What to Do if You Are Facing Eviction During COVID-19
Housing is a basic need for everyone, providing shelter, safety, and security. Whether you are paying a mortgage or rent, housing expenses can be a major percentage of your household budget. When your income is reduced and you are faced with making decisions about how to meet your financial obligations, housing is a top priority.…
Read MoreCan’t Wait for Your Tax Refund? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Refund Advance Loans
Tax time is an important time for most families. You find out if you’re getting a tax refund. And this year, that assistance is more valuable than ever. For all of those who are wondering, the IRS will start sending out tax refunds in early March. If you anticipate that you will receive a refund…
Read MoreSecond Stimulus Eligibility: Am I Eligible for the IRS Second Stimulus Check?
Just before 2020 ended and 2021 began, President Trump signed a second pandemic relief bill. This bill included a second round of stimulus checks, or Economic Impact Payments, that will be sent to Americans under certain income thresholds in the coming weeks. Some of these checks have already started filtering in via direct deposit. As…
Read MoreWhat Is a Recession and How Do I Prepare for One?
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is the organization that decides if the US is in a recession. They define a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts more than a few months.” So, what the heck does this mean? In a recession, companies are…
Read MoreShould I drain my emergency savings because of coronavirus?
First off, congratulations for having an emergency fund! Approximately 25% of Americans couldn’t cover an unexpected $400 bill, let alone a month of expenses. To answer the question of whether or not you should drain your emergency fund because of coronavirus, that all depends on your situation. Do you need to drain your emergency fund?…
Read More3 Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may have to stretch a lower income to cover regular expenses. If your income has been reduced or you have had a lot of unexpected expenses, having enough money to feed yourself and your family may be a challenge. Food is a necessity to maintain a healthy life. But…
Read MoreWhat to Do If You Need Help Paying for Prescription Medicines
If you’ve ever been in the situation where you have to decide whether to pay for your prescription or put groceries on the table, you know how scary that can be. What many people don’t know is that there are several programs that can help you pay for those prescriptions. They are called Patient Assistance…
Read More8 Tips for Financial Planning During an Economic Downturn
It’s difficult to create a solid financial plan when the economy is booming. Add an economic downturn and creating a financial plan can seem impossible. Here are eight tips for financial planning during a downturn that can help you stay the course. 1. Be Sure You’re Thinking Clearly It’s easy to give in to panic…
Read MoreHow can I build my skills while I am unemployed?
There are lots of emerging job opportunities that require specific skills. Building those job skills is necessary to fill numerous types of good-paying jobs, especially jobs in the tech industry. But you also need a specific skillset to be an educator, healthcare worker, financial services professional, plumber, or electrician. So, to answer your question, first…
Read MoreHow to Apply for SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (otherwise known as SNAP) is a state-run program. Each state has its own process for applying. You can go to your local SNAP office, or some states even allow you to apply online. If you aren’t sure, you can call the SNAP toll-free information number: 1-800-221-5689. Each state has its…
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