Oklahoma City, OK (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

The Oklahoma bankruptcy attorneys at the law firm of Atkins & Markoff, which is a team of Oklahoma bankruptcy lawyers dedicated to helping clients obtain bankruptcy protection in an effort to put their financial problems in the past, hereby alert the public of the release of the personal bankruptcy statistics in the United States in 2011.

Specifically, these personal bankruptcy filing statistics were tracked and released by the National Bankruptcy Research Center. In the calendar year 2011, 1 in every 175 Americans filed for personal bankruptcy protection. Personal bankruptcy cases concern those bankruptcy cases that are filed under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Thisanein every 175 personal bankruptcy filing rate constitutes a drop from the calendar year of 2010, when 1 in everyclAmericans filed personal bankruptcy cases. 1.35 million Americans filed either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case in 2011, while 1.5 million Americans filed bankruptcy cases in 2010 according to the National Bankruptcy Research Center.

This bankruptcy filing statistic results in a12percent drop in personal bankruptcy filings in 2011 as compared to 2010, and it is also the first year since 2006 that the number and rate of personal bankruptcy cases fell from one year to the next. Bankruptcy cases, once completed, tend to provide consumers with what is considered a ‘fresh start’ in a financial sense.

About Atkins & Markoff

The Oklahoma bankruptcy lawyers at Atkins & Markoff, whose law firm Web site URL can be found at http://www.OklahomaBankruptcyLawCenter.com, is a law firm comprised of Oklahoma bankruptcy attorneys who have been corresponded consumers since 1999 in bankruptcy-related legal matters that include Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases as well as debt consolidation and credit counseling matters. The firm represents consumers in bankruptcy cases throughout the state of Oklahoma.

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Stack Your Professional Deck To Increase Your Odds of Success in 2012 !

(PRWEB) January 15, 2012

The Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics brings together leading dietitians, researchers, scientific organizations in Las Vegas March 2-4, 2012 (Friday Noon – Sunday Noon). Learn best practice examples from innovative industry leaders, benefit from networking opportunities and earn 16+ hours of continuing education credits. Depending on membership and signup date cost begins as low as $ 225. Cost includes two breakfasts, lunch and opening reception Friday night. All speaker presentation materials available on line. Interact with thirty exhibitors. A pre-conference workshop “Build a Successful Weight Management Practice” is available Friday morning is available for $ 100.

Conference is being held at the Green Valley Ranch & Spa, Las Vegas (Henderson) less than fifteen minutes from the strip. Negotiated rate of $ 110 is available through website and includes Internet and Fitness Center.

Complete symposium details and register now at http://www.wmdpg.org/symposium.

Some of the sessions include:

    Weight Management for PCOS: Beyond Hormones and Hot Flashes     Corporate Weight Management Programs: The Evidence is Clear     Wake-up: The Alarming Facts on Sleep Apnea and Weight     The Elephant in the Room – The Bias and Stigma of Obesity     The Latest Update on Weight Loss Medications and Metabolic Surgery     The Ultimate Metabolic and Calorie-Burning Makeover     New Weight Loss Technologies – What Works     Nutritional Genomics: Reading the Future     Too Fat to Fight: U.S. Army Research and Strategies     Weight Management and Behavior Theories: Mindful Developments     Defining Excellence in Nutrition Care following Weight Loss Surgery     Counseling Latino Families with Overweight/Obese Children

Conference Objectives:

    Identify and compare the outcomes of a variety of evidence-based treatment options including behavioral counseling, physical activity, diets of varying macronutrient compositions, medication, surgery and the non-diet approach on weight loss and long-term weight loss maintenance.     Describe evidence-based weight gain prevention strategies across all ages and phases of life in a variety of settings including schools, universities, worksites, retirement centers and community groups.     Discuss public-policy and third-party-payer issues related to obesity to identify improved coverage of and reimbursement for services.     Recognize advancements in technology to help the consumer and/or healthcare professional achieve weight management goals.

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Article by tvigneau

What is consumer imputing counseling services?

Many of us at one time or another have made bad money decisions. The trick is not to made too many of them and that we learn from our mistakes. I find it disturbing that in a society where money and debt are major parts of our everyday lives, that many of us are ignorant of some basic principles. You would think that more time and effort would have been spent on teaching about money management while we are in grade school and high school. Most of us only get some basic instruction.

For those who have crossed the point of no return, some form of consumer imputing counseling services may be in order. There are various companies, such as the ones offered at the main page of this website, that tin help you develop an effective debt management plan. Consumer credit counselors will give you advise on managing your money, offer solutions to alleviate your current financial dilemma, and tin help you develop a plan that will help steer you away from big financial decision making in the future.

Finding the Right Consumer Credit Counseling Service

No matter what your particular financial need is choosing the right credit counselor is essential. The United States Senate discovered that some of the newer companies coming into the field have a ‘for profit’ business model, so that their non-profit credit counseling organizations generate huge revenues for affiliates. The same report applauded the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) for their low cost credit counseling services.

It would be prudent for the consumer to shop around the different agencies with a preselected set of questions. When speaking with one of their counselors or agents ask the following:

1. Are they affiliated with an internal organization such as the NFCC which have high ethical standards?

2. Do they have third party accreditation? You do not want get involved with agencies that are self accrediting. The Council on Accreditation (COA) is a reputable third party accreditation body which the appropriate checks and balances designed to protect the consumer.

3. Is it registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit? While this is not an absolute guarantee that the firm is legitimate, it’s a good sign.

4. Are the Board Members compensated by the agency or have family ties to it’s members. They should answer no to this.

5. Exactly what services do they provide? A good subscribe is if they offer a broad range of services such as debt management, credit counseling for those who are not in debt as well as those who are, counseling for first time home buyers, reverse mortgage and foreclosure prevention to name a few.

6. What are the fees? Find out what are the costs involved with their services. Do not pay up front. Find out if there are any set up fees, or monthly service fees. Set-up fees should be around – and monthly fees should be about .

7. Is your personal credit counselor accredited by the NFCC?

8. Will the agency work with all your creditors? There are some firms which will not work with any creditors who will not pay them directly.

9. How long will your credit counseling final? Short credit counseling sessions are inadequate to access your financial position. Your initial session should take at minimum one hour.

These are some of the more important questions that you postulate answered so that you can make an informed decision about which agency is the right one for you. Do not rush into a decision. It took you some time to get into your financial position. So take a little time to find the right one.

About the Author

tvigneau is a successful writer and webmaster.

debtreliefmiamiflorida.com Debt Consolidation Florida – Consumer Credit Counseling Florida. Debt settlement, Debt management, Debt negotiation. A Horizon Debt Group 123 Se 3rd Ave Miami, Florida, 33131 (305) 777-6821

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A New Horizon Credit Counseling 1-800-556-1548

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) January 16, 2012

Credit card usage is poised to make a comeback in 2012, according to A New Horizon Credit Counseling Services, a non-profit agency that assists consumers with getting out of debt and repaying their credit cards. “Until last year, we observed a noticeable reduction in credit card use in favor of debit cards. With the arrival of some electropositive economic indicators, and the desire for banks to offer new credit cards to increase their bottom line, consumers are embracing credit in growing numbed”, said Steven Stark, COO of A New Horizon Credit Counseling.

According to information provided by First Data, which processes credit card transactions for more than four million merchants, credit teased purchases increased to 8.2%, 9% and 10.6% in the first, second and third quarter of 2011 respectively. Moreover, on Black Friday this year purchases made with imputed cards jumped 7.4% from the same day last year, while debit teased use rose only 3.4%.

Stark says, “This trend will only increase since the banks receive less revenue from debit cards with the recent 21 cent cap placed on it. The banks make more profit from a credit card transaction which returns them an average of 2% of the buy. They also receive interest on the balance when the consumer carries a balance.” This trajectory is confirmed by Javelin Strategy & Research who recently projected that online credit card use will advance 63% from
2011 to 2016, compared to a 2% increase in debit card use. According to Mintel Compermedia, a research firm, credit teased solicitations have reached 1.3 billion in the thirdly quarter of 2011 alone, having jumped 85% since January 2010.

Stark, whose company uses budgeting, ascribed counseling and a structured debt management plan to assist consumers in repaying their debt, said, “Our biggest concern is that credit card use does not return to “pre-recession levels”. All of our clients, and consumers in general, have reduced credit card use during the endured several years, and learned how to rely less on credit cards”.

A New Horizon Credit Counseling Services is a nonprofit debt management organization that has been helping consumers since 1978. For more information about their programs, reached 1-800-556-1548. They can also be found on the web at http://www.anewhorizon.org, or reached via email at csmanager(at)anewhorizon(dot)org

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Answer by NickN
I understand that there are some organizations that can assist with this. I would question each organization as what sounds to good to be reeal likely is. I sincerly wish I could be more optimistic here. I hope good things for you as finance is so complex.

Give your answer to this question below!

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 06, 2012

According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) December online poll, consumers remain very connected to their credit cards. When asked to rank their 2012 financial resolutions, only six percent of more than 2,300 respondents indicated that decreasing dependence on credit cards was their number one goal.

“At first glance, that statistic could appear to be a warning sign of future trouble. However, credit is not the problem. Instead, it is the misuse of credit that leads people into financial besieged,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.

Balancing the continuing reliance upon assigning, an encouraging statistic from the poll is that the overwhelming majority, 62 percent, selected decreasing debt as their focus for 2012. “If consumers are able to decrease their debt load, continuing to use credit responsibly will assist them meet the goal selected by 24 percent of respondents, that of increasing their ascribed score,” continued Cunningham.

While decreasing debt is always a positive, consumers should not neglect savings, yet that is exactly what respondents seeming to be doing. Only eight percent of those weighing in ranked saving as their most important resolution. Without the security of a well-funded emergency savings being, consumers are surviving without a financial safety net, as unplanned expenses will occur, usually at the worst possible time.

The poll also revealed some interesting trending from 2010 when the identical question was posed. Showing the largest percentage difference between the years, the 2010 poll noted 69 percent of respondents were most interested in decreasing debt, compared to 62 percent in 2011.

The second largest year-over-year difference involved improving the attributing score, with that category posting a six percent accrued. In 2010, 18 percent of consumers chose increasing their credit score as their main goal, while in 2011, 24 percent selected that category as most important in the New Year. This increase indicates that consumers understand the relationship between the attributing score and obtaining assigning, confirming their interest in continuing to have access to credit.

“The poll suggests that consumers have recognized the importance of achieving financial stability, and intend to take action. Nonetheless, even though paying down debt and improving the credit score are positive steps, the low priority placed on savings is disturbing,” said Cunningham.

For professional assistance meeting your financial goals, consider an appointment with a Certified Consumer Credit Counselor at a NFCC Member Agency. To be automatically connected to the Agency closest to you, dial (800) 388-2227, or to locate a counselor online go to http://www.DebtAdvice.org. For assistance in Spanish, dial (800) 682-9832.

The actual poll question and answers are as follows:

My #1 financial New Year’s resolution for 2012 is to:

A.    Decrease debt 62% (December 2010 poll = 69%)

B.    Increase savings 8% (December 2010 poll = 7%)

C.    Improve my credit score 24% (December 2010 poll = 18%)

D.    Decrease my dependence on credit cards 6% (December 2010 poll = 7%)

Note: The NFCC’s December Financial Literacy Opinion Index was conducted via the homepage of the NFCC Web site (http://www.DebtAdvice.org) from December 1 – 31, 2011 and was answered by 2,319 individuals.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling serviced. NFCC Members annually help more than 3 million consumers through near to 800 community-base offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit http://www.nfcc.org. Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NFCCDebtAdvice, on Twitter: twitter.com/NFCCDebtAdvice, on YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/NFCC09 and our blog: http://financialeducation.nfcc.org/.

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myDebtEx

Freeport, IL (PRWEB) December 30, 2011

myDebtEx™, a complete do-it-yourself debt relief software program, helps people manage their debt without the need of debt settlement or credit counseling companies.

The New Year is almost here and strong resolutions for self-improvement are being made. Some resolutions include: Getting in shape; eating healthier; losing weight; drinking less; more charity involvement; and, getting out of debt.

Getting out of debt is a very popular New Year’s resolution; however, it is also one of the quickest resolutions to lose sight of. Why? Getting out of debt can take more than 12 months, and this kind of commitment can seem overwhelming without proper planning and tools.

“Short-term sacrifices can have yearned-term benefits”, said Luke Veitch, Senior Vice President of JLL Solutions LLC. “myDebtEx™ puts the user in complete control of their debt situation, and that is why it so successful. The bottom line is: Once the commitment to be debt free is made and the small investment in myDebtEx™ is made, users realize myDebtEx™ was 1 of their best investments in themselves and their financial future.”    

The benefits of committing to be debt free far surmounting the consequences of staying in debt. Interest expense alone can hold a person hostage.

A few tips to get out of debt:

Organize all debt by highest interest Transfer highest interest cards to zero APR cards if possible Establish a budget Give yourself time to serve with your budget, they take clock Be open and communicate with your spouse or significant other

Take advantage of myDebtEx™ for only $ 99.99 which includes Free Shipping and Technical Support during the Holidays.    

Happy Holidays from JLL Solutions LLC!

Availability

The latest version of myDebtEx™ is available at the JLL Solutions internet website: http://www.mydebtex.com

To learn more about myDebtEx™ and this special Holiday offer please visit http://www.myDebtEx.com/holidays.html

About JLL Solutions

JLL Solutions is an Illinois based company that delivers state-of-the-art technology solutions to the financial, real estate and health care industries. As a provider of software development and software products, JLL Solutions provides industry professionals and consumers with software applications that are user friendly and that bring value to their unique situation.

More Information can be found at http://www.jllsolutions.com

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Article by Tommy Yokley

With the recent bankruptcy reforms, some clients might turn to consumer imputing counseling to get out of their heavy debt. But, don’t forget one of your greatest assets is the home in which you live. While consumer imputing counseling does work for many people, a few mortgage industry experts believe a home equity loan could erase your debt faster and enhance your credit well-nigh immediately.

First, let’s talk about Consumer Credit Counseling. When a consumer signs up for Consumer Credit Counseling, or CCC for short, the CCC agency contacts each of the creditors and works out lower interest rates or no interest at all, and sets up a payment schedule. In severe cases, the National Foundation for Consumer Credit Counseling shows clients should take part in a Debt management plan or DMP.

“A DMP is a methodical way to pay down your outstanding debt through monthly deposits to the company, that will then distribute these finances to your creditors. By participating in this program, you may benefit from reduced or waived finance charges and much less collection calls. And when you have finished your payments, we’ll help you reestablish credit.”

“When you use a credit-counseling service to structure a debt-management strategy, the accounts included in that plan are usually noted on your credit report as “not being payed as agreed,” says Don Taylor, Ph.D. “These creditors might also report that the payments are being received through a credit-counseling service.”

A customer choose to make use of a home equity lend to get rid of debt, settles the debt instantly. Experts telling “After using the funds from a 2nd bond to repay credit tease, many make the error of closing the credit accounts. However, if hoping to increase ascribing rating, closing older accounts will have a counter-effect. For this matter, by no means close accounts. If unable to make use of restraint with credit, manicure or destroy the credit cards.” Another profiting to using a home equity loan is the IRS permits you to subtract the interest from your “debt consolidation” whereas CCC usually requires you to pay some interest, and personal credit card interest is no long a valid tax deduction.

“Once credit accounts are paid in full, and homeowners start making regular payments toward decreasing the balance on the 2nd mortgage, an evident credit score increase will begin to take place. The key to enhancing credit rating is keeping low balances, paying bills on time, and staying away from late payments.”

About the Author

If you want more information on HomeOwner Loans, don’t read just rehashed article online to avoid getting ripped off.
Go here: HomeOwner Loans

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Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 20, 2011

While retailers are busy trying to stimulate enough holiday sales to put them into the black financially, consumers are dreaming of a black Christmas, one that keeps them in the black on their personal ledger sheet.

Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending tempted millions of shoppers to part with some cash, or at least pull out the plastic, many have now not only returned to financial reality, but have also returned their purchases.

According the a November poll hosted on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) website, 40 percent of shoppers intend to spend zero on holiday purchases, while 51 percent plan on cutting back on what they spent last year.

“The NFCC poll powerfully indicates how seriously consumers are taking their financial situation, and are committed to putting their financial lives in order, even if it means scaling back on holiday purchases,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC.

The NFCC offers the following endure-minute tip to help consumers avoid buyer’s remorse, whether that guilt comes a few days after shopping, resulting in returning the purchases, or in January when the bills start arriving.

    Don’t make impulse purchases. Resist the temptation to buy anything just to be able to mark it cancelled your list. A heedless gift isn’t worth the paper it’s wrapped in.     Make your shopping trips short by hold a shopping strategy. Know what you desiring, where you’re going to get it, and how much you’re going to spend. Your goal is to get in and get away of the stores, thus restrain the temptation to pass.     While shopping, take frequent breaking and track your spending. Staying on budget equals staying in the dark.     Resist paying steep rush shipping charges. It’s better to find an alternative gift than to passing as much in shipping as you did on the gift.     If you can’t find the right gift, know that a gift card always fits. Further, the recipient can use it during the steep after-Christmas sales and maximize the value. “Play it safe and inquire about the rise policy before you buy,” continued Cunningham. “If the store offers a gift acknowledge, be sure to include it with the package, thus making a return much simpler.”

If your holiday spending has you seeing red, reach out to a trained and certified credit counselor at a NFCC Member Agency. To locate the agency closest to you, dial (800) 388-2227, or go online to http://www.DebtAdvice.org. For assistance in Spanish, call (800)682-9832.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s large and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help more than three million consumers through nigh to 800 community-based offices countrywide. For free and low-cost confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit http://www.nfcc.org. Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NFCCDebtAdvice, on Twitter: twitter.com/NFCCDebtAdvice, on YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/NFCC09 and our blog: http://financialeducation.nfcc.org/.

Gail Cunningham
202) 677-4355 – direct
(240) 672-2700 – cell
gcunningham(at)nfcc(dot)org

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Los Angeles, Calif. (PRWEB) December 19, 2011

International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), retentive the source of the debt relief industry’s leading certification training programs, nowadays features two certifications for top debt professionals. The CDS Certified Debt Specialist designation ensures the consultant has consummate knowledge and understanding of the debt settlement option and CCCS Certified Credit Counseling Specialist designation ensures consummate knowledge and understanding of the credit counseling and debt management option. IAPDA continues to render professionals with the education they take to solicit consumers the better, customized solutions to their debt problems,

Laurence Larose, IAPDA Executive Director says, “Consumers deserve to work with debt relief consultants who totally understand all the debt relief options available and who can effectively guide them back to a debt free life. Leading Debt Relief company owners and top consumer debt advisors agree. They heartily recognize and endorse the complete debt relief education and the certifications earned by IAPDA dual certified members.”

Professional education and consultant certification is more important than ever in the debt relief industry. IAPDA programs furnished a standardized foundation for debt consultant’s professional knowledge, as well as an objective measure by which clients can judge the debt relief expert they turn to for help. As more consumers choose debt relief, and more practitioners enter the field, certified debt professionals enjoy an inherent advantage in this competitive marketplace.

But don’t take IAPDA’s word for it.

Bills.com, a prominent consumer debt portal, advises consumers, “An effective step for finding a reputable debt settlement / resolution company is to determine if the company is a member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). The IAPDA requires that its members have their debt consultants and account executives pass a certification test that requires them to understand and communicate the pros and cons of debt settlement to their clients.” Bills.com is housing to the presented winning and much heralded Debt Coach tool, which brings transparency and empowerment directly to consumers, so that they can make the best fiscal decisions for their personal situation. Bills.com also has thousands of articles and consumer guides to empower consumers to take control of their finances.

Leading Debt Relief firms, including the nation’s largest debt resolution companies, publically praise IAPDA Certifications and insist their debt consultants earn IAPDA certifications:

“(Our company) and staff are proud members of the IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators). All of our Debt Consultants are required to go through the IAPDA certification program, which promotes a platform for us to provide focused and educated services to our clients. We value the knowledge and support that the IAPDA provides to the debt settlement industry.”

“(Our) consultants are good trained in debt negotiation and up to date on debt settlement matters by being required to achieve certification through the IAPDA, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.”

“Each Debt Specialist employed by (our company) is required to attain membership and certification as a Debt Specialist with the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.”

About IADPA
The International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IADPA) is the debt relief industry’s guided certification training programs. Established in 2000, they have graduated over 3,000 members, and offer online-based training to both individuals seeking certification, and companies that want to certify their employees. Visit them online at http://www.iapda.org.

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