New E-Book Library

We are happy to announce that we are now offering e-books to the public as an extension of our efforts to foster financial literacy in the community.

Our first e-book is entitled Credit Repair: Myth or Magic, and is a 26,000 word publication that enables you to learn the right way to improve or fix your credit report and score. In-depth sections on the dispute process, establishing new credit, what happens when you get sued for non-payment of a debt, and a detailed section on the bankruptcy process round out the offering.

The e-book has numerous hyperlinks to respected web sites for even more in-depth information on a variety of topics. You can also print this version as a standard 8.5 x 11 inch book (over 80 pages) for reading and reference when you are away from your computer.

Excerpts from the book:

"Always remember that once an account charges off or goes to collection, you will not improve your score by paying off this debt. The delinquent account will still remain in your credit file for 7 years. While you will be able to show that you paid the account balance down to zero, the score formula does not boost your score because the account is already seriously delinquent."

"So how do you establish credit when no one wants to lend to you? Fortunately, you have several alternatives to applying for a regular loan with a bank or applying for a regular credit card. Don’t even try the conventional route if your credit is that bad – you’re going to be denied, and that credit pull will ding your credit even more."

"A judgment has serious consequences to your credit. In addition to significantly lowering your credit score, you will not be able to purchase or refinance a house with an active judgment against you. It may also impact your ability to get loans or get hired for a job."

Help Triangle Family Services continue its support to our community. Consider making a suggested donation of $5.00. You may change the donation amount in the shopping cart.


Or try our large print version (10 x 7 format) designed for computer screens or tablets. This version is nearly 200 pages long and contains the same hyperlink references.

Suggested donation is $5.00. You may change the donation amount in the shopping cart.









 Shopping Cart by E-junkie
A special thanks to E-junkie for their generosity in partnering with us.

Education/Workshops

CCCS of Raleigh is committed to providing a wide array of financial literacy programs to the community. You can sign up for any or all of these workshops by calling (919) 821-1770.

Our current schedule includes a special money management series held at the DHIC Community Classroom at Carlton Place - 450 E Davie St, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC  27601:
 
MONEY: More for You ... and Less for Them

How to Budget, When the Money Runs Out, Super Saver Ideas, Identity Theft
Monday, October 21, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Learn how to create and maintain a budget to control your finances, save money - on your phone, cable, food, and many other everyday household expenses, and prevent or remedy identity theft.

Paystubs and Deductions, How Much Do You Need to Live, Banking and Checking Basics, Saving for College/Retirement, Basic Investment Concepts
Monday, November 4, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Demystify your paycheck deductions and how much you need to live, explore your banking relationship, find out how 401k, IRA, and 529 plans can meet your future goals, and learn the ABCs of the stock and bond markets.

Credit Basics, How to Establish New Credit, Credit Card Statements, The Myths of Credit Repair
Monday, November 18, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Learn about credit reports and credit scores, how to get new credit when your score is poor or non-existent, how to decipher your credit card statement, and how to fix bad credit the right way.

Navigating Health Care, Basics of ObamaCare, Let the Government Work for You, Financial Math Demystified
Monday, December 2, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Understand all about copays, coinsurance, deductibles. Find out how ObamaCare will work for you. Make the government work for you in filing complaints and tapping into programs. Take a mini-course in math, and solve practical, everyday problems.

Cars: Here's the Deal, Car Insurance, Leases and Contracts
Monday, December 9, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Find out if another car is affordable, determine if you should keep or buy, understand car financing, and deal with maintenance, insurance, and related car issues. Learn how to avoid scams with contracts, agreements, and bad deals.

Encore: Budget and Saving, Credit and Credit Repair
Monday, December 16, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 PM
Get another opportunity to learn about budget and savings techniques, and dealing with all kinds of credit issues, including building, improving, and fixing your credit.

 

Our new E-Book library is here. Click for details.

Foreclosure Help for Homeowners

By now, everyone has heard about the $700 billion bailout for banks and other institutions that have gotten into trouble with bad mortgage debt. But what is being done directly for the homeowner? Here are three programs that can help North Carolina residents facing possible foreclosure:

HOPE for Homeowners Program
This federal program went into effect October 1, 2008. It offers a way to help homeowners convert subprime high interest loans into FHA fixed 30 year mortgages. But it comes with lots of qualifications, including:
- Loan must have originated before January 1, 2008
- Mortgage payment must exceed 31% of homeowner gross monthly income
- Lender must agree to reduce upside down loans to 90% of home value
- Second lender (who may get nothing) must also agree to terms
- Homeowner must share future house profits with FHA
Go to this nolo.com website for many more details. While many lenders may refuse to write down loans if they can lose a significant amount of money, in some cases it is preferable to the losses that come from foreclosure. Speak to your lender to see if a workout is available.

State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project
This North Carolina state law can help homeowners with delinquent mortgage payments. It requires your mortgage servicer to notify you and the Commissioner of Banks 45 days before starting the foreclosure process. The Commissioner's office has the authority to require a 30 day extension to the foreclosure to enable a workout between the lender and homeowner, and has a staff available to review the loan for predatory characteristics.

North Carolina Foreclosure Prevention Fund
The N.C Foreclosure Prevention Fund™ helps North Carolina homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments due to job loss or temporary financial hardship. For qualified homeowners, the Fund can provide an interest-free loan of up to $36,000 to pay your mortgage and other related expenses for up to 36 months while you search or retrain for new employment. The loan can also be used to bring your mortgage current. If you are currently employed but have a second mortgage that is unaffordable because of a prior job loss or reduced income, the Fund offers an interest-free loan of up to $30,000 to pay off your second mortgage. We offer the Fund in partnership with the N.C. Housing Finance Agency using funds from the U.S. Treasury. The Fund provides assistance at no cost to you. To learn more about the N.C. Foreclosure Prevention Fund™, go to www.ncforeclosureprevention.gov

We offer this loan program through our CCCS division and serve Wake, Johnston, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. Come to an information session for an in-depth explanation of the program - all sessions are held on Thursday mornings from 10 am to 11:30 am.

Triangle Family Services is HUD-approved and is on the list of agencies certified to help with each of these programs. Make an appointment at 919-821-1770 to speak to a certified housing counselor about all options available to homeowners in trouble.