NFCC Financial Education Blog

Thousands Seek Financial Helpfrom NFCC Member Agencies Each Day

dkessler — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:48:21 +0000

By Gail Cunningham The NFCC’s Member Agencies assist more than three million people each year with 12,500 consumers receiving counseling to resolve their financial distress on an average day. Whether the financial concern is related to building a budget, debt repayment, buying their first home, or saving the one they’re in, each day thousands of [...]

The Financial Planning Puzzle

dkessler — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:00:09 +0000

By Gary Silverman In the midst of doing a puzzle with my wife, I realized it was a great metaphor for financial planning. Imagine receiving a pile of puzzle pieces and being told to put them together. Hey, it’s possible, but it’s not easy. At least it’s not until you look at the picture on [...]

Dear Kim:Can the IRS Apply My Tax RefundTo An Outstanding Debt?

dkessler — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:47:00 +0000

By Kim Cole Dear Kim, I filed my taxes and was expecting a $2000 return. I received a letter from the IRS stating that my return is being applied to an old student loan that I didn’t pay. Can they do that? That loan had nothing to do with my taxes! I think I owe [...]

Using Comic Books to Teach Financial Literacy

dkessler — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:50:23 +0000

By Jason Alderman For decades, millions of kids have faithfully followed the adventures of their favorite comic book superheroes like Spider-Man and the X-Men – sometimes well into adulthood. Although often considered pure escapism, comic books also can serve an educational role – whether it’s teaching the principles of science, demonstrating right vs. wrong, or [...]

How To Save Money This Memorial Day

dkessler — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:19:59 +0000

By Lauralynn Schueckler Memorial Day and other holidays can be hard on your wallet, especially if you have a large family that you have to entertain. Save money this Memorial Day by participating in free or inexpensive community events that are sponsored by your local neighborhood organizations. In many towns and cities, Memorial Day usually [...]

Tips For A Fun Family VacationThat Won’t Drain Your Bank Account

dkessler — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:04:36 +0000

By Gail Cunningham With Memorial Day weekend upon us that means the unofficial start of summer. Summer can be one of the most expensive times of the year to travel – especially if you are on a tight budget. With gas prices higher than ever, and many destinations only offering peak season pricing, many families [...]

Elderly Mom Destitute With Credit Card Debt

dkessler — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:50:17 +0000

By Erica Sandberg Erica, My mom is 77 years old. She lives in a one-bedroom apartment and has no assets (no car in her name, no IRA, no stocks, no retirement income, absolutely nothing). She lives entirely off her Social Security check each month. However, she managed to rack up about $15,000 on a credit [...]

Financial Tip of the DayBegin Saving Today!

dkessler — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:11:12 +0000

By Drew Kessler Saving money isn’t as difficult as you may think. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll see how easy and quick it is to add a few extra bucks to your wallet. Make coffee at home and take it with you Pack your lunch instead of eating out at work Wash your [...]

Knowing Which Financial Recordsto Save, Toss

dkessler — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:24:52 +0000

By Jason Alderman Thank goodness tax season is over. If the memory of hours spent hunting for and organizing paperwork is still fresh in your mind, maybe it’s time to do some financial spring cleaning so preparing next year’s taxes won’t be such an ordeal. Many people hold onto mounds of receipts and account statements [...]

Fun & Exciting Ways to Teach Childrenthe Importance of Spend, Save, and Share

dkessler — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:13:37 +0000

By Lauralynn Schueckler It seems that kids today find it increasingly harder to understand the value of money. It’s no longer like it was ten, twenty, or even thirty years ago. Today’s world is filled with micro transactions where even downloadable songs are anywhere from a dollar to a few dollars each on places like [...]