Articles from Take Charge America, Inc.

When bills stack up, one question looms large: Which balances should you pay first, and which ones can wait?

Buying your first home is a big deal. In fact, it’s one of the most important financial commitments you’ll likely make. Yet many first-time homebuyers enter the process without a clear understanding of what financial steps to take beforehand.

When faced with mounting credit card debt, many Americans assume their only options are drastic: debt settlement, bankruptcy or simply ignoring the problem.

The threat of more tariffs is raising cost-of-living concerns among many Americans. For those living paycheck-to-paycheck, increased expenses could lead to a debt spiral.

From mismatched spending styles to managing joint debt, money can be a major source of stress in relationships. Whether partners fully combine their money or keep certain aspects separate, financial alignment is key to building trust and planning for the future.

When faced with mounting credit card debt, a balance transfer promotion that offers promising low or zero interest may seem like a lifeline. While these cards can be a step in the right direction to overcome financial hardships, they can leave consumers in greater debt if they don’t prioritize paying off the balance.

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but for many first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming.

No matter where they need extra support in their housing journeys, California homeowners and renters can now receive free, confidential housing counseling and mortgage assistance services from Take Charge America, a national nonprofit agency offering credit counseling, HUD-approved housing counseling and debt management services.

The holidays can be an excuse for one last blowout before vowing to reset financial goals in the new year. Credit card debt can accrue and savings deplete quickly as people enjoy the festivities. But with an action plan, short-term debt from the holiday season doesn’t need to saddle money aspirations in the year ahead.

It can be overwhelming to experience financial difficulties without a clear plan. But a temporary hardship can be just that — temporary — and the right guidance can set people back on track.

Credit card offers are often packed with appealing benefits, but many of the terms can be confusing or unclear, leading to unexpected expenses and longer debt cycles.

Settling into fall, it’s an ideal time for individuals and families to assess their personal finances. This extra attention will ensure an annual check-in gets the attention it deserves ahead of the holiday rush.

Credit card interest rates can vary widely and change frequently. Being aware of what determines interest rates and how they can be managed helps ensure costs don’t climb out of control and credit scores don’t suffer.

A credit card can be closed at any time, right? The answer may be more surprising than most people think. While there are certainly occasions where it’s appropriate — and wise — to close out a credit card, there are other situations when discontinuing an account can damage one’s financial outlook.

Homebuyer education courses can set first-time homebuyers up for success by teaching them how to save for a down payment, shop for lenders, maintain a home and provide all-around valuable information about the homebuying process. Yet the benefits don’t stop at education alone – such courses play a key role in reducing mortgage costs.

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. Before anyone signs on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the full implication of what it means to be a cosigner.

Managing credit card debt has become increasingly challenging for many Americans. 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.

Take Charge America, a national leader in nonprofit credit counseling and debt management, announced today that Manuel Salazar has been appointed CEO. With a strong focus on service innovation and meeting consumers’ diverse debt relief needs, Salazar oversees the greater execution of Take Charge America’s vision to serve as a lifelong resource for individuals and families seeking financial guidance.

Junk fees — misleading or hidden charges — can creep up on bills after you make a purchase or when you are about to check out. They aren’t prominently advertised or communicated upfront — consumers think they’re paying one price, but end up footing a larger bill.

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

The New Year provides an opportunity to evaluate personal financial stability and set goals for improvement. For many, this means redoubling efforts to pay off credit card debt.

Millions of people are eyeing a fresh financial start as the new year nears.

A credit score is not just a number – it's the most important measure of an individual’s ability to manage debt responsibly. Not only is it a key factor in securing a car loan or mortgage, but it also affects access to loans, interest rates and employment opportunities.

Debt collectors are often a huge source of anxiety for consumers behind on payments, underscoring the need to keep thorough records of all communications. Doing so can have drastic impacts on one’s overall credit and financial stability.

Nearly 24 million children – one in three – live in a single-parent family in the U.S. – and the number is rising. Not surprisingly, many single parents are the sole financial providers for their family, making financial planning and budgeting more crucial than ever.

Despite Americans’ widespread reliance on credit cards, many consumers don’t understand how their interest rates work and how their own actions can drive them up. This knowledge gap causes many to spiral into debt.

With school out, many teens are searching for their first summer job. This milestone not only marks the beginning of financial independence, but it shapes how they approach spending and saving in the future.

As the foundation of modern financial life, a credit score plays a large role in helping you qualify for the best borrowing terms on products such as mortgages, credit cards and other loans. Many Americans regularly seek ways to quickly improve their scores.

Even as the overall inflation rate has fallen, prices remain elevated across the economy, putting continued pressure on Americans’ budgets. These ongoing inflationary struggles have consumers on the hunt for ways to stretch their dollars.

Credit cards are a convenient way to borrow money. But for some a credit card may not be an option, leaving them to find alternative financial solutions.

Talking about money often can be a source of anxiety and frustration in committed relationships. But for engaged couples, it’s a critical step to take before meeting at the altar.

As Americans assess their financial situations following a challenging year, several economic signs — including continued high interest rates and lingering inflation — are still warning of a possible recession sometime in 2023.

Americans have been wrestling with inflationary pressures all year. As the New Year approaches, millions of individuals and families have set resolutions to save more money.

Arizonans who fell behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make payments due to effects from COVID-19 can receive free help from nonprofit housing counseling agency Take Charge America to apply for up to $40,000 in financial assistance through the Arizona Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams.

As credit card use rises in the face of higher prices, Americans face mounting debt levels, leaving them searching for solutions to regain control of their finances.

Credit card use has surged across the country as Americans face higher prices in recent months. With more individuals turning to credit for everyday purchases, the potential grows to develop bad habits that can negatively impact their finances.

With Americans struggling with decades-high inflation and other economic uncertainties, millions have turned to debt to make ends meet. Adding to the stress of many are seemingly endless calls from aggressive debt collectors.

Buy now pay later services are responsible for $100 million in annual transactions and have quickly become a go-to financial tool for millions of Americans. Although these options provide an easier way to make purchases, they aren’t without risks.

Most people know excessive credit card debt is bad for their financial lives. But few may be aware of how seemingly innocuous financial behaviors can lead to a life with perpetual debt.

From low inventory to higher prices and climbing interest rates, the housing market nationwide continues to present challenges for individuals and families as they home hunt.

Arizonans facing foreclosure, eviction or struggling to pay their mortgage or rent can receive one-on-one housing counseling services from nonprofit agency Take Charge America, including the possibility of qualifying for up to $25,000 in mortgage assistance through the state’s Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Although the pandemic has impacted the financial lives of millions, one of its largest effects has been on individuals’ housing situations. Since the onset of the pandemic, Americans have missed a combined $83.9 billion in mortgage payments, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, creating undue stress and anxiety about their futures.

The holidays may be over but their financial impact is likely to add extra strain in the new year for the 36% of individuals who took on debt to pay for gifts, decorations and more in 2021, according to LendingTree.

After nearly two years of pandemic relief, federal student loan payments are set to resume in February. Now is the time for borrowers to reevaluate their budgets and become reacquainted with their payment plans.

From labor and product shortages to higher prices and shipping delays, this year’s holiday shopping season has the potential to be more stressful — and costly — than usual for consumers.

The U.S. Department of Education is temporarily changing certain rules to allow potentially hundreds of thousands of borrowers the chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness if they have worked in public service. This opportunity is only available for a limited time, and borrowers must act before Oct. 31, 2022, to qualify.

As adults approach retirement, more are turning to debt to make ends meet. In 2020, retirees’ non-mortgage debt more than doubled to $20,000, according to the latest State of Retirement Finances report from Clever.

For many teenagers, college is the first time they make money decisions without parental assistance. But if they don’t fully understand how finances work, they leave themselves open to making costly and long-lasting mistakes.

Dedicated to cultivating a highly supportive and encouraging workplace, Take Charge America is pleased to announce it has been named one of the 2021 Top Workplaces in Arizona by The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com. The Phoenix-based national nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency is one of the organizations honored for creating a company culture that values and invests in its people.

With more financial transactions taking place online, it’s important for consumers to protect their personal data, especially as cybercrimes like ransomware, phishing attempts and identity theft continue to increase.

Even though many Americans are rebounding from the economic effects of the pandemic, millions remain impacted as they struggle to keep up with bills or are at risk of falling further behind.

Life after college can overwhelm many graduates, especially if it’s the first time they are handling personal finances outside of a school setting or without the help of family.