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stockfresh_1211123_upset-woman-glaring-at-her-many-credit-cards_sizeS-300x200The inflation rate did go down last month, but we are still experiencing rising prices, more than we have dealt with for decades. So, these can be challenging times for those who use their credit cards.

Telling people not to use credit cards is unrealistic. Most in-store shopping is done with plastic because it is safer than carrying cash. Online purchases all require credit cards to close the sale. Regrettably, credit card interest rates are the only ones that will not go down. Those double-digit fees are creating large holes in the financial wellness of the average consumer. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3429711-250x300Thieves are not stupid. They are clever scoundrels who want your financial records, your cash, or both. They can be ingenious little devils.

One trick a thief will use involves the U.S. Post Office. A blue postal drop box is designed to receive a lot of mail and it is a target. A felon will use a handheld vacuum cleaner to take out the mail. After that, the villain will go through the mail and take advantage of any personal financial material, including checks and credit card numbers. Victims will not know until they receive their monthly statements that they been robbed. That person’s financial accounts and moved on by then. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3576539_stressed-female-graduate-holding-stacks-of-hundred-dollar-bills_sizeS-200x300Some excitement has been generated by the recent decision of the Biden Administration to cancel billions of dollars in college debt. People are hoping that the government will make the final big decision to cancel all the debt held by college graduates. It sounds like a great possibility, but we suggest those with college debt be careful.

The decision caused considerable controversy and was not very popular with certain groups. It shows that college debt is a complex issue that does not encourage easy solutions. Frankly, there is no guarantee that the government will cancel any more debt. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6387113_gavel-and-stethoscope-on-table_sizeS-300x200Many organizations offer a retirement planning benefit. It is a good idea, and older employees appreciate having it. A comprehensive retirement program is the best way to go. A quality plus retirement planning benefit would include living wills.

No one enjoys thinking about death, but a final illness or terminal emergency can happen. An unresponsive victim might be put on life support, prolonging dying for months. Delaying the inevitable might not be what a person wants. It is therefore essential to tell health care providers what to do. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1532919_senior-couple-medical-bills_sizeS-300x200Medical costs scare people. They might be small prescriptions or extensive therapy sessions; either can cause anxiety. Anyone over 50 years knows the cost of staying healthy can be steep.

Be a Proactive Consumer

Folks often feel resigned to paying hefty sums and instinctively reach for their credit cards to pay. That attitude does not make things any easier. What a person should do is become a proactive consumer. There is nothing wrong with asking questions or inquiring about alternative solutions. Consultations with a healthcare provider should be a two-way street. Continue reading

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stockfresh_2553181_consumer-protection-concept_sizeS-300x219Consumer protection is a government service that covers more than faulty products. Misleading advertising, unfair pricing, and vague refund policies are also covered. It is all intended to safeguard a consumer from unethical practices. It is a great benefit, but consumer protection can be confusing.

The Basics of Consumer Protection

There are eight basic consumer rights under American law: Continue reading

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stockfresh_7560715_multitasking-woman_sizeS-300x300There are many anxious moments in money management. People understand the importance of being responsible, but unexpected emergencies happen. These hit a person’s budget like a tidal wave and create stress.

The challenge is not knowing what to do. Adults can manage ordinary expenses, but medical treatment is expensive, and credit card balances get out of control. Managing cash is difficult when you do not know what to do. Continue reading

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will-testament-copy-300x200Young employees ordinarily are not too interested in writing a will. That is something for older folks to do and those in their twenties feel they have a lot of living ahead of them. We understand that, but we must remind people that while they may be young, they may have small children, and those little tykes need protection.

Troubles Boil under the Surface

Disaster can strike without warning. It can be an automobile accident or a fatal heart attack. Whatever it is, children whose parents die intestate, meaning without a will, are in for some challenging times. Continue reading

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debt-relief-pill-300x255Bankruptcy is not always caused by reckless spending. There are situations when credit card abuse does not play a part in a person’s downfall. It can take a significant bill or a series of major expenses to cause a collapse.

The Price of Healing

 

Medical bills are a major cause of bankruptcy. Surgery will create trouble, but medication is a serious cost creator. Many life-sustaining drugs are expensive, and health insurance will not cover all the costs. As a result, an individual gradually sinks deeper into debt, trying to stay alive. Continue reading

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stockfresh_5987416_customer-relationship_sizeS-300x200There needs to be more to an employee benefit than a statement of good intentions. There must be a noticeable quality to whatever service is provided to employees, or else the time, money, and effort expended on the benefit are wasted.

 

The vendor must provide how superior quality is assured in the benefit. There ought to be tools the service provider can readily use to provide the very best. Group legal plans may or may not be able to give the best to their clients. The primary reason is that there are insufficient tools. Continue reading