Lifestyle Choices to Ensure Long-Term Financial Security

Building financial security is all about finding that balance between planning for the future and living a comfortable lifestyle today. It’s never too late to turn your financial health around and the more committed to a healthy financial…

Savings Part 2: Enjoying the Savings Journey

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Enjoying the Savings Journey, One Dollar at a Time I used to get very discouraged with my savings account. As soon as I managed to save $100, some emergency would come up that depleted the balance to zero again.  I knew I wanted to save 3-6…
Budgeting for Savings

Savings Part 1: Budgeting for Savings

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Budgeting for Savings There’s a line item in my budget that I’ve always struggled with – savings.  This should be the easiest line item because it’s my money that I am putting away for myself. But I can’t tell you how many times…
CCCSMD. Dept Consolidation vs. Debt Management vs Debt Settlement.

Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement

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Whether you are trying to pay off some debt, are working towards homeownership or retirement, or are worried about your ability to meet your financial obligations, it is very important to take the time to educate yourself about the options available.…
CCCSMD. Keys to Budgeting Part 3. Setting up a budget

Keys to Budgeting - Part 3 Setting up a Budget

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I remember being really anxious when I would make a purchase with my debit card and the machine would ask if the charge amount was OK. Even as I touched YES, I didn’t always know if that was true. Before I started budgeting, I would often…
What is credit counseling

What is Credit Counseling?

Understanding your credit, working towards financial goals, paying debt obligations, and having an awareness of your monthly income and expenses are all part of your financial wellbeing. And, your financial wellbeing impacts every facet of your…
financial counseling

How Do I Find a Reputable Credit Counselor or Financial Advocate?

Maryland has one of the highest individual debt-to-income ratios in the United States, which is partially due to rising student debt as well as the cost of living with Maryland ranking as the 7th most expensive State to live in. That is understandably…
CCCSMD Keys to Budgeting - Part 2. Income.

Keys to Budgeting - Part 2 Income

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With two young children, my tolerance for things being out of control is constantly challenged. There are messes and clutter in every room of the house. The dresser drawers lose their organization just minutes after I put away clean clothes.…
CCCSMD Keys to Budgeting - Part 1. Three Types of Expenses.

Keys to Budgeting Part 1: Three Major Types of Expenses

The next step in setting up a budget is to list your monthly expenses. There are three major types of expenses we all pay: fixed, variable, and periodic. Do you know the difference?When I first started budgeting, I set up an excel spreadsheet…
CCCSMD Keys to Budgeting - Part 1. Three Types of Expenses.

How to Cope & Plan for Holiday Financial Stress

As soon as Thanksgiving is over and my husband pulls out the Christmas decorations, my anxiety goes through the roof. My parents are divorced so my husband and I have to balance the holidays with visiting three families.  We also have a…