New Free Budget Tool iPhone App

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services has released its Free Budget Tool iPhone Application. You can use it to find out if you are living within your means and how your budget compares to an ideal, recommended budget. Use this App to find tools and new creative ways to better organize your budget and identify areas of high spending. The Budget Tool allows you to track your spending and conveniently organize your budget in a visually appealing way. Note: I don't have an iphone so I can't test it, but it looks like a great tool!

Budget Tool was created by Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc., a leader in credit counseling. They have worked many years to provide money saving tips and strategies to get your finances back on track. (Disclosure: in the past, they hired me to create educational content for their website.) The Budget Tool provides you with tips on how to save money and reduce overspending in various categories. This feature makes the Budget Tool stand out over any other budget applications available!

iPhone App

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Gerri Detweiler headshot

Credit Card Companies and Haiti Relief Efforts

My parents are headed to Haiti this weekend. They spend a month their each year helping a mission family. They are usually allowed 50 pounds of luggage, and they pack within ounces of that limit, trying to fit in as much as they can. Last year, my mom even wore a stack of straw hats she picked up for the Haitian women she knows there.

Knowing how great the needs there are, and how every single bit counts, I was appalled to read the stories the New York Times, Huffington Post and other outlets have been reporting about the profits card companies take by charging their usual merchant fees to charities. These stories have focused on the cut the card companies would take from donations to the Haitian relief efforts. You can read the stories if you haven't already, but one quote in the Huffington Post article stood out to me:

"I have no doubt that millions and millions of dollars are being made off of people's donations, and it's extremely inefficient and wasteful," said Ken Berger, President and CEO of Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator.

I'll be honest. Even though I follow this industry, it never even occurred to me to question whether the card companies were getting their full fee on charitable donations made with a credit or debit card. I'm glad someone else was paying attention.

The publicity arising from these articles have already resulted in some changes. Card companies are agreeing to waive fees for certain organizations participating in the relief effort. But that's only a drop in the bucket compared to the money raised by charities (and earned by card companies on those donations) each year.

I'll admit this is a sticky issue. How do the card companies decide which charities qualify for a waiver on these fees? Fortunately, Capital One seems to have figured it out with a program that waives 100% of the transaction fee. In reviewing the Capital One No Hassle Giving site, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of charities listed. There's no reason others can't adopt their model.

There's no doubt that when it comes to helping Haitians through this disaster, every penny counts. And I know for many charities, the 2.5% - 5% cut the card companies take could be put to better uses. Let's hope they'll do the right thing.

Income Disclosure

I want you to feel comfortable that I am providing you with unbiased information, and so I will be upfront with you about my sources of compensation.

Most of my income is derived from the writing/consulting work I do for my corporate clients, such as Credit.com and Union Privilege. From time time, I will also be hired as a spokesperson for a educational campaign. I have been involved in such campaigns for clients such as MasterCard and Bank of America. I only accept those assignments when I feel the message of the client is aligned with my thoughts on the topic.

I also derive a very small percentage of my income from online affiliate programs, which means they pay me for referrals. Again, I strive to always be unbiased in my recommendations, and refer consumers to multiple sources whenever appropriate. For example, when a consumer asks me about debt settlement, I may refer them to companies mentioned on this blog, whom I believe do a good job (I am an affiliate of a couple such companies), but I will also insist they talk with a bankruptcy attorney as well, and I receive no compensation for the referral to an attorney.

I receive review copies of ebooks, books or educational programs from authors/publishers who hope I will review them. I do that as time allows, and donate the copies to my local library's fundraising program when I am finished with them. As of this writing, I have not received any other types of products to review.

I am also paid for the sale of my own books and ebooks.

Programs for which I am an affiliate:

Collection Complaint Hotline
Total Bankruptcy
ZipDebt.com
Consumer Recovery Network
New Era Debt Solutions

If you have any questions about this policy, let me know!

Life without debt? It’s possible. Tell your story and get help for FREE!

Were you rate jacked by your credit card companies in 2009? Were the interest rates on your cards raised to outrageous levels? If so, Consumer Recovery Network (CRN), http://www.consumerrecoverynetwork.com, an ethical, consumer-friendly debt settlement firm, is inviting you to share your rate jacking story with the company for the opportunity to win a valuable prize that will help you get out of debt faster.

Michael Bovee president of CRN is sponsoring the contest to celebrate the fact that when the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD) becomes law on February 22, 2010, rate jacking will no longer be legal. “In pursuit of greater profits, credit card companies have been raising the rates on consumers’ credit cards for any reason, even on card holders who were never late with a payment. The practice of rate jacking created money problems for many consumers, made it impossible for them to pay off their credit cards and even forced consumers into bankruptcy”, explains Bovee. “The end of rate jacking is cause to celebrate.”

To enter CRN’s contest, provide your rate jacking story to CRN no later than January 31, 2010.

- You can e-mail your story to CRN at michael@consumerrecoverynetwork.com

- You can post it as a comment on CRN’s blog at http://debtbytes.consumerrecoverynetwork.com/contest,

- or mail it to CRN at:
217 Cedar St.
#281
Sandpoint ID 83864

In your story:
-- Explain exactly what happened to you and how the rate jacking affected your personal and financial lives
-- If you’ve resolved the problems that the rate jacking created for you, exactly what you did.
-- Provide your daytime phone number and e-mail addresses in case CRN needs to contact you for additional information.

CRN staff will review all contest entries and select the 6 stories that most dramatically illustrate the harmful effects of rate jacking. Then a panel of CRN specialists and nationally-known consumer advocates will review those 6 stories to choose the contest winner. The winner will receive a full CRN membership, including the company’s Settle Down educational series, unlimited one-on-one debt settlement assistance and support from a CRN specialist, who will be assigned to work with that person for a period of two years, and full service debt negotiation services for 2 years. Also, the winner’s story will be published on CRN’s blog on 2/15/10 although the winner, will not be identified in the blog.

The exact value of the winner’s prize will depend on the total amount of unsecured debt that person owes and the number of unsecured creditors he/she owes the money to, but it could be worth several thousand dollars, depending on how these criteria apply. Note: If you win, but you’ve have already resolved the financial problems that were caused by your being rate jacked, you can transfer your prize to a friend, family member or co-worker who could benefit from CRN’s debt settlement services.

CRN helps consumers protect their rights when they have too much debt, make sound financial decisions, and alleviate their economic stress by providing them with clear-cut debt settlement education and advice coupled with affordable full service debt negotiation and settlement services. (CRN does not settle student loans, car loans or mortgages.) Its consumer education, coaching, and full service debt negotiation and settlement services combined with its reasonable fees make CRN an industry innovator and leader, setting the standard for fairness, ethics and best practices in the debt settlement industry.

A Debt Tool I Love...at a Price You'll Love!

Nearly eighteen years ago, I was interviewed on Dateline NBC for a story about credit card debt. A professor and his wife needed help conquering their pile of debt, and as a consumer advocate working for a leading non-profit organization focused on credit issues, I was brought in to give them an action plan.

The piece generated an overwhelming response from viewers. Within days, our small non--profit in the Washington D.C. suburbs was flooded with requests for help. (Remember, this was before most of us were online.)

Back then the tool we recommended was a software program developed by a Marine with a head for math, and a heart for helping consumers get out of debt fast.

That program, Zilch, was the best tool available at the time, and in my opinion it is still is the program I most often recommend for consumers who want a comprehensive, rapid action plan for paying back all their debts.

Here's the good news:

If you buy the Zilch Standard debt-reduction software by January 29th, 2010 you'll get it for 15% off.


Zilch Standard empowers you to create a personalized, step-by-step plan for a life free from financial distress.

As 2010 rolls in, your dream, and perhaps your new year's resolution, may be to wipe the slate clean and emerge from the constant stress of debt. But when you're overwhelmed with financial worries, it's hard to think straight, let alone figure out how to climb out of the red. Zilch Standard shows you the way.

Using Zilch Standard software, you'll just fill in the blanks, press the button and receive your debt reduction plan. It's tailored to your individual needs and what you can afford. It tells you exactly how much to pay each creditor each month. Follow the plan and you'll be debt free quicker than you ever thought possible. And you'll maximize your savings on interest payments.

Here's what I love about it:

1. It's flexible. If you want the shortest route out of debt, it will show you how to get there. But if you really just want to knock out your low-balance credit cards first, you can run it that way as well. You can calculate what-if scenarios with your debt (How much will it take to be debt-free in three years? Five years? One year?)

2. No impact on your credit rating. Follow the plan and you will be out of debt without damaging your credit. In fact your credit may improve as you lower your balances!

3. It works. Back when we first ran the Zilch repayment schedules for our clients in our office (we would actually mail them the payment plans since most people didn't have access to PC's at home), consumers would write us letters thanking us for the the fact that they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Micheal Riley, the developer, tells me his customers pay 50 to 60% less in interest penalties and get out of debt 55 to 65% faster!

Caveat: If you do not have enough money to make at least your minimum monthly payments, plus a little extra, without continuing to borrow, then this is not the program for you. Consider other options like debt negotiation or bankruptcy.

4. You'll be in control. What a powerful motivator watching your debt shrink away and knowing the exact date when it will vanish completely!

Here's the link to buy the Zilch Standard software by January 29th and get 15% off.

This is my affiliate link which means I will earn a small commission if you buy through that link. You can go directly to the site and bypass my link if you prefer. Just use code 2901 for the discount. I've been recommending this program since 1990 - and continue to believe it's one of the most powerful tools available for reducing debt!

Money Wise Women Free Teleseminar Series Debuts

Join me for the free-of-cost Money Wi$e Women Get Smart Teleseminar Series sponsored by The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) and Money Wise Women Educational Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women to live financially healthy lives. Marcia Brixey, Founder and President of Money Wise Women Educational Services and author of The Money Therapist: A Woman's Guide to Creating a Healthy Financial Life, will host the series that covers a variety of topics related to business and finances.

Ms. Brixey will interview professional experts on subjects that include investing; goal setting; financial record organization; eliminating credit card debt; credit reports and scores; estate planning; taming your money fears; tax tips for self-employed; marketing your business; being a successful entrepreneur; managing your time and multiple commitments; giving your elevator speech a lift; emails writing that counts; expanding your business using internet marketing; and much more.

Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Pacific Standard Time)
Dial In #: 218-862-7200
Bridge #: 754922
Contact: marcia(at)moneywisewomen(dot)net or 360-204-0982, or Bettie Smith at bsmith(at)dsef(dot)org or 202 416 6421
Sign up online at www.moneywisewomengetsmart.com

Upcoming Teleseminars

The 5 Keys to Unlocking Passion, Purpose and Prosperity: A Transformational Approach to Goal Setting -- Shannon Bruce, Inner Wisdom Coaching
January 12, 2010

Managing Your Time & Multiple Commitments --Sherri Edwards, Resource Maximizer
February 9, 2010

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed -- Robin Clark, CPA and Dean Heyl, Attorney
February 23, 2010

Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress -- Gerri Detweiler, Ultimate Credit (that's me!)
March 9, 2010

Power of Vision Using Dream Boards -- Melissa Wadsworth, Creator of Dream Board Magic! How to Create and Use Dream Boards for the Life of Your Dreams
April 13, 2010

So You Want to be an Entrepreneur --Sunny Kobe Cook, author of Common Things, Uncommon Ways and Founder of Sleep Country USA
April 27, 2010

Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift -- Lorraine Howell, Media Skills Training & author of Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift
May 11, 2010

Do You Want To Write A Book? Don't Miss This!

I often get asked by would-be-authors how to get their books published. If you would like to be a published author, I have a resource I'd like to recommend...make sure you read this entire announcement so you can attend the free teleclass that is being held tomorrow - January 13th 2010!

Declare 2010 the Year of You, the Writer

It doesn't matter if you thought you would get your book done in 2009. . .or 2008 . . . or you're dreaming about it now for the first time. Writing is a practice that always takes place in the present. Forgive life for taking you through it's channels in another direction, if it did.

Release your fear of the unknown future, if you're feeling anxious. Allow your enthusiasm to bubble, sizzle, and percolate in the swirling sea of who you are and how you live. On the evening of January 13, my good friend Stephanie Gunning is going to break down the reality of being a productive working book author for us. If writing a book is one of your intentions in 2010, you seriously won't want to miss this informative webinar.

EVENT: Get a Book Deal Information Meeting
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, January 13th at 8:00pm Eastern
(7 pm Central/ 6 pm Mountain/ 5 pm Pacific)

FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...
http://www.AttendThisEvent.com/?eventid=10073793

Stephanie will spend an hour dreaming with you on your behalf, because she knows if you can see it with your inner vision, you can accomplish it in the real world. She'll guide you through steps to get yourself going and move towards getting a book deal. And then she promises to open the line and take questions for another half hour.

On the call, among various points, Stephanie will talk about:

==> How to set a powerful intention for your book
==> The stages to get from idea to bookstore shelf
==> Why you absolutely must draft a book proposal
==> Tools from brain science to support your creativity
==> Spiritual techniques to support your creativity
==> Where & how coaching can be an assistance to you

Her purpose is to raise your spirits and motivate you to achieve your destiny as an author, doing a kind of energetic jujitsu with your internal and external obstacles. You've got the passion inside you for this idea and she intends to see you execute it.

You can do it! Yes, you can!

Stephanie Gunning, the Get a Book Deal™ Coach, is a bestselling author, editor, and publishing consultant who coaches authors on how to get book deals. A former senior editor at Bantam-Doubleday-Dell, she's mastered the art of transforming powerful ideas into highly marketable books. She's written and co-written 22 books that have been published by major publishers and self-published by independents, and in her career she has edited literally hundreds of nonfiction book manuscripts. For information on her program, visit www.getabookdealcoach.com.

Note: I am an affiliate of Stephanie's, which means if you decide to use her services I would get a commission for the referral. It doesn't change my recommendation - Stephanie is good and I send people her way regardless of that affiliation!

Why Americans Need a Strong Consumer Protection Agency