National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc.

National Foundation for Debt Management and VeteransPlus: Florida House and Senate Presentation

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:35:24 +0000

Due to the current economic environment, some Guardsmen are returning from deployments to find their civilian job has been downsized or completely eliminated. The Army National Guard (ARNG) has implemented several initiatives to help Soldiers during this time of transition. The most familiar of these are the pre -deployment and post -reintegration programs, which consist of informational events and activities for the members of the Armed Forces, their families, and community members. These events were created to facilitate access to services that support the health and well-being of our military men and women through all phases of the deployment cycle. While these programs, as well as the ongoing Yellow Ribbon events may offer assistance to returning service members with employment and benefits needs, VeteransPlus is answering the call to fortify those same benefits with financial education, financial counseling, and ongoing financial literacy services. VeteransPlus believes such outreach events will be greatly enhanced by including financial education and emergency assistance. These wars have physically, mentally, and financially affected the men and women who have served our country and their immediate dependents. A majority of these Veterans are suffering from not only physical and mental health-related challenges, but also financial crises such as identity theft, credit card debt, and loss of income.

As a non-profit educational organization, VeteransPlus is committed to providing the information necessary to address and improve our Veterans’ financial circumstances. While VeteransPlus is dedicated to improving the financial circumstances for all Veterans, our current economic environment magnifies the importance of our services for Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) and their families. These men and women are searching for financial wellness services that will help them establish a better quality of life as well as a sound financial future.

The VeteransPlus program has three primary goals: (1) establish partnerships with Veterans organizations to provide financial education wellness options and support for OIF/OEF Veterans, active military personnel, and family members related to pre-deployment, deployment, post-deployment and family readiness challenges; (2) deliver rehabilitative education and counseling services to Veterans and their families who are committed to gaining control over their personal finances; and (3) provide tools and one-on-one counseling services to assist with strategic financial decisions that result in long-term positive financial behavioral changes.

VeteransPlus has partnered with National Foundation for Debt Management (NFDM) to provide financial education and counseling programs at no cost to Veterans and their families. NFDM is also a 501(C)3 organization and is a US Department of Housing and Urban Development approved Housing Counseling Agency. NFDM offers programs and services that address the most critical consumer education issues facing this target population: monthly budget development, personal savings commitments, home purchase planning, credit education, debt reduction, financial stability improvement, and both short and long-term financial goal setting.

NFDM is an organization founded to help people better understand their personal finances and take control of their financial lives. For over a decade, NFDM has provided thousands of consumers with information and education on financial matters and provides ongoing personalized counseling to those who require the Foundation’s help to achieve relief from crushing debt. NFDM’s certified counselors and financial literacy educators work with countless groups throughout the community to teach financial awareness from the most basic individual budgeting lessons to more advanced skills necessary to manage family finances, pay off debt, and improve credit standing. NFDM is committed to educating individuals on money management, budgeting and appropriate use of credit. They are proud to provide professional, non-biased and confidential services as they assist families and individuals to understand, build, control and protect their financial futures.

On average, NFDM provides financial literacy education to over 8,000 seniors, 2,000 adults and 1,500 students, and conducts over 1,000 one-on-one counseling sessions per year. NFDM also has the resources and scalability to manage multiple grant funded national education initiatives. NFDM’s mission statement includes “education, discipline and commitment to a sound financial future.” This mission drives NFDM’s counseling efforts and its community outreach. Their decade of services have resulted in providing financial education programs such as individual debt management solutions, credit education, budget management, savings initiatives, reverse mortgage counseling and foreclosure prevention methods.

In addition to the direct counseling, VeteransPlus has played a vital role in the implementation and verification of other programs offering financial assistance to Veterans. By providing budget counseling and a benefits check-up to applicants for USA Together’s multimillion dollar, donation-supported emergency assistance program, VeteransPlus is verifying the need for financial assistance and validating USA Together’s mission. VeteransPlus is able to insure that financial assistance is not just a donation of funds, but includes education to address financial wellness beyond the initial request for help. In discussions with the National Guard Bureau, it is our understanding that no such mechanism currently exists to couple mandatory financial education with emergency financial assistance provided by the National Guard to its members.

In 2008, The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs reported that the state of Florida is home to 1.7 million Veterans making it the second largest Veteran population in the nation. Of that number, nearly 118,000 are OIF/OEF Veterans (Florida Department of Veterans Affairs 9/30/09). In Florida, and across the nation, Veterans who served during a time of hostility are eligible for government provided healthcare and educational benefits. For many years, these programs have been vital to the returning military workforce in assisting them with re-engaging in a healthy and educated life path. VeteransPlus has designed a pilot program for Florida to fit the needs of Veterans and their families while emphasizing self-empowerment and self-esteem.

In order to maximize financial opportunity for Florida’s returning members of the National Guard, VeteransPlus proposes a partnership with the State of Florida and the Florida National Guard to conduct focused outreach to Veterans and their families.

While this outreach will specifically address the needs of National Guard members, with the support of the State of Florida, VeteransPlus could greatly expand and enhance its outreach within the state. VeteransPlus proposes a more focused outreach in Florida to include rural areas affected by deployment. This additional support would significantly impact Florida Guard members and their families and ensure greater economic potential for all Florida’s Veterans.

On a grander scale, VeteransPlus proposes that funds be made available to hire, train and certify additional financial counselors to focus solely on Florida’s returning service members. To further enrich this program’s effectiveness, VeteransPlus would work with Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovations (AWI) to recruit and train Veterans for these counseling positions. As VeteransPlus was created by Veterans for Veterans we believe that Veterans counseling Veterans will offer the best possible approach for lasting financial wellness.

Keep It Safe, Seniors–New program designed to educate seniors in financial wellness and security.

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:14:55 +0000

National Foundation for Debt Management announces Senior Financial Seminars in twenty one states and the District of Columbia. NFDM’s “Keep It Safe, Seniors” addresses the unique personal finance concerns of a growing demographic. Clearwater, FL – National Foundation for Debt Management (NFDM) is poised to launch a specialized program to assist senior financial wellness and security. The nationwide program, “Keep it Safe,” is based on the F.D.I.C.’s financial literacy program of the same name and has been enhanced to meet the unique financial challenges of elderly citizens. The United States senior population is expected to reach 40 million in 2010. This milestone arrives just as we see this group facing a number of personal finance problems in need of solution. High among these concerns is a lack of knowledge among elders in dealing with financial matters.

Director of Public Policy, Vern Farnsworth, noted in recent comments to NFDM counselors, “While the younger population is familiar with using the internet for financial transactions, many seniors have not balanced a checkbook or handled family finances.” Spouses who have relied on their partner, Farnsworth explained, “to pay the bills, to choose financial instruments to plan for the golden years, and to moderate the use of credit cards,” can be suddenly left without a financial compass to guide them, when their husbands or wives are no longer alive to shoulder the responsibility.

State regulators have expressed concern that some seniors have fallen prey to unscrupulous sellers of financial products which may not fit the needs of the elderly. The concept of “suitability” offers protection for seniors, through the balancing of portfolios in favor of interest bearing instruments such as bonds and certificates of deposit. However, such protections do not extend to all areas of the financial panoply.

NFDM facilitated the first presentation of “Keep it Safe” for seniors at the Sunshine Center in Saint Petersburg, Florida, on December 4, 2009. The Sunshine Center was the first senior center in Florida to receive national accreditation as a ”Center of Excellence,” by the National Institute of Senior Centers, a constituent group of the National Council on Aging. A minimum of thirty centers in Florida will host NFDM’s “Keep it Safe” seminars in the coming months. NFDM will then broaden the program to selected states across the country and Washington, D.C.

Vern Farnsworth is Director of Public Policy at National Foundation for Debt Management. Mr. Farnsworth may be reached for comment at 1-800-344-5153 ext., 247.

National Foundation for Debt Management is committed to providing education on money management, homeownership, and appropriate use of credit. Visit www.nfdm.org to learn more about NFDM’s efforts and success helping consumers understand, build, control and protect their personal finances.

Tampa, FL–Keep It Safe Seniors–Building Financial Knowledge, Security, and Confidence in Seniors

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:43:55 +0000

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. has begun a new program to help build financial knowledge, security and confidence in seniors. The next session will be at the Town ‘N Country Senior Center in Tampa, FL on Thursday, December 10 from 11-noon. Please pass along details of this opportunity to your senior friends and loved ones.

Discussion topics will include tips to:

*Stay Active and Engage with Others
*Monitor Your Financial Affairs
*Get Organized
*Beware of Telemarketers
*Be Cautious when Making Financial Decisions
*Stay Away from Predatory Lenders

This presentation will also include helpful information on:

*What to Do if You Lose Your Wallet
*Steps to Take if Your Identity is Stolen
*Laws that Protect Your Money
*Laws that Protect You when You Borrow Money

Complimentary refreshments will be provided, but we ask that you please RSVP to (813) 873-6336

This workshop is presented by National Foundation for Debt Management. http://www.NFDM.org

St. Petersburg, FL–Keep It Safe Seniors (K.I.S.S)–Helping to build financial knowledge, confidence, and security in seniors

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:40:22 +0000

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. has begun a new program to help build financial knowledge, confidence, and security in seniors. The next session will be at The Sunshine Center in St. Petersburg, FL on Friday, Dec. 5, 2009. Please pass along details of this opportunity to your senior friends and loved ones.

Discussion topics will include tips to:

*Stay Active and Engage with Others
*Monitor Your Financial Affairs
*Get Organized
*Beware of Telemarketers
*Be Cautious when Making Financial Decisions
*Stay Away from Predatory Lenders

This presentation will also include helpful information on:

*What to Do if You Lose Your Wallet
*Steps to Take if Your Identity is Stolen
*Laws that Protect Your Money
*Laws that Protect You when You Borrow Money

Friday, Dec. 5, 2009.

12-1 pm

The Sunshine Center

330 5th St N.

St Petersburg, FL 33701-2812

A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Please R.S.V.P to (727) 893-7101

Purchasing a new home? Let National Foundation for Debt Management guide you through the process.

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:05:05 +0000

We believe that a solid educational foundation will equip homebuyers with the necessary skills and tools to repair credit, climb out of debt, and achieve sound and proper money management. NFDM teaches consumers fundamentals of homeownership, including the mortgage process, predatory lending, homeowner insurance, housing repair, expenses & maintenance to name a few.

Participants have the opportunity to assess their current situations and work with counselors to tailor plans designed to fit specific needs. We offer two educational workshop series: Homebuyers Express for those “near ready” on the path to owning a home and Homebuyers Club for those who may be dealing with a variety of prolonged obstacles.

Contact Linda Haknasar at 1-888-301-8167
email: lhaknasar@nfdm.org

Homeownership Counseling: NFDM housing counseling programs provide a firm foundation on which to build your dreams of homeownership.

Pre-purchase counseling–Assessing whether an individual is ready to become a homeowner

First Time Homebuyer certification workshops– A six (6) hour course to prepare participants in buying their first home

Individualized counseling–Assisting individuals with housing counseling that apply to their specific circumstances

Down payment assistance–Provide individuals with resources to obtain down payment assistance

Post counseling–Covers topics that help new and existing homeowners protect their most important asset

Home Maintenance Education–Educates homeowners on cost-effective ways to keep their home in good repair

Foreclosure Prevention/Default prevention Counseling–Offers one on one counseling to homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage payments

Credit Counseling–Work with our certified counselors and obtain the necessary understanding of money management and personal finance to avoid the need for assistance in the future.

http://www.NFDM.org

Financial Literacy, Homeownership Counseling & Credit Counseling with National Foundation for Debt Management

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:38:09 +0000

Whatever your goal is–understanding the sources of financial difficulty, building a nest-egg for the future, or protecting your current assets–NFDM programs can provide you with a plan of action that sets you on the path to success.

Financial Literacy Education–Through both adult and student programs, NFDM supports lifetime financial wellness for your entire family.

Adult Bank On It:

Recognize the major types of insured financial institutions

Recognize banking terms

Recognize the difference between banks and check-cashing services

Identify bank employees and their jobs

Identify types of accounts

Describe banking services

Borrowing Basics:

Explain the value of credit

Describe different types of loans

Check It Out:

Identify the benefits of using a bank versus using a check-cashing service

Identify types of checking account fees

Compare types of checking accounts

Open a checking account

Write checks

Use ATM and debit cards

Keep records for a checking account

Reconcile a checking account

Money Matters:

Describe the concept of budgeting

Recognize the benefits of budgeting

Use a budgeting tool

Pay Yourself First:

Identify ways to save money

Describe how money can grow when you save

Tell the difference between different types of savings and investment accounts

Keep It Safe:

Identify laws that protect your rights as banking consumers

Identify ways to avoid scams

Identify ways to protect your identity

Resolve complaints regarding your bank accounts

To Your Credit:

Identify a credit report and how it is used

Order a credit report

Read a credit report

Identify ways to start repairing credit

Recognize credit repair scams

Identify available resources

Charge It Right:

Identify characteristics of credit cards

Describe the costs of using a credit cards

Recognize potential problems with credit card use

Loan To Own:

Describe different types of consumer installment loans

Determine the right installment loans for your needs

Your Own Home:

Describe the benefits and pitfalls of renting versus owning a home

Ask questions to determine readiness to buy a home

Identify different mortgage programs

Recognize basic terms used in a mortgage transaction

Considering debt settlement? If you think it’s too good to be true…it is.

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:18:08 +0000

If you are considering debt settlement services to find financial relief, read this article before taking the next step. On a 10-point scale, this financial expert rates debt settlement a 9.5—with 10 being the worst for your credit. This puts debt settlement one small step behind bankruptcy and losing your home. Debt settlement agencies won’t tell you about their hidden fees, the extra taxes you will owe, and the horribly negative impact it will have on your credit.

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/107996/how-bad-are-your-credit-card-mistakes?mod=bb-creditcards

Scary, isn’t it?? Fortunately, there are other debt relief opportunities for you to consider. When exploring your options, make sure you are speaking with a reputable, non-profit, credit counseling agency such as National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. At NFDM, you will be speaking with a certified counselor, (not a commission-driven employee) trained to design a debt relief plan suited to your specific needs.

Browse National Foundation for Debt Management’s website for more information regarding your financial needs. NFDM is a certified nonprofit organization, based out of Clearwater, Florida. Their list of services includes debt management plans, financial literacy education, and reverse mortgage counseling.

http://www.NFDM.org

Visit National Foundation for Debt Management’s FaceBook page to see the exciting community events NFDM is participating in and receive practical advice for budget-friendly living.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/National-Foundation-for-Debt-Management-Inc/91254464758

5th Annual Clearwater Veterans Appreciation Day–11/7/09

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:04:37 +0000

Join National Foundation for Debt Management as we celebrate Veterans Day with the local community. This is a FREE event, presented by the Clearwater Veterans Alliance, but please bring non-perishable food items or new socks to be distributed to area Veterans, homeless, and needy. Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 2-6pm at Bright House Network Field in Clearwater, FL (N.Old Coacman Rd. & Drew St.–1 block west of US 19).

Featuring:

Wounded Warriors from James Haley and Bay Pines VA Hospitals
Boys and Girls Club Performance
Veteran Service Organizations
Area Veteran Support Groups
Children’s Activities
First Responder Tribute

Performances by:

US Coast Guard Silent Drill Team
Navy Band Southeast Marching Band
US Special Operations Parachute Team
Admiral Farragut Academy Drill Team
Clearwater High School USMC Silent Drill Team-JROTC

Guest Speakers:

Rear Admiral Daniel B. Lloyd
Congressman Bill Young
Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Capt. Todd Sokalzuk, USCG
Mayor Frank Hibbard

Emcee: Jack Harris, WFLA 970 AM

Events will also include:

Armed Forces Community Covenant Signing
US Armed Forces Induction Ceremony–by Brigadier General Baczkowski

http://www.cvad.org

BlogCatalog

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:24:38 +0000

Tomorrow with the National Foundation for Debt Management–FREE Health and Financial Fitness Expo–St. Petersburg, FL

National Foundation for Debt Management, Inc. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:39:17 +0000

Join National Foundation for Debt Management and an array of financial institutions and non-profit agencies for a day of FREE “Health & Financial Fitness!”

Learn about:

* Managing Money in Tough Times

* Tax Credits

* Employment Resources

* SSA Work Incentives

* Info on H1N1 (Swine) Flu

* Financial Fitness for Home Ownership

* Matched Savings Accounts

* Bank on St. Pete

* Healthy Eating on a Budget

Exhibitors from various organizations will also be attending the event to share information on the resources that they provide to the community. A sample list of exhibitors include:

· National Foundation for Debt Management

· St. Petersburg Neighborhood Housing Services

· United Way of Tampa Bay

· City of St. Petersburg

· Wealth Building Coalition of Pinellas County

· Internal Revenue Service

· Habitat for Humanity

· WorkNet Pinellas

· Department of Financial Services
Saturday, October 24 2009

9am-1pm
Enoch Davis Center

1111 -18th Avenue South

Saint Petersburg, FL

We hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Michael Roush at mroush@ndi-inc.org.