
Face masks, toilet paper, and other essential items are in high demand right now. Be careful of deals that seem too good to be true. The Federal Trade Commission gives tips on how to shop online responsibly: Check out the company or product by typing its name in a...