stockfresh_479551_house-in-hand_sizeS-300x200Real estate agents on television will showcase the house bargains that are just waiting for a buyer. They will stress the positive, but once the house is sold, the buyer learns the negative.

A naïve first-time home buyer isn’t aware of the pitfalls of real estate. The house might have structural problems and the buyer might be using a balloon mortgage to pay for the home. Financial wellness might soon be at risk.

 

People Need Real Estate Education

 

A house is what every employee would like to have. Unfortunately, not every person understands real estate. Housing and mortgage financing can be a real mystery. Whether a person is buying a dream, or a nightmare depends on what he or she knows. An employer can help by offering a financial wellness program that includes education. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services provides a benefit that has a real estate education option. Continue reading

stockfresh_8439488_keyboard-with-blue-keypad-consumer-protection-3d-illustration_sizeS-300x200Buying a warranty looks like a smart consumer decision. It means that if a problem arises, repair is covered by the retailer who sold the product. It is no secret that many retailers will strongly promote the purchase of one, but it does not mean the consumer is safe and secure. There can be issues in the warranty that will lead to a lot of frustration.

Areas of Concern

A standard warranty is going to have certain provisions that must be followed in order to get this contract honored. The warranty may specify that only certain repair shops will accept the warranty. There also might be a definite amount of time and after that the warranty is no longer in effect. Still other warranties insist that only certain parts are permissible, and the warranty owner may have to pay for the purchase of such parts. Continue reading

01the-importance-of-a-comprehensive-legal-plan-article-4102-thumb-320x210-86253-thumb-320x210-86254-300x213Human resources understands the impact of depression on productivity. People who have anxiety or disturbing thoughts are distracted. Deadlines and business benchmarks might be ignored as a person tries to deal with inner demons. Depression can be expected any time a person’s financial wellness appears to be in jeopardy.

Hard Lessons in Life

Young employees are especially vulnerable to stress brought on by finances. This is more than just having to deal with a personal budget for the first time. Many are faced with paying off college debts that are staggering. Others must deal with credit card obligations and even health issues that can drain a normal paycheck. Worries about finances will affect a person’s decisions. The opportunity to buy a house may seem to be completely out of reach and saving for the future looks out of the question. Continue reading

stockfresh_3558891_lawyer-and-client-in-office_sizeS_487dc8-300x200We want to begin this article by telling you that a living will is an excellent idea. Accidents can happen, which leave a person in an unconscious state, and nobody knows what this almost lifeless individual wants to be done regarding medical care. A living will, if adequately written, spells out exactly what type of treatment is desired and whether the person wants life support systems turned off. Group legal plans will have drafting a living will as a benefit option and will market the idea to people. Nevertheless, we encourage caution.

 

A living will is not a DIY project. Additionally, using website templates to craft a document is not really a good idea. There could be some problems when professionals do not draft living wills. Continue reading

stockfresh_1104622_falling-credit-cards_sizeS-300x200People, by now, realize they were perhaps a little bit too generous at Christmas time. The credit card statements have come in and the debt balances are higher than usual. This can be a direct threat to the financial wellness of some people. The credit card debt may already be substantial and they are paying double-digit interest rates on the balances.

 

The figures can be frightening and may lead to some drastic decisions. A person has to be cautious in dealing with credit card debt, however. Paying the monthly minimum is essential, but too much can leave a consumer strapped for cash and not able to fully pay other obligations. Some have no concept of a personal budget and are floundering. Credit card balances can be managed and can be lowered. It requires a little strategy along with frugality. Continue reading

stockfresh_4665102_student-loan_sizeS-300x300It is a new semester on college campuses and the last one for many seniors. College days are about over, and the monthly student debt bills will soon begin. Some seniors already have accepted job offers, but loan repayments might take a big portion of their paychecks. The cost can harm financial wellness.

 

College debt can be enormous with a person perhaps owing more than $100,000. New graduates have not faced the payment obligations the size of a house mortgage. Drastic steps such as forbearance and even declaring bankruptcy can appear to be the only options. However, desperate decisions are not necessary. Continue reading

stockfresh_5987416_customer-relationship_sizeS-300x200Automation and the Internet are meant to make things easier. Benefits enrollment will have dedicated websites and people can change their 401(k) donation mix online. Everything is intended to be more efficient, but it doesn’t always make things better. The human touch is a critical component of benefits quality. Group legal plans must remember that pre-paid legal services require personal interaction.

 

The Law is Mysterious

 

Legal procedures have distinct steps to follow. Language in documents like living wills has unique definitions and may not be altered. The legalese mystery can create considerable anxiety. Continue reading

stockfresh_3279849_costs-benefits_sizeS_e3a3fc-300x200The new year will be full of surprises and challenges. Some developments will be great and will make an employee proud to work for an organization. It’s unfortunate, but other changes will be unexpected and not appreciated.

 

Rules and Regulations

 

Changes at all levels of government happen in January. Rules and procedures are revised to meet requirements mandated by new laws. Altering the status quo causes anxiety and whoever relies on government services will suffer high-stress levels. Continue reading

debt-relief-pill-300x255January comes as a shock  for some people. The new year impacts an organization’s health insurance deductible: it starts all over. The full deductible amount is reinstated. It upsets folks because they are afraid their medical condition will jeopardize their financial wellness.

A Nasty Compromise

Employers do what is necessary to contain medical expenses. Raising employee premiums or changing the co-pay percentage is not popular with the workforce. The compromise is to increase the deductible instead. Deductibles between $5000 and $10,000 are typical. Continue reading

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Fiscal responsibility is a virtue everyone wants to have. Unfortunately, it is not that simple, nor is it easy to get. Folks will try all types of budgeting but do not always get it right. Attempts to pay large bills are frustrating, and people start worrying about how they will ever eliminate their credit card debt. Financial wellness means using the proper tools to get out of choppy water and commence smooth sailing.

 

There are many financial gurus out there who promote this idea or that in order to help somebody walk a smooth path. The problem is that these so-called experts promote general ideas. Their suggestions may or may not be what an individual needs for his or her finances. It is essential to have somebody to work with in a one-on-one situation. It guarantees that an individual’s financial wellness is constructively addressed. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has a benefit that can help anyone do a better job of managing domestic finances. Continue reading