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stockfresh_3576539_stressed-female-graduate-holding-stacks-of-hundred-dollar-bills_sizeS-200x300College debt is not something anyone wants to deal with, but those who have outstanding balances must face those figures. College is now a life experience that carries a cost that may take years to pay. The figures are as large as a mortgage.

Young employees and even those with five or more years of seniority are trying to deal with a situation affecting their life decisions (e.g., buying a house, starting a family, etc.). The good news is that there are ways to handle the financial situation. A plan of what to do, however, is essential. But there is the rub; many do not know what to do and how to create a realistic system for paying college debt. Therefore, they need some good advice and need it right away. Fortunately, Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services is here to offer assistance that resolves a rough situation. Continue reading

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sad-dollar-300x129It’s easy to be cynical about the government if all you hear are the screw-ups that happen. Yet, despite what skeptical folks may say, the government on all levels provides needed services on a routine basis to millions of people. These include medical support, education benefits, help with housing, transportation, and even food delivery. Public agencies exist to serve you, and not everyone realizes that.

Where Do You Think You Are Going? Continue reading

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stockfresh_3279849_costs-benefits_sizeS_e3a3fc-300x200Group legal plans promote their pre-paid legal services as much as possible. The types of assistance, such as writing simple wills or helping with warranties, are given considerable attention as the plan administrators seek to impress prospective clients. As a result, there is a lot of talk, but that may be a severe problem.

Effective communication is essential in any employee benefit plan. However, there is more than talking and simply hearing causes problems and rarely provides solutions. There are some common communication mistakes to avoid. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1701311_stethoscope-and-dollar_sizeS_f73430-300x200It is easy to be afraid in a pandemic. Health becomes a priority, and people try to be as careful as possible. It is a brilliant idea to get vaccinated, but there is more to dealing with health issues than a shot in the arm. People will be confronted with other problems besides COVID-19, and the cost of health care will be a significant worry.

Hospital Bills are Rarely Small

If you don’t think so, take a close look at the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) that your health insurance company issues. Even minor medications come at a sizable cost. It’s only natural to panic when you first see a medical bill. Minor surgery is expensive and the same is true for physical therapy sessions. The final figures can be a shock.

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lastwilltestament-300x200COVID-19 has been compared to the Black Death of the Middle Ages. Stories of healthy people suddenly becoming ill and the fear of getting sick while doing everyday activities seem to have a parallel with tales of long ago. Fortunately, what is happening now is nowhere near as drastic, but people are beginning to show risky behaviors that are alarming.

I Will Take My Chances Continue reading

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stockfresh_2912650_what-do-i-do-now-thinking-person-thinker-question_sizeS-297x300We have all been through some very tough times. There was a point when people felt the world was ending and there was no hope for any future. Granted, COVID-19 is still here, but we also have the vaccines to combat the disease. So, things are getting better, but there is some work to be done.

Personal finances took a hit during the pandemic. Everyone was able to get by thanks to the stimulus checks and moratoriums on college debt and rent payments, but those holidays are rapidly fading. The near-normal means a return to old bills and obligations. Some bad habits need to be eliminated in the coming months, or there will be some terrible consequences. Money gurus are suggesting that the following actions take priority. Continue reading

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stockfresh_225020_eraser-and-word-debt_sizeS-300x200The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been a rocky road for some employees. They may have been having financial problems before the crisis and got a reprieve with the stimulus checks. Not having to pay apartment rent or school loans might also have helped. However, any holiday from financial responsibilities is going away. Those with money problems discover those debts didn’t go away, and their financial resources are strained to the breaking point. Bankruptcy and foreclosure could be real threats.

A Widespread Problem

Those facing bankruptcy are not alone at all. The government assistance only delayed the inevitable for some. A false sense of security caused these people to delay filing, and the pause permitted them to acquire even more debt. They now are in deep trouble. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1627257_estate-planning-word-cloud-concept_sizeS-300x300Family members should not be enemies or rivals. Blood is thicker than water, and people connected by family ties should not compete. That makes sense, but sometimes kin are not always friendly. This is the case with the estate of a deceased loved one.

Estates can bring out the worst in people. Greed can run riot as cousins and nieces bicker over pieces of furniture or plots of property none of them may have ever seen. The tragedy is the tale of hurt feelings, and things said that will not be forgiven. A simple will that expressly spells out who will get what prevents a lot of grief. Group legal plans will offer drafting of simple wills as a benefit option. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services will create simple wills with a little bit extra. Continue reading

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employee-benefits-300x207Employees are getting a little picky when it comes to employee benefits these days. They know that retention and productivity are essential for their employer’s success, and the right benefits plan will assure both. Workers don’t want window dressing; they want benefits that will help them. An inadequate benefits package will send good employees packing for a better job.

Assistance with common legal issues is a benefit many employees would like to have. Group legal plans must have certain features to pass the test with an organization’s staff. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has a group legal plan benefit with features that make it very attractive. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1211123_upset-woman-glaring-at-her-many-credit-cards_sizeS-300x200If there was anything good that came out of the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, it was the reduced credit card debt. A study conducted by WalletHub showed that Americans reduced their credit card debt by $82.1 billion. It is a significant improvement, but the national credit card problem remains, and it could get worse.

The stimulus checks helped many bring down their credit card debt figures, but the money has now been spent. WalletHub predicted that there will be an increase in credit card debt of $60 billion. There is a distinct possibility that America will soon be experiencing a high rate of inflation. It could add fuel to an already lit fire. Continue reading