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Sad News from Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food Ministries has been helping hundreds of thousands of people every month.
For first time in 17 years, Angel Food Ministries will not be able to provide food during the month of September, 2011.
The have just released this on their web site http://www.AngelFoodMinistries.com
Angel Food Ministries Press Release:
We regret to inform you that Angel Food Ministries (AFM) will not be holding a food distribution for the month of September.
Full refunds are now being processed to those who have already placed orders for the September distribution.
Like the thousands of businesses in America that have endured one of the worst recessions in the past 100 years, we too have faced operational and financial challenges. We have every intention to continue offering great food at great prices in the coming months and are considering ways to reorganize or restructure our Ministry.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to the hundreds of thousands of customers who have come to rely on us every month, to our Host Sites and to the thousands of volunteers who join us in serving God by helping those in need.
Please check this website often for the latest information. Thank you for your understanding and May God Bless.
This is very sad news for many, many people who have come to depend on them each month. We hope and pray they will be able to resume operations very soon.
The Dangers of Debt Consolidation
Some debt consolidation companies use tactics that are not legal, including misrepresentation.
Debt consolidation loans operate on the basis that you will borrow enough money to pay off all your debt at once, and leave you with one single loan payment.
But, it’s not quite that simple.
WHAT IS THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT DEBT CONSOLIDATION COMPANIES?
1. The truth is that these debt angels build in a fee, THEIR fee, as part of your new monthly payment, But, you may be so desperate and they may be so vague when you talk to them that this gets missed in the discussion.
The fee can be as much as 10% of the payment. (For example, $50 on a $500 monthly payment) or could be up to 15% of your monthly payment ($75 on a $500 monthly payment!)
2. This is what can happen:
They take your payment, pass it on to your creditor (whoever you may owe money to) and it is a win-win, they then can BOTH make money from you, the debt consolidation service AND your creditor.
3. Some of the debt consolidation plans take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to completely repay.
If you know you aren’t disciplined enough to deal with the causes of your spending, you are probably better off not consolidating your debt.
At the end of the day you need to realize that there is nothing that is going to be a quick fix in life.
A debt consolidation loan, while it makes logical sense, is only going to be a temporary band-aid solution if you don’t get your spending under control.
And it will not only take a long time, it can cost you a lot. (Remember they are in business to make money).
It’s fair to say that most people who already have built up large debt are those who can’t control their spending in the first place, so it’s highly likely they will fail even after taking the debt consolidation route.
It is only through changing your spending habits that you really benefit from a debt consolidation loan anyway.
Why not learn through managing your current debt mess, rather than learn through a debt consolidation loan only to find that the mess has now gotten bigger?
If you are ready to get your debt under control, you may want to consider a certified debt counselor.
Getting professional help in managing your debt can help you change your credit behavior. People that have taken on too much debt tend to go into denial; they’d rather not know how much debt they owe. A professional debt manager will make you face up to your obligations.
You can get help from an organization like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. NFCC has branches throughout the country; they are a non-profit, community organization that provides free and confidential debt management advice to anyone who needs it. You can even consult with them over the phone.
Consumer credit counseling will allow you to enter into a debt management plan with your creditors. There’s a possibility to reduce your monthly payments, but you’ll still be able to pay your balance in full. As long as your payments continue to be made on time each month, consumer credit counseling does not hurt your credit.
Robert Barrett, president and chief executive of InCharge Institute, advises consumers struggling with debt to seek advice through the websites of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (www.aicca.org) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org), credit counseling industry associations that require their members to meet high business standards.
If you are still considering a debt consolidation company, be sure to know the Pro’s and Con’s.
Remember that educating yourself on the options available is the key to getting yourself back on track.
Prescreening for Emergency Homeowners’ Program ends today July 22, 2011
The Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) was created to provide emergency mortgage assistance to homeowners who are temporarily and involuntarily unemployed or underemployed due to the economy or a medical condition and are at risk of foreclosure.
The Pre-Application eligibility screening period ran from between June 20, 2011 through July 22, 2011.
The homeowner application period will not begin until late July 2011.
EHLP will be available in the following states:
Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. EHLP is also offered in Puerto Rico.
Substantially similar EHLP states:
On April 1, 2011, HUD identified five states operating their own respective mortgage assistance programs that met HUD’s criteria as “substantially similar” to the EHLP. These include Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Each of these states have received direct allocations of EHLP funds to directly administer and assist homeowners in need.
States That are Not Participating in EHLP:
Those states that are not identified above (non-EHLP states) receive direct assistance through the U.S. Treasury’s Innovation Fund for Hardest Hit Housing Market Program.
Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP):
- This has been made available for homeowners, not renters.
- There are 2 simple forms to complete for the Prescreening.
- Today July 22, 2011 is the last day you can submit them.
For more information go to http://findehlp.com/ or call 855-FIND-EHLP (855-346-3345).
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly about Payday Loans
Are Payday Loans really a good idea?
They can sure help you out when you are in a tight spot financially, but there are several serious factors that need to be considered before you actually take out such a loan. Read more…
Here is What To Do When a Charity Says They Cannot Help
Here is what you can do when a Charity says they cannot help:
1. If they say they have no funds, ALWAYS ask if they know of other agencies that may be able to help you.
- This will help you learn of other agencies, organizations and charities in your area that you may not have known about.
- Be sure to write down the names and phone numbers of places they give you so you know how to contact them.
2. Ask if they can help with part of the amount you need, if you can find a way to come up with the rest.
- Ask them how much they might be able to help with.
3. Then call the other places and ask them the same things.
- Can they help you?
- Do they know of other places that help?
- Can they help with a portion of what you need?
4.Be sure to keep track of how much each agency is able to offer, and call them back when you have the total amount pledged.
Remember…
Charitable organizations get their funds through donations from ordinary people who may be struggling just like you are, and don’t have as much to donate.
Times are tough for everyone right now, and more people are asking for help.
That is why funds may be low.
But… Charities are there to help, and they will help as much as they can. Many organizations are willing to do whatever they can afford.
That is, they are often willing to provide a portion of what you need.
That is why you may need to get funding from a combination of sources.
We live in a very generous society that helps people in need.
So, don’t give up!
It just means you may need to contact more than one Charity.
When you can, remember those who help you.
Pass it on.
Donate what you can to help others facing the same kind of challenges you are facing. You know what it is like.
This is how we all help each other.
If you like this article, click on the little yellow star at the bottom of the article.
Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know if this kind of article is helpful.
I’d love to hear from you!
I am a Registered Nurse and have been helping people for over 30 years
Throughout the years I have become acutely aware of the emotional toll on people facing financial difficulties, and the challenges they have trying to find help when they need it most desperately.
I had often wished there was a single source where people could go, to find out where to look for help and learn how to access it – quickly and easily. I never could find it.
That’s why I now research information and make it available for you in an organized, easy-to-use format on my blog @ www.FindHelpToPayBills.wordpress.com
Pat McMann
© Copyright Pat McMann All rights reserved.
How and Where to Look for Help with Food and Groceries
Your family never needs to go hungry!
Americans are a very caring people and most communities have food pantries and foodbanks that are available to all in need.
There are also nationwide organizations that provide assistance all across the country. Read more…
How and Where to Look for Help to Pay Utility Bills (Electric, Gas, Water)
Keeping the lights on, the air conditioner and heater working, and the water running are necessities for survival in today’s world.
But with rising energy costs and increasing job losses and layoffs, more and more people are finding it difficult to pay their electric, gas, and water bills.
If you are in a situation where you need help paying these bills, there are charities and organizations that are providing assistance to people just like you. Read more…
What You Need to Know About Collection Agencies
1. Collection Agencies are not your friend.
They are not looking out for your best interest. They are there for one purpose, “Collect Money”. Read more…
What You Need to Consider Before You Ask Family and Friends for Help to Pay Your Bills
If you are desperate, and need immediate help to get over a temporary hurdle, one option is to ask your family and friends for help.
But, before you ask family and friends for help to pay bills, there are some important things you need to think about. Read more…
Who Can Help Me Pay My Bills?
When you need help to pay your bills, the job of finding the help you need to get your bills paid can be frustrating, discouraging, confusing, depressing and overwhelming.
There are a number of charities, organizations and agencies that help people who need help paying bills.
Knowing where and how to find them is your key to getting those bills paid. Read more…
