About GreenPath

Play it Safe with Zero Percent on Purchases – Credit Card Forum

A card with an introductory zero percent APR on purchases can seem like an answer to your cash-strapped prayers.  Before you play it safe with zero percent, you’ll need to figure out if you’re the type of person who can use one of these deals safely, or if you’ll incur massive financial damage. “Certain people

Auto Repossession

Did you know that when you borrow money to buy a car, a lender can take the vehicle if you don’t make payments? It’s called auto repossession. 

10 Money Tips For College Grads

Spring college graduates are currently basking in the glory of wrapping up their degrees this month. However, in many instances, their downtime will be short-lived, as they face even more responsibilities, ranging from landing that first job to preparing to start paying off their student loans. As more hiring departments take personal finances into consideration, recent

How the Bankruptcy Process Works

Learn how bankruptcy works and the steps to file bankruptcy to help you understand what you will need to do to file bankruptcy.

“You Are Beyond Awesome!” -GreenPath Client of the Year

2016 GreenPath Client of the Year Upon completing my five year journey with GreenPath, I sent on an email, thanking them for all their support. Katie Atkinson Alma, MI

I Had People Behind Me

“I went from having no hope, alone, to GreenPath, where I had a lot of people behind me, all of them kind, compassionate and knowledgeable.” Kathleen P. Dearborn, MI

I Couldn’t Have Done It Without You

“Thanks to GreenPath, I have climbed out of a deep hole and learned the right ways to refocus on building my future.” Nate O. Buffalo, NY

Money Fix: Here’s your financial survival guide, new grads – Newsday (Long Island, NY)

After the ceremony, the parties, the magic moments and memories, new grads will face reality, and it will bite, hard. The Class of 2015 faces the most debt in history, reportedly $56 billion, or $35,000 each on average, in student loans. With that noose around their necks, there’s little room for error. Here’s a game

GreenPath Is Helpful and Understanding

“We are very appreciative for what GreenPath has done for us. Your employees have been very helpful and understanding, never pushy or aggressive, like those other companies that will take your hard-earned dollars and give you no help to speak of.” Barbara B. Auburn, NY

Bankruptcy Process & Timeline

The Bankruptcy process means accepting a legal status where you are unable to pay your debts. Before you choose bankruptcy, talk to an attorney.

Saving Money on Clothing

Saving money on clothing can be done by making sure your monthly budget includes clothing purchases, even if you don’t buy clothes every month. This will keep you on track. Keeping the costs of clothing down can be tricky, especially if you have growing children. Remember, being a frugal shopper doesn’t mean you can’t get

Steps to Take if You’re Struggling to Pay Student Loans – HerMoney

From HerMoney, featuring GreenPath’s Jeremy Lark, Senior Manager for Client Services. Read the steps to take if you are struggling to pay student loans.  If you are struggling to pay student loans, it can be helpful to understand the financial relief benefits in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The economic stimulus

Customer Engagement – Using Design Thinking for Results

Farmington Hills, Mich., (Feb 28, 2018)…GreenPath Financial Wellness is hosting a complimentary seminar April 12 on how to use behavioral science and human-centered design to develop financial products and services that resonate with customers. Design Thinking can lead to positive outcomes for meeting customers financial wellness needs. The 2018 Financial Industry Partner Summit is for credit

Money Management: A Family Affair

A family budget can help you manage money together as a family or a couple. It is a valuable tool for open and honest communication about money, and for teaching children important financial skills. Budgeting together enables all members of the family to participate and support each other in financial goals and decisions. It’s good

Get Out Of Medical Debt

Cost is generally the last thing on your mind when you or a loved one needs medical care. Health is the only thing on your mind, particularly in an emergency or a life threatening illness. However, medical expenses are an important part of your financial wellness picture. Here’s what you need to know in order

Debit Cards

Debit cards are a tool that can make banking and spending money easy. Still, you need to know the basics of how debit cards work.

Choosing The Right Credit Card

Choosing the right credit card may seem confusing. You need to understand the features and benefits of the credit card in order to make a decision.

Non-Profit Helps Consumers

Non-Profit Helps Consumers Lead Financially Healthy Lives Is credit card debt a source of embarrassment? If so, you’re not alone. A non-profit helps consumers led financially healthy lives. GreenPath Financial Wellness helps consumers achieve financial wellness through debt and credit counseling.  According to one recent survey, 79 percent of respondents are more embarrassed by their

Resume Writing Tips for Recent College Grads

As students around America graduate, hundreds of thousands of people will soon enter the full-time workforce for the first time. Many of you may be asking, “How do I land my first job when I don’t have any experience?” One key tool for job seekers is a resume. We have some resume writing tips for

Social Security

Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. When pay Social Security taxes, you earn benefit “credits.”

Detroiters Will Learn About Homeownership

Farmington Hills, Mich., (October 13, 2017)…Those looking to buy a home in Detroit will get free homeownership advice and education, and learn about available housing in different neighborhoods, at a free event October 21, at the Rusas Printing Building in Detroit. Detroiters Will learn about homeownership and the pre-purchase process. “It’s a great time to buy

July is Homeownership Education Month

Did you know that July is homeownership education month? The summer season means that the fall home buying season is actually already underway! If you are considering upsizing, downsizing, or thinking of moving for school or a new job, it may be valuable to have a pre-purchase housing counseling session. As the housing market continues

Reducing Phone Expenses

Some people pay their phone bills each month without putting thought into how they can save money.  Here are some things to ponder if you want to work on reducing phone expenses. Do you really need a landline? If you have a cell phone and a land line at home, ask if you really need both. 

Power of pennies – CUNA

During the April National Youth Savings Challenge, more than 33,350 young credit union members committed to healthy savings habits by depositing $8,401,462 into their saving accounts and certificates of deposit. The power of pennies is that they can add up quickly. Every little contribution overtime helps. Held in partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness, the 13th annual

People Helping People – Credit Union Insight

Upholding the credit union philosophy of “ People Helping People,” Heritage Trust recently held a free financial wellness seminar for members of the Latino community in the North Charleston area at the Iglesia Hispana Fe. Heritage Trust worked with local Latino community leaders to plan and raise awareness. Bi-lingual speaker Mariel Hernandez of GreenPath Solutions

Are you doing these 6 steps to successfully pay off your debt? – WXYZ Detroit

Excerpt and video from WXYZ Detroit’s story, Are you doing these 6 steps to successfully pay off your debt? Featuring Kristen Holt, president and CEO  March is Credit Education Month. Did you know 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck? When you’re talking about debt, millions of people are dealing with it. Mark Powell

Five financial lessons from the pandemic

How are you managing the realities of the continued COVID-19 crisis? To help gain perspective during difficult times, it can be helpful to step back, reflect, and take some time to make a plan for moving forward. From managing unexpected interruptions in income to prioritizing monthly expenses, GreenPath Financial Wellness has been listening and learning

Pay Off Debt in 5 Years or Less with Help from Non-Profit Counseling – CBS Austin

Featuring Tina Ponder, Partner Relations Specialist Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults carry credit card debt from month-to-month, according to the 2017 Financial Literacy Survey conducted on behalf of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. For many Americans, breaking the cycle of relying on credit cards can feel impossible. However, there is a way to get

Episode 2: Tammy and her husband change their family’s financial future

Meet Tammy. Tammy’s husband is handling the family’s finances and becomes concerned that their debt is spiraling out of control. He approaches her with a plan to work with GreenPath Financial Wellness to become debt-free. What starts out as a challenge becomes a turning point in their marriage and growing family. Tammy finds out that

Spring Clean Your Way to Savings

Springtime means opening the windows, sweeping out the dust from over the winter and starting anew. It is also the opportune time to clean out your wallet or purse, that junk drawer full of receipts and those overflowing file cabinets. You can also spring clean your way to savings. But where to begin? Sweep it

Decluttering & Selling

If you’re anything like me, you probably have stuff in your house, garage, basement or maybe a rented storage unit that you rarely ever touch. Decluttering and organizing your household items can help relieve stress and get you closer to your financial goals. With the new year fast approaching, it may be the perfect time

Renting or Buying a Home or Apartment

Are you deciding between renting or buying a home or apartment? Owning your own home can be rewarding but renting might be right for you.

How to Prep for and Spend Your Government Relief Check – NerdWallet

Excerpt from NerdWallet’s post on planning out your finances prior to receiving your government relief check. Featuring Kristen Holt, President & CEO The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives and finances of millions. A federal relief package aiming to provide payments to distressed consumers is on the way — but that money is not likely

Read This Before Selling Your House

Getting ready to move? These tips for selling your house can help you attract buyers and get your home ready to sell. Step One:  De-clutter Potential homebuyers may have a hard time looking past clutter when searching for their dream home.  Clear the counters and tables, and make sure everything is put away in its

Affording the American Dream – WKOW-TV – Madison, Wisconsin

MADISON (WKOW) — Anyone who’s done it will tell you buying a home is a process, but a free class can make it a little easier if it’s your first time.  Affording the American Dream isn’t out of reach. Those unsure of what they’re getting into can get take part in the GreenPath Sponsored Home

Making the Best Better

“Our credit union mentioned GreenPath to us. I really appreciate all the services you provide…”

TGIF times 5 – How an Extra Paycheck on January 31 Can Get You Out of Debt

Featuring Katie Bossler, Financial Expert & Quality Assurance Specialist with her advice on what to do with your extra paycheck. Did you know there are five Fridays in January? That extra  Friday means that a lot of people will be getting an extra paycheck this month.  “The five-Friday factor could definitely be helpful to those

Episode 7: Real Stories Live

GreenPath recently hosted a live virtual event where we were joined by guests who have been featured on GreenPath’s Real Stories Podcast. Guests included Katie (episode 1), Tammy (episode 2) and Dawn (episode 6). Recorded in May 2020, this conversation gave our guests a chance to reflect on some of the positive things happening during

How to Find a Qualified Credit Counselor – NerdWallet

Whether you need debt management or are just looking to create a budget, choosing a qualified credit counselor should be your first step. A qualified credit counselor can provide you with all the resources and tools you need to take control of your finances. Thousands of credit counselors across the country work to help people

Students: Don’t get wowed by credit card signing bonus – Detroit Free Press

Young college students aren’t exactly credit card happy these days. But credit card issuers and banks woo college students with attractive deals that are designed to put more plastic into backpacks. Story Highlights Banks offer rewards for paying credit card bills on time. Some cards offer a range of rates based on creditworthiness; some student’s

Mothers are Financial Leaders

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who brought us into the world. Did you know that Mothers are Financial Leaders in their households?

How Not To Lose It When You Lose Money – Stacking Benjamins Podcast

Featuring Kristen Holt, President and CEO & Dusti Young, Partner Relations Specialist Investors. Right when they turn left they turn right. You’ve heard lots of stories about people who’ve lost fortunes…all because they lost their head. Yet one recent publication shows the mindset shift of investors over time and through different market conditions. By knowing

Make a Plan to Save 30% or More on Your Energy Bills

October is Financial Planning Month – and there’s nothing better than making a plan to save money. If your utility bills in winter put a crunch on your budget, these tips to reduce energy usage can help.

GreenPath’s Road Forward Centers on Growth – Crain’s Detroit Business

Featuring Kristen Holt, President, and CEO Despite consolidation in the non-profit credit counseling industry, GreenPath Financial Wellness continues to expand its national footprint, as well as the number of people it serves. In order to achieve GreenPath’s vision of remixing the American Dream so it works for everyone, President and CEO, Kristen Holt, is focusing

Three Ways to Create Healthy Financial Habits

It can be tough to stick to healthy financial habits, especially the ones that relate to long-term goals.  The great news is that we can make some relatively small changes that “nudge” us along in the direction of financial wellness. In behavioral economics, the study of how people make choices, small changes that alter our

4 Tips to Using Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards are important tools for many people. They are safe and convenient. Careful use of a credit card can improve your credit score. Learn how to be a smart credit card user.

GreenPath partners with HSBC to offer the HSBC Your Money Counts program

We’re thrilled to be part of the HSBC Your Money Counts program, which launched along with their new Financial Wellness Center powered by Everfi. Read the press release to learn more!

Coping with a Changing Financial Picture – FEMA

Excerpt from FEMA’s publication showcases the challenges of coping with a changing financial picture in the face of the ongoing pandemic. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) looked to GreenPath to provide insight for their monthly individual and community preparedness publication. The message put the focus on how to navigate a changing financial picture in

Credit CARD Act

The credit CARD act ensures that your credit card company sends you a notice 45 days before they can make major changes to the terms of your card.  

Credit Card Hardship Programs: How they Work, How to Qualify – Creditcards.com

From creditcards.com, Jeffrey Arevalo, financial expert at GreenPath Financial Wellness, provides details about credit card hardship programs. Credit card hardship programs are designed to help consumers through a tough financial time, with protections for anyone who might otherwise default. To figure out what steps to take, it is useful to understand how credit card hardship

eHome Money Homebuyer Education

This self-paced online class covers the process of homebuying for new homebuyers. It is available online and at your convenience, and upon completion you will receive an education certificate. The cost is $99.

Register now

Smart Spending With Groceries

Achieving your financial wellness goals start with setting realistic expectations.  When it comes to basic necessities such as groceries, cutting out spending is not going to be an option.   However, there are steps we can take to make sure we are practicing smart spending habits for greater savings without sacrificing the things we need. Consider

Choosing an Attorney

If you need legal help, choosing an attorney can make a huge difference in your outcome. They are your fighter. They are your champion.

4 Common Questions on Credit Reports

One of our most well-attended GreenPath webinars is on Credit Reports and Scores. Below are some of the most common questions on credit reports that our clients ask. What is a credit report? It is a history of your ability to repay debt over time. On there, you can find previous addresses and any previous

Teaching Children How To Budget

Teaching children how to budget at a young age, will be helpful for them later in life. When your child gets money as an allowance or as a gift, you can help get them started with simple budgeting concepts. Start With Goals, Wants and Needs Talk with your child about money and how to use

What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card – U.S. News & World Report

Featuring Chris Dlugozima, Education Specialist If you have a wallet full of plastic tempting you to spend, you might want to stuff a few of those credit cards into a drawer and stop using them for a while. If you don’t use your credit card it will be easier to stay out of debt. But

GreenPath Financial Wellness Named Farmington Area Business of the Year

Below is an excerpt from the Farmington Press article, Farmington Jaycees name citizens of the year Featuring Jason Hughes, digital marketing manager Several years have passed since the Farmington Area Jaycees announced their last round of Business and Citizen of the Year winners, but Jaycees President Andrew Buck said it was time to bring those

Credit Counseling for New Grads – AJC

Graduating from college is exciting. It can also be scary financially. From landing a job to paying down student loan debt and building your credit, there are many new aspects of your finances that you’ll need to manage. Don’t worry there are credit counseling options for new grads. As you embark on your post-college life,

How to Establish Good Credit

The more you know about credit, the more power you have to handle credit responsibly. These tips can teach you how to establish good credit and manage your credit wisely. Build A Positive Credit History The best way to establish positive credit history is by paying your balance off every month. It’s a common myth that

How Much You Should Pay For a New Car

Are you wondering how much you should pay for a new car? No article can tell you how much you can afford but there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy your next car.

Identity Theft Insurance

Identity theft can be a lengthy and costly process. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can purchase identity theft insurance.

Six Student Loan Deferment And Forbearance Options

You have student loan deferment and forbearance options. GreenPath’s student loan experts are ready to assist you in understanding your student loans.

Five Common Reverse Mortgage Questions – Answered

The month of May marks Older American’s Month. It’s our nation’s celebration of the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. We couldn’t let this month go by without a focus on financial health and wellness of seniors, especially those who are managing the impact of recent financial hardships. For seniors who need

3 Things to Know about the July 15 Tax Deadline

We’ve all had to adjust to many changes in this time of the pandemic crisis – from how we shop for groceries in the era of social distancing, to keeping up with managing household finances. Included among these changes is the extended, new deadline to file federal and state income taxes.  In the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis, the federal government gave individuals and businesses extra time to fund their tax

Trailer – Bringing Humanity To People’s Money Journeys

We are excited to announce our first podcast, GreenPath Real $tories — Financial Wellness. The podcast shows that our financial lives are more than a number. Our guests will share their money journeys in their own words. Expect authenticity, vulnerability, and a little bit of inspiration. In this special preview episode, you’ll meet our first

GreenPath Financial Wellness receives $2.1 million in housing counseling grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

National nonprofit organization will utilize housing counseling grants to help people obtain and retain the American dream FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (October 11, 2019) – GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit organization that provides financial counseling, education and products to empower people to lead financially healthy lives, has been awarded $2.1 million in housing counseling grants

Cancer Costs: How To Manage Housing Expenses During Treatment

Featuring Kathy Conley, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist A cancer diagnosis can be heartbreaking without adding financial worries to the mix. If bills pile up and wages grind to a halt, it can become impossible to manage expenses and can lead to an unbearable degree of stress. Amid crushing cancer costs and smaller paychecks, you and/or a

What Happens When You Stop Paying Your Student Loans – U.S. News & World Report

Featuring Chelsee Spencer, Financial Wellness Expert In a perfect world, you’d have no student loan debt. And, if you did, you wouldn’t have taken on more debt than you could handle. Or you wouldn’t be facing financial setbacks that are making repayment of those loans a daunting task. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you

8 Facts About Student Loan Consolidation – U.S. News & World Report

While the federal program allows students loan borrowers to consolidate their loans for streamlined payments, it comes with benefits and drawbacks. In this article we will cover 8 facts about student loan consolidation. Consolidating multiple loans can be a smart decision for some borrowers to stay on top of their payments since it bundles multiple

Will You End Up with Student Loan Debt and No Degree? – Detroit Free Press

Nearly 38% of the respondents who dropped out said they did so because of family troubles. Family was a driving force especially among women. About 43% of women who started college but left gave family duties as the reason. Will you end up with student loan debt and no degree? When thinking about college debt,

A Detroit Artists Mural

A Detroit Artists mural draws inspiration from Norman Rockwell. Sydney G. James is the 2017 Kresge Artist Fellowship winner ($25,000) and College of Creative Studies alumna (2001) is among 54 muralists who brightened the city two weeks ago with street art for the Murals in the Market project. James earlier was a resident artist at

Sunshine Hefferon – Smiles are her Reward for Counseling – NerdWallet

When Sunshine Hefferon, GreenPath Financial Counselor, answers the phone at work, she doesn’t know what the caller’s mood, motivation or state of mind will be.  Her goal is to leave each customer smiling. “I might get someone who’s crying because they’re at wits’ end. I might get someone who’s angry, and I have to remember it’s

I am so Glad I Found GreenPath

“I am so glad I found GreenPath. I was overwhelmed, scared and tired of being broke. I couldn’t do it by myself.” Carol J. Detroit, MI

4 Things to Consider When Financing a Car

Is it time to think about financing a car? It looks like it might be for many people.    The website AutoTrader reports that people are embracing online car buying instead of in-person shopping, which makes sense as we continue to focus on social distancing, health and hygiene.      Financing a car is one of those big life events

Grant Provides Veterans Financial Health

A recently acquired grant provides veterans financial health in Texas. Recently, I was contacted by Kerry Robinson of GreenPath Financial Wellness regarding a grant they received from Texas Veterans Commission for the purpose of offering free financial services for military, veterans and their families in the State of Texas. The Veterans Financial Health Initiative is designed

What to Do If Your Income Is Interrupted or Lost Unexpectedly: 5 Financial Steps to Take If You Can’t Work

These five steps can help you stay as financially healthy as possible if you are facing an income loss.

Arranging Your Debts

It’s important to arrange your debts and establish a budget and payment plan to reach your goals. In this 45-minute webinar, we will talk about all the ways that you can pay off debt. We will be going over the following options: increasing payments, balance transfer, hardship programs, consolation loan, home equity, debt settlement, debt

How a gas card can help build your credit score – CreditCardGuide.com

Can’t qualify for a major credit card? Gas cards can help build your credit score. Retail cards, like gas cards, typically approve consumers with lower credit scores and report to the credit bureaus so that cardholders who pay as agreed can build a positive credit history. Some gas credit cards may also give you a

Options for Eliminating Debt

Don’t rob from Peter. Paul has other options for you. Are you trying to eliminate debt and dig out of a hole that seems to grow deeper by the day?  If you’re struggling with repaying loans and credit card bills, you are not alone. There are options for eliminating debt for you to consider. Taking

Money Wisdom with W!se

In this 55-minute webinar, special guest David Anderson of W!SE (Working in Support of Education) shares information about teaching kids personal finance. Financial literacy is a critical life skill, but many people lack basic financial knowledge—especially young people. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching kids about money. Good skills, that are learned at an

Preparing for Tax Season

The end of January means tax season has begun. Don’t start out 2018 on a bad financial note and avoid your taxes.  Jorge Mata, with GreenPath Financial Wellness, says there are some things you need to do before you file your taxes. This will tax season preparation easier. He says that filing sooner, rather than

Pros and Cons of Paying Off Loans Early – U.S. News & World Report

From U.S. News & World Report, Jeffrey Arevalo, financial expert at GreenPath Financial Wellness, provides insight about the pros and cons of paying off loans early.   A common question many people ask is if paying off loans early is a good option for borrowers. It is possible that paying off loans early can add

Prudential and GreenPath Financial Wellness partner to combat national debt crisis

GreenPath is pleased to partner with Prudential to grow their workplace financial wellness offerings. Prudential combats national debt crisis through new financial wellness offering NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Recognizing the negative impact of household debt on long-term financial security and retirement readiness, Prudential (NYSE:PRU) is partnering with national nonprofit GreenPath Financial Wellness to introduce debt management advice

Is Winning The Lottery The Only Way You Can Imagine Paying Off Debt?- WWJ AM 950 Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ-AM 950) – The Mega Millions is at a whopping $246 million dollars, the third-largest jackpot in the past 12 months. Is winning the lottery the only way you can imagine paying off debt? Winning that lottery prize would mean paying off debt first for many Metro Detroiters. Andrew Johnson with GreenPath Financial Wellness in Farmington Hills says he

6 easy ways to save for a home down payment – The Washington Post

Excerpt from The Washington Post article, 6 easy ways to save for a home down payment Featuring Katie Bossler, financial wellness expert If your plans for 2020 include buying a house, focus now on keeping your spending in check and building up your savings for a down payment, closing costs and moving expenses. We asked

Que Piensa un Acreedor de Mí?

No cabe duda que vivimos en un mundo de negocios. Imagínate que eres dueño de tu propio negocio y puedes hacer lo que mas te gusta y también tener muchas ganancias. Siempre  vas a  optar en una inversión que de más fruto para poder seguir verdad? Esta es la meta para cualquier negocio por que

What To Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen: 5 Crucial Steps

If something seems amiss—strange collections calls, bills you don’t recognize, a sudden drop in your credit score—you may be a victim of identity theft. Warning signs of identity theft include: unexplained accounts or debts fraudulent information on your credit report missing bills being denied credit for no reason If you see one or more of

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

There are bankruptcy alternatives that may make more sense for your situation. Learn about your options to avoid bankruptcy.

How A Debt Management Plan Works

Wondering how debt management plans work? If you’re having trouble with credit card debt and/or other debt, you may consider a debt management plan (DMP).

As an Economic Downturn Looms, Lenders Need to Start Now to Help Their Customers Weather the Storm

Excerpt from Forbes In the personal loan market, which is now dominated by online lenders that haven’t been around long enough to have experienced a downturn, much of the lending has been in the name of credit-card consolidation. The dirty secret of the industry is that, by giving customers a lower interest rate to pay

Tips Before Buying A Car

While auto sales may have cooled this past month, there are still deals are out there for remaining 2016 models. And with 2017 models hitting the showroom floor, now is the time to do your homework, before purchasing that new or used vehicle. Check out these tips before buying a car. GreenPath Financial Wellness, a

Optimize Your Savings Game: Saving Money at the Grocery Store

You can set yourself up to save in almost every area of your life, from food to shelter and transportation. Whatever your goals are for saving – from finding money in your budget to pay off debt, to building a fund for the next chapter of your life – “bonus” savings on things like your

Federal vs. Private Loans – There’s a Big Difference

When managing student loan debt, it is important to know what types of loans you have. Federal and private loans are very different.

Watch out for these High Maintenance Gifts

  As the Christmas clock ticks down, and your list is still long, you might jump at the first easy gift you see. And while it may seem easy to you, the gift could prove costly to the receiver. It’s true, it’s the thought that counts, but if you think ahead a bit, you could

Ways To Save On Utilities

We are on a journey of mindful spending this month. Let’s dive deeper into ways we can be more mindful about our environment, so that we have an opportunity to save. Check out these ways to save money on your utilities. Turn Down Your Thermostat What if you could save more money on your electric bill

Staying Within A Holiday Budget

For many Americans the holiday season is an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most in life.  Exchanging gifts is a long-standing tradition and is a way many share joy with loved ones. This tradition may also bring upon financial strain. GreenPath has some advice for staying within a holiday budget. At this

Review Your Benefits

Your benefits can be considered as a nest egg. A “nest egg” is a substantial sum of money that has been saved or invested for a specific purpose. Usually, these funds are earmarked for longer-term objectives, the most common being retirement and buying a home. When is the last time you really looked at your benefits

Which bills to pay during the coronavirus pandemic – CNBC

Excerpt from CNBC, featuring GreenPath President & CEO, Kristen Holt, on which bills to pay during the coronavirus outbreak. April 1 is here. Meeting routine financial obligations, such as rent and student loan bills, will be a challenge for the millions of Americans who find themselves without a paycheck thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. Overwhelmed?

How to Recover from a Financial Setback

The financial trajectory in our life is full of ups and downs. As the saying goes, “That’s life.” We are all going to experience times when we feel like the wind is at our back, and other times when we feel like our financial world is caving in on us. If you find yourself in

What it’s Worth: Financial Wellness in the Workplace

Employees are financially stressed. And it’s affecting the workplace.

Money Fix: When is applying for a store credit card a good idea?

Excerpt from Newsday No doubt you’ll look for ways to save money when shopping this holiday season. However, that 15% off, or whatever the sales clerk offers to get you to sign up for a store credit card, may not be a great deal in the long run. Yet, according to new research from CompareCards.com,

eHome Foreclosure Homeowner Education

In the eHome Foreclosure online education course, you will learn about the foreclosure process and what you can expect based on your personal situation. It can be completed online at any time. The cost is $25.

Register now

America Saves Week – Day 1: Save with a Plan

Join Us for America Saves Week! America Saves Week is here! Each day this week, we'll post new tips and resources to help you meet your personal savings goals.  Will you join us in taking the pledge?  Create a simple savings plan when you take the America Saves Pledge for a chance to win up to $750.

Ways To Pay Down Debt On A Fixed Income – CreditCards.com

Climbing out from under a mountain of debt is never easy, but when you’re living on a fixed income, the task may seem insurmountable. Luckily there are ways to pay down debt on a fixed income. Whether you’re retired, disabled or facing a lengthy period without the promise of a raise, promotion or other windfall,

My Why – A $161,000 Mistake

Whether it’s funding your next vacation or paying off your student loans, pinpoint a money goal that motivates you to save and cut down on spending. Visualize what your life will look like when you accomplish that goal. What is motivating you to take action over the next 30 days? It might be that you

Message From Our CEO Kristen Holt

Hello Everyone,  Today, as I prepare to talk to the GreenPath team about the horrible murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police and the current events happening, I feel sick and angry, and so sad right now.   I can only imagine how much fear, anger, sadness and all other feelings this brings up for

Foreclosure Prevention Options

Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? You have several options that could help prevent foreclosure. Your first step is to seek free debt counseling.

Using Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards are important tools for many people. They are safe and convenient. Careful use of a credit card can improve your credit score. Learn how to be a smart credit card user.

First Job for a Teen

It’s natural for teens to develop independence. The first job for a teen is a perfect time to discuss financial goals, and show them how to make money.

Loans 101: The Different Types of Loans

“Who wants to give me money?” There are many different types of loans. Depending on what you need, the amount, your credit score or qualification for a loan, and other factors, you might choose different types of loans. Each specific loan will have different costs and requirements. Here are some of the different types of

She had a plan to pay off $23K in debt and then pandemic hit – Detroit Free Press

Excerpt from the Detroit Free Press highlights how one family is managing finances in a challenging time, and also features GreenPath CEO Kristen Holt. The Detroit Free Press highlights the personal story of Michele Halis. She had a plan to pay off $23,000 in credit card debt and personal loans before COVID-19 turned the economy

Checking Accounts

Checking accounts are vital tools for any person to manage their money. They enable you to keep your money safe at a bank, and still give you access to your money to conduct the daily business of your life.

How Can My Partner and I Meld Our Money Habits? – NerdWallet

"Ask Brianna" is a Q&A column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I'm here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans — all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna@nerdwallet.com . How

High Yield Checking Accounts & Savings Accounts

Today, we are going to talk about the importance of money mindfulness. Mindfulness allows us to make money without having to make big changes. When’s the last time you took a look at your checking and saving account options? Are your accounts working for you? A high yield checking account or savings account may be

Encourage building of more affordable housing – The Fort Collins Coloradoan

Over the past few months, I have become increasingly aware of the housing shortage affecting many in our community. We need to encourage more affordable housing. My awareness jumped to a whole new level when I found out about a young family — a husband, wife, and their 3-year-old child — that lives in their

0% balance transfer offers are dwindling, and offer lengths are shrinking – The Balance

Excerpt from The Balance looks at current trends in credit card interest rates. Featuring Jeff Arevalo, GreenPath Financial Wellness Expert The average credit card interest rate is 20.21%, according to data collected by The Balance in July 2020. That’s down a hair from June’s average rate of 20.22%, but not because of any major card

Extended Warranties: Make the List or Break the Bank?

The holiday shopping season is in full swing! And, likely, if you have gadgets on your gift list, you are going to be asked about purchasing an extended warranty. But does it make sense for your pocketbook? (Recently, the Wall Street Journal talked about the plusses and minus of extended warranties.) So, when is it

How to Pay Rent When You Can’t Afford It – NerdWallet

From NerdWallet, featuring Jeffrey Arevalo, Financial Wellness Expert on options for those struggling to pay rent.  If you are dealing with an emergency and scrambling to pay rent, the website NerdWallet suggests taking the following steps before resorting to high-interest loans.  Explore Free Options First  Some states have issued eviction moratoriums during the COVID-19 crisis, but you’re still responsible for

Putting Christmas on Credit Could Cost You – WSMH-TV/FOX – Flint/Saginaw, MI

(SAGINAW, MI - November 10, 2015) Your credit card’s interest plan might sound like a money-saver: 0 percent interest seems like a great deal. However, sometimes, that deal isn’t so sweet, and you could be forced to pay hundreds of dollars more than expected. Be wary of putting Christmas on credit. With the holidays just

Paying your bills during the pandemic – News 4 San Antonio, Texas

Gladys Coward of GreenPath Financial Wellness shares insights about how to prioritize bills in the midst of financial challenges. News 4 WOAI San Antonio, Texas focuses on consumer information as part of their regular broadcast.   The news outlet recently shared a consumer segment on what to consider when paying bills during the pandemic. News 4

Give Yourself the Gift of Less Financial Stress: A Budget Plan for a Healthy, Happy You

Can making a budget really make you feel better about life? You might be surprised! One of the most powerful things you can do to relieve uncertainty and financial stress is to take a step back and make a plan. A budget can help you figure out how to meet both your short and long-term

Student Loan Counseling Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket

Many fresh college graduates and young professionals find themselves in low-paying jobs when they are starting out on their own. They struggle with their student loan debt, sometimes for years. That mountain of debt can feel insurmountable.  However, there is help out there to guide you in the right direction. Student loan counseling can put

Tax Errors to Avoid

You have filed your taxes and are counting the days until you receive your return. The tax code can be complicated, so here are some tax errors to avoid.

Get Financially Fit in 2017

Looking To Get Financially Fit In 2017? Many people are beginning to make those New Year’s resolutions. Some will try and get to the gym, others will spend less time on their cell phones, but many of us will try and take better care of our personal finances. GreenPath Financial Wellness has some tips on

Underwater on your Mortgage? This program could help – Detroit Free Press

What would stop someone from making a move and filling out forms to save an extra $100 or $200 a month on a mortgage payment? Especially if that person lived in a hard-hit housing market and could qualify for a limited refinancing deal that arose out of the housing collapse? If you are underwater on

My Path to Financial Freedom Online Class

In the free My Path to Financial Freedom online course, you will learn about a wide range of financial health topics to help you lead a financially healthy life.

Download the course now (.zip)

Be wary of impulse buying on Cyber Monday – Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)

Cyber Monday — Nov. 30 — has surpassed the week prior to Christmas and the week prior to Thanksgiving “to take the No. 2 position for most popular days for holiday shopping,” a survey says.  However,  on Cyber Monday be wary of impulse buying. The digital marketplace RetailMeNot Inc., and Placed, Inc., which “connects ads

Love, Money and You! 3 Steps to Practicing Financial Self-Care this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air!  As you celebrate the love you share with that special someone in your life, be sure to also set aside some time to tend to another very important relationship —your relationship with yourself. Otherwise known as self-care, a commitment to your personal needs can help

Credit Reporting

A credit report is a file about a person that shows personal information and account and payment data. These files are created by credit reporting agencies, and can help companies decide whether a customer is financially qualified for a product or service.

Finding bargains online

Finding bargains online has never been easier! The Internet contains a vast array of websites that can help you find deals on practically anything. Here are a few steps to consider before buying: Use a search engine — like Google, Bing, or Yahoo — to search for discounts on the item you would like to

Pull Your Credit Report

Take a Look at Your Credit Report You can obtain your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Pulling your credit report does not have a negative impact on your score. DO NOT GOOGLE FREE CREDIT REPORT Google will take you to six sites before you get to the right place. Go to annualcreditreport.com. This website was set

With credit card debt up 7.5%, next financial disaster could be you – Detroit Free Press

Featuring Donna McNeill, Chief Operating Officer and David Flores, Director of Client Services We all seem to be on the lookout for clues that we're on the verge of another widespread financial crisis. The memories from the debacle a decade ago are so bad that no one wants to be caught by surprise again. So

Financially Healthy in 2018 – Fox News 29 San Antonio

If you save money each year you’ll be able to have a financial safety net. Gladys Coward, from GreenPath Financial Wellness, has some great ideas for you to start your savings plan and become financially healthy in 2018.  She says you can begin by eating out less and putting away some money every paycheck. She

Grateful to Be Part of People’s Journey

 “I find it extremely rewarding coming into work each day knowing that my work is making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am grateful that I get to be a part of people’s journey on their path to financial freedom.”

– Kaylee, Client Advocate

Secured vs. Unsecured Loans

Choosing between Secured or Unsecured Loans? Secured loans are protected by an asset. Unsecured loans are the reverse of secured loans.

You Can Save Money and Help the Environment this Earth Day

GreenPath Financial Wellness is passionate about remixing the American Dream so it works for everyone. This starts by shifting one's mindset about money and being more aware of spending and saving habits. This Earth Day, we want you to challenge yourself to make a few small changes that are good for the environment and your

How Minimalism Makes Parenthood Easier

Our friend, Andy Hill interviews the best and brightest minds in finance. Through his website and podcast, Marriage, Kids and Money, he provides tips and tools to help others save money and achieve financial success. Here is an article from his blog: Back by popular demand from the MKM Community, we’ll be chatting about how

The Car Buying Process in Seven Steps

For most Americans, buying a car is a major purchase. You want to make sure you do your due diligence and get the best deal possible, but navigating the financing and negotiating of a car purchase can be complicated. Here are a few steps you should consider if you are shopping for a new or

CEO Plans Seismic Change

Kristen Holt, CEO of GreenPath Financial Wellness, got her first fiscal life lesson from her parents. When she was 10 years old, they allowed her to start her first job - walking dogs.  But the condition was she save half of the money she earned. "That really stayed with me," said Holt.  And it shows. 

GreenPath Guides Your Journey

CardRates.com wrote an in-depth feature on GreenPath Financial Wellness about how we are working with Americans to get them back on track! The story highlights our historical roots along with where the organization is headed for the future. In 2015, the nonprofit helped repay $300 million on behalf of 45,000 clients in their debt management program. GreenPath guides your

Debt Settlement vs. Debt Management: What’s the Difference?

Whether it's credit cards, medical bills, or financial problems after a divorce, debt is a real problem for American households. The average U.S. household carries $16,000 in credit card debt. There are several things you need to know in order to understand the difference between debt settlement versus debt management. Those ads from debt consolidation

NCOA and GreenPath Partner on Reverse Mortgage Counseling – Reverse Mortgage Daily

The National Council on Aging and GreenPath Financial Wellness recently announced a partnership to provide older Americans with unbiased reverse mortgage counseling, among other financial services. Regardless of how much retirement savings older adults have, more than 61% of households headed by an adult over age 60 carry some form of debt, making economic security

GreenPath Shows Ways to Save and Prevent Overspending this Holiday Season

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI - October 8, 2015) The holiday season is nearly upon us, which means many Americans will soon be sitting down and deciding how much they will be able to spend on gifts, food, and entertainment. GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nationwide nonprofit credit counseling and education service, has released an infographic showing how the average

Welcome to No Spend November

Financial tips to help you be more mindful of your spending November brings longer nights, shorter days and a time to reflect on all that we are grateful for. It’s also the perfect time to shift our mindset about money and re-evaluate our financial situation. That’s why GreenPath Financial Wellness is bringing back our No

Be Credit Wise Webinar

The 60-minute recorded webinar covers the benefits of credit, what to know before you apply, how to establish or re-establish credit, strategies for minimizing the cost of credit, and tips for using credit wisely.

Counselor’s Non-Judgmental & Compassionate Attitude

“I liked your counselor’s non-judgmental and compassionate attitude.” Aryn D. Brooklyn, NY

Escrow Accounts

Escrow accounts are used to pay property taxes, insurance and other charges. Your mortgage company usually creates the account for you.

Great Place To Work

GreenPath is a great place to work. At GreenPath, we actively strive to create a vibrant culture where people love what they do, and are encouraged to take initiative, develop their skills and interests and embark on their own wellness journey. Our efforts to advance workplace culture have resulted in three awards for 2017: As

Q&A: De-stigmatizing Debt

Brad O’Brien is working to change conversations around personal finance and de-stigmatizing debt. As the manager of financial education at GreenPath Financial Wellness, he develops and leads initiatives to help people get out of debt. GreenPath is a nonprofit group that was founded in Detroit in 1961 aimed at helping people manage and get out of

Millions of credit card users are seeing their cards closed or limits lowered during pandemic – WXYZ Detroit

Excerpt and video from WXYZ Detroit’s story, Millions of credit card users are seeing their cards closed or limits lowered during the pandemic. Featuring Jeremy Lark, senior manager of client services    A recent WXYZ TV Detroit feature highlighted the challenges people are facing with having their credit card limits reduced. The impact is

Americans Get Out Of Debt With GreenPath

GreenPath helps over 200,000 Americans get out of debt! 200,000 Americans Get Out Of Debt With GreenPath. Michigan-based teachers Dawn and David Van Dyke are just one of the families GreenPath has assisted. They were in a vicious cycle with credit cards. Their spending habits spiraled out of control to the point where they relied

Your Employees Are So Knowledgeable

“Your company deserves a great deal of credit for the kind of employees you hire. Your standards must be very high.” Jacqueline W. Joppa, MD

How to chip away at the student debt crisis

  Many students leave college with huge debt but no know-how on how to manage their money and debt load. As college tuition continues to skyrocket, the debate over whether earning a college degree makes financial sense seems to be raging louder than ever. There is a student debt crisis and as our economy continues

Good social media habits for security

We love our social media! Whether we are posting, tweeting, liking, Snapchatting, pinning, or Instagramming, we enjoy seeing what everyone is up to and letting our friends know where we are at, what we are eating, and how we are doing. Most of the time, we share with people we know, like family members and

Budgeting 101

The most important step to financial wellness is to create a budget. Budgeting simply means to live within one’s means. Separate your needs from your wants.

Mortgage Relief That Comes With a $4,000 Bill – The New York Times

A GreenPath client is featured in The New York Times as she shares her journey seeking mortgage relief during a time of challenge. Borrowers with privately held mortgages don’t have the same options as those with government-backed loans. Some are being told they can skip payments, if they make them up all at once. The

Budgeting 101: Learn the Basics – FOX Detroit (video)

(WJBK-TV/FOX Detroit) – We work. We get paid. We still have no savings. How do we fix that? The first and most important step to effective financial planning is developing and implementing a budget. Andrew Johnson from GreenPath Financial Wellness says budgeting simply means to live within one’s financial means. But there are steps you need

It’s Never too Early to Make a Financial Plan for Your Future

How Can Personal Finance and Economics Make a Difference in Your Life? Personal finance is important because it helps people understand how to manage their money. It provides us with a foundation for financial health and allows us to save more and spend less. Personal finance can also help us avoid accumulating debt and provide

Fair Debt Collection Act

The Fair Debt Collection Act controls the way debt collectors can behave in trying to get payments. Debt collectors may not harass you.

When Is It Okay to Let Your Credit Score Slide?

We certainly see a lot more commercials and stories on the importance of having a good credit score. It can help you get a lower interest rate, therefore saving you a lot of money on a car loan or mortgage. But when is it ok to let your credit score slide? Here are a few

Choose a Rewards Card Carefully – WSMH-TV (Flint/Saginaw)

You have nearly endless options when it comes to credit cards, and that competition often works in your favor as companies add on perks and rewards. Used wisely, they can be a great financial tool, especially if you choose a rewards card carefully. “When you’re looking for a reward you want to make sure you’re

Five Tips For 2017

As we get back on schedule after the holidays, it’s time to face 2017 head-on! Here are five tips for 2017 to help you on the path to financial wellness this year. Open a separate savings account to force yourself to build an emergency savings fund. Make it separate from your main financial institution, with

Passion to Be There For People

“Every single day, I see that passion that Greenpath-ers have, to do good — to be there for people in need. This honest energy is our biggest strength.”

– Chinmay, Behavioral Scientist, Director of Behavioral Science at GreenPath

Chief Marketing Officer

November 2, 2017 GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit organization that provides financial counseling, education and products to empower people to lead financially healthy lives, has named Donna Doleman Dickerson as its chief marketing officer, effective today. Dickerson will develop and lead the organization’s national marketing strategy as it expands its focus on financial health.

401k and 403b Retirement Plans

401k and 403b retirement plans are employer-sponsored and allow employees to deduct money from their paychecks and deposit it in a retirement account.

Pandemic panic leaves many wondering how to pay the bills – Detroit Free Press

Excerpt from Detroit Free Press, featuring GreenPath President & CEO, Kristen Holt and Senior Manager of Client Services, Jeremy Lark, on how to pay the bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Never really one to buy in bulk, Melodie Jones estimates she spent $350 to buy enough food and supplies for herself and her daughter, Meadow

Know Your Options: One-on-One Guidance Available from HUD-Certified Housing Counselors

This content was created in part thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo. CARES Act mortgage forbearance and other relief options are now expiring, or in some cases are up for renewal with no final plans coming from lawmakers.  Getting guidance from HUD-Certified Housing Counselors helps people cope with the uncertainty. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates 3.8

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Budgeting Tips from GreenPath

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – November 23, 2015) As we start the 2015 holiday shopping season, here is some money management advice, just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. “First, try and keep it in perspective when it comes to shopping,” said Katie Bossler, GreenPath Financial Wellness personal finance counselor. “While some people like to get

Student Loans

Most students need student loan options to pay for college. The financial aid officers at your school can provide resources about student loans.

How to Stick to Your Grocery Budget

You’ve done the meal planning, assessed your existing resources, developed a budget and know exactly what you want.  Now it’s time to shop! Here are some tips for sticking to your grocery budget while you’re at the store. Know Your Limits Set your budget when you’re planning your menu, and before you shop. And while you’re

How UAW-GM Employees Can Manage Financial Effects of the Shutdown

Featuring Kristen Holt, President & CEO It’s day 29 since roughly 46,000 autoworkers across 55 facilities nationwide went on strike. While UAW leaders made advance bill payments to afford the $250 weekly salary for autoworkers on strike, strike pay was not made available until the 15th day of the strike. Union workers admit that this

Helping Me Rebuild My Future

“GreenPath is helping me rebuild my future and they are doing it with respect, compassion and care.” Joanne R. Evesham, NJ

GreenPath Makes Award Winning Culture Shift

Farmington Hills, MI – December 7, 2017 – GreenPath’s award winning culture shift was an intentional effort to advance workplace culture and has resulted in GreenPath Financial Wellness earning three significant talent awards in the last 10 months.  Each award honors GreenPath for its workplace culture and practices. GreenPath is a national, nonprofit organization that has made a

Fair Credit Billing Act

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) gives people the right to dispute errors on accounts, such as credit cards. The creditor must resolve the dispute.

First Time Homebuyer? Make Sure You’re Prepared for These 7 Hidden Costs

As real estate markets re-open across the country, current historically-low mortgage rates may make it seem like the perfect time to be a first time homebuyer. For many, owning a home is a big part of the American Dream. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in ownership. It can give you greater freedom and

Liquidating Assets

You may want to sell some of your stuff to help pay down your debts. Liquidating assets means selling anything that can be sold or converted into cash.

GreenPath Named as a Top Entry Level Employer by CollegeGrad.com

GreenPath is pleased to announce that we were named as a Top Entry Level Employer by CollegeGrad.com.  US Hiring of College Grads Now at Record Pace – Best Entry Level Job Market of All Time Entry Level Hiring Up 5.5% in 2020 SEATTLE, February 4, 2020 (Newswire.com) – With new stock market highs, unemployment at the

How to Protect Your Identity from Identity Theft

Your personal information is a precious commodity and should be treated as such. It should be guarded like treasure and only shared with those you trust. Protecting your information can be the best way to defend yourself against identity theft. Defend your Social Security number Don’t carry your Social Security card around with you or

Millennials Won’t Refinance Student Loans – GoodCall

Conversation about higher education invariably turns toward student loans, since it appears that the two go hand in hand but Millennials wont refinance student loans. Among the 42 million people who have $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, Consumer Reports advises students against dropping out of college since they will have an even more difficult

College Grads May Need Multiple Jobs to Pay off Student Loans – CardRates.com

Featuring Chelsee Spencer, Financial Wellness Expert More and more college grads are starting to understand that adult life is far different than their college years. Finding a job can be tough at times, and those new grown-up paychecks don’t look as great when the first student loan bill comes in the mail. Discover Student Loans

Tax Refund Loans

A Tax Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) is a loan made by a lender that is based on an anticipated federal income tax refund.

Why savers marrying spenders can be a good thing – USA Today

All the world loves a saver, it seems, and most want to marry one. While opposites attract in the world of magnets, a recent study says that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to couples saving and spending money. Savers marrying spenders can be a good thing. People who save money rather than spend

Relationships and Money

Relationships and money can be a big source of stress. Talking openly and honestly about money can reduce stress in your relationship.

How to Avoid Debt Consolidation Scams

Featuring Kathryn Bossler, Financial Wellness Expert If you’re in significant debt, the prospect of becoming debt-free can be alluring. So alluring, in fact, that you might find yourself caught in any number of scams along the way. One common way to pay off debt is through consolidation. This involves combining all your debt and taking out a

Avoid Scams With Mortgage

Farmington Hills, Mich., (Feb 27, 2018)…Sometimes unplanned events can make it difficult for homeowners to pay their mortgage. There are many options available to help, but it’s important to get help from the right resources. Many people have been victims of scams when they seek help with mortgage payments. GreenPath Financial Wellness offers these tips

Money Saving For Gradution and Wedding Gifts

June kicks off high school graduation parties and the summer wedding season. GreenPath counselor Kathryn Bossler has put together a few tips on money saving for Graduation and wedding gifts without breaking the bank. Wedding gifts: Watch their registry on-line and wait for items to go on sale. If it is a family member, consider

College loans won’t disappear with debt relief plans – Detroit Free Press

Some debt relief companies try to trick borrowers into thinking that consolidating student loans can be as complicated as doing your own federal income taxes. Not true, experts say. Free options exist. Got student loan troubles? Don't create bigger headaches by falling for one of those "Obama Wants to Forgive Your Student Loans" tweets, emails

Lowering Home Entertainment Bills

We all need to unwind sometimes. But our home entertainment expenses can get out of hand if we aren’t careful. Here are some ideas that can help with lowering home entertainment expenses. Look for Package Deals Cable or satellite TV is one of the larger utility bills for most people. Consider a bundled package. These

Baby boomers dealing with debt can find financial help – Detroit Free Press

Baby boomers dealing with debt can find financial help. Asking for a senior discount at the gym or the movies may be a nice perk for older consumers, but many struggling retirees oddly enough are leaving thousands of dollars in perks and benefits untouched. It’s saved money that could create some economic stability in their

“Two Dos” for Financial Health

How exactly do you get your finances where you want them? These two financial health to dos from GreenPath are a great place to start.

Don’t Empty Your 401(k) to Pay off Credit Card Debt – Money Magazine

Q: I have about $9,000 in credit card debt and a little less than that in retirement savings. I plan on working for at least 30 more years. Should I use my retirement money from my 401k to pay off credit card debt, so I am financially stable enough to purchase a home? A: Pulling

America Saves Week – Day 4: Saving to Retire

America Saves Week is the perfect time to start thinking about retirement. Saving to retire doesn’t have to be complicated.  There are plenty of reputable financial advisors out there to assist you along the way. The key is to determine how much to save for retirement based on what you’ll realistically need and then develop a plan

GreenPath Financial Wellness Launches “Real $tories” Podcast

GreenPath is pleased to announce the creation of a new podcast that shares stories of real people who have overcome life’s challenges. Read an excerpt of the press release with a link to the full release below: GreenPath Financial Wellness Launches “Real $tories” Podcast Podcast to feature true stories of people overcoming financial challenges and

Give Yourself & Your Family the Gift that Keeps on Giving

A GreenPath Debt Management Plan may be just what you need The holidays are a time of joy, bright lights and merriment. It’s easy to get swept up in gift-giving and festivities. Being aware of your spending is important all the time, but especially during the holidays. According to finder.com, an estimated 134 million American

The Gift of Creating a Lasting Impact

Many are not aware of Giving Tuesday, but its popularity is vastly increasing worldwide since it began in 2012.  The Giving Tuesday concept is simple:  a day set aside to encourage people to do good.  In the last seven years, the idea has grown into a global initiative to inspire millions to give, collaborate and

More Strategies for Saving on Groceries

It can seem hard to save money on groceries. These strategies for saving on food can help you maximize your buying power.

Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

Looking at debt consolidation pros and cons can help you figure out if debt consolidation is a good option for your goals. First off, what is debt consolidation?  Basically, a debt consolidation loan is a type of loan into which multiple loans have been combined into one new loan. You can accomplish this by transferring

Controlling Finances Long-Term – Fox San Antonio

Achieving lifelong financial success can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. There is a step-by-step plan that will help you with controlling finances long-term. Paying yourself first means treating your savings like a priority bill. Don’t wait until your other bills have been paid. If you wait, you may spend your extra money before you put

How much you owe on your credit card – SunHerald.com

Even before Christmas, Americans went on a spending spree, adding a record $21.9 billion in credit card debt in just three months from July through September. Do you know how much you owe on your credit card? Then we each charged $1,000 more in holiday spending, according to consumer financial-education website Magnify Money, and are

Michigan veterans, families to get free financial counseling – WZZM13.com/ABC

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency announced Monday that veterans and their families have access to free financial counseling through a state pilot program. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency announced July 1 that Michigan military veterans and their families now have access to free financial counseling through a state pilot program. The

How Lenders Use Credit Scores

We’ve all heard of credit scores.  But what are they? How do lenders use credit scores? Your credit score is a number based on a formula using the information in your credit report. 

Safe Online Shopping

Shopping online is very common.  The benefits of online shopping are clear.  Stores are always open. You don’t have to deal with crowds. 

Credit unions offer members unique services to track their credit – C&G Newspapers

METRO DETROIT —Did you know that Credit Unions offer members unique services to track their credit? From buying a car to getting that dream job, our credit scores play a larger role in our lives than we may think — or maybe want to admit. The ratings that credit bureaus give us all to indicate

Wage Garnishment

Wage garnishment is when you leave a debt unpaid and the court requires your employer to “garnish” or withhold a portion of your wages to pay back the debt.

Lemon Laws

Lemon laws make it easier for the buyer of a new car to sue for damages or have the car replaced if the dealer or manufacturer can’t fix it.

Using Technology and Innovation for Social Good

How can we dream so big in some areas, yet continue to think so small in others? I asked myself this recently while at a conference in California.  A panel of speakers shared some of the latest developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence – applications such as biometric recognition and autonomous vehicles.

6 Debt Consolidation Traps to Avoid – Money.com

When you’re drowning in due dates, debt consolidation can sound like a godsend. Your credit cards, line of credit and other loans get consolidated into a lump sum you can tackle at a lower interest rate and with a minimum payment that’s manageable. But if you aren’t savvy when combining your debts, you could be

New coaching program is designed to help you fix finances

Many of us who made resolutions for 2020 — exercising more, decluttering and, yes, doing a better job managing our money — can relate to the idea of having a coach in our corner. Now, Farmington Hills-based GreenPath Financial Wellness — with the support of a $345,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase — will be developing

How Identity Theft Happens

You may wonder, How Identity theft happens? It occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it fraudulently.

How to manage different balances on one card – CreditCards.com

Did you know that it’s possible to have different balances on only one credit card? Say you open a new card and it has a low interest rate introductory period, during which you make charges and don’t pay the entire balance off. That’s balance No. 1. Soon the intro period ends and you begin making

ATM Fees Can Break the Bank

At GreenPath, we remind our clients of some of the obvious ways to save money: Pack your lunch a few days a week, cut back on the gourmet coffee and stick to your budget. Also, we remind them to consider how they use automated teller machines because ATM fees can break the bank. Recently, there

I Have Peace Of Mind

“Now, I have peace of mind, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel and a way to pay off my debt.” Kathie M. Alpena, MI

GreenPath Debt Solutions Becomes GreenPath Financial Wellness

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – April 4, 2016) — GreenPath, Inc., formerly doing business as GreenPath Debt Solutions, today announced that it is now operating as GreenPath Financial Wellness. The Farmington Hills-based company says that the transition is based on its long-term commitment to guide all consumers through life’s financial challenges, not just those in debt. “Our

Planning for Emergencies – Pay Yourself First

Emergencies happen when you least expect it which is why planning for emergencies is so important. Start an emergency savings fund and pay yourself first.

Episode 4: Coronavirus and Your Finances – Advice From GreenPath CEO Kristen Holt

GreenPath’s Kristen Holt shares advice on how to navigate these times the financial impact of COVID-19.

How to pay your bills and determine which ones are most important

A question you might be experiencing these last few months is how to make sure to pay your bills in a way that aligns with what’s most important to you. Which monthly expenses do you want to choose to pay first, which can save you money and which could be managed differently?   These are questions that many people are facing, especially those who have lost

GreenPath Announced as 2019 CCW Excellence Awards Finalist for Best Contact Center Culture

At GreenPath Financial Wellness, we actively strive to create a vibrant culture where people love what they do. We are pleased to announce that our efforts to advance workplace culture have resulted in being selected as a finalist for Best Contact Center Culture by Customer Contact Week. Winners will be announced Tuesday, June 25th. Read

Contacting Your Creditors

Are you struggling to pay your bills each month? If so, you may want to contact your creditors. They may have options for you.

Budgeting Basics for Purchasing Your First Car

(Editor's note: As U.S. automakers set a new record for cars and trucks sold in 2016, GreenPath welcomes guest blogger Warren Clarke from CARFAX to share five tips on buying a vehicle in 2017.) If you're purchasing your first car, this purchase represents an important milestone in your adult life. Owning a car gives you

Kristen Holt named GreenPath Financial Wellness President and CEO

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – April 11, 2016) — GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nationwide, financial counseling and education non-profit organization, with headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, announced today that Kristen Holt has been named its new president and CEO. “Kristen brings to GreenPath a unique and diverse background of over 20 years of international, national and local leadership experience,

What to Consider Before Taking a Credit Card Cash Advance

As we look to manage our personal finances during the global COVID-19 crisis, many of us face uncertainty about how to cover costs for monthly living expenses. One “quick fix” that may be tempting is a credit card cash advance, especially in the face of unexpected income loss or other emergency situations. Cash advances can

9 Tips About Credit Counseling – SelfLender

Swimming in a sea of debt? Before you wind up with your head barely above water, you might want to reach for a life preserver. In a lot of cases, that life preserver is credit counseling services. Below are 9 tips about credit counseling that can help you on your journey to financial wellness. Seeking

Episode 6: Dawn – A Difficult Decision

Each year, Dawn and her family faced an income reduction when her husband got laid off during the winter months. An opportunity came to save a significant amount in their monthly budget, but it would mean downsizing to a much smaller home. What was the right choice for their family, including their son? As many

GreenPath Financial Wellness Named One of the Best Places to Work

One of our goals here at GreenPath Financial Wellness is to attract top-level people to join our team. We were so thrilled to be named one of the best places to work for recent college grads. We are building a culture of empathetic, caring people who strive to do whatever they can to help our

Savings Accounts

A savings account is used to save money and earn interest on the cash in the account. You can open a savings account at a bank or credit union. 

Counselors Prepare as More Borrowers Seek Private Reverse Mortgages

Excerpt from Reverse Mortgage Daily Counseling for prospective reverse mortgage borrowers is not only required, but it’s also a critical component of understanding how a new reverse mortgage loan is created. In order to make sure that the borrower fully understands exactly what kind of a transaction they’re getting into, the counselor guides the borrower

Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible? — CreditCards.com

Excerpt from the CreditCards.com article on when you can write off credit card interest charges and when you can’t. Featuring Jeff Arevalo, GreenPath Financial Expert You may have run up hundreds or thousands of dollars in credit card interest charges in 2019, but don’t expect any relief from Uncle Sam as the new tax season

Financial Literacy for Kids

As part of our Financial Literacy Month blog series, and in celebration of Take Your Child to Work Day, we’re talking about ways to educate children about finances. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching kids about money. Good skills, that are learned at an early age, can have a lasting impact on the

GreenPath’s Danielle Crane, HR Executive of the Year

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – November 4, 2016) – GreenPath’s Danielle Crane, HR Executive of the Year! Danielle Crane, GreenPath Financial Wellness chief talent officer, was recently recognized by the American Society of Employers, as the Michigan HR Executive of the Year for 2016. She won for the category of health and human services organization (fewer than

I’ll Be Out Of Debt

“GreenPath got my credit card interest rate reduced from 29.9 percent to six percent! Now my payments actually reduce my balance and I have a lot of hope, instead of fear and frustration.” Steve S. Chicago, IL

Love, Money and Preventing Financial Feuds – Fox 66 WSMH

A Money magazine survey finds 70 percent of married couples argue about money more than anything else. There are ways to prevent financial feuds. “I pretty much handle everything, I’m a control freak,” said Gabriella Ramirez, who’s getting married later this year. She’s been with her fiancé for seven years, and they’ve found a system

GreenPath and EarnUp Create Innovative Nonprofit-FinTech Partnership to Get Americans Out of Debt

GreenPath Financial Wellness and EarnUp have created a one-of-a-kind for profit/nonprofit fintech partnership designed to support the goal of bringing Americans out of debt.

Take Action to Manage Your Financial Concerns from the Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to be a stressful time. It’s safe to say that all of us are feeling a mix of confusion and anxiety. Watch below as GreenPath Financial Wellness President and CEO Kristen Holt offers a quick look at what you can do to manage your financial concerns.  As Kristen notes,

CCCS of Nebraska Merges with GreenPath Financial Wellness

(OMAHA, NE – January 14, 2015) — CCS of Nebraska merges with GreenPath Financial Wellness. GreenPath, Inc., a nationwide, non-profit consumer credit counseling agency, doing business as GreenPath Financial Wellness, recently announced that it is providing in-person credit counseling, financial education and debt management services in the Nebraska cities of Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk, through

Congressional Resolution Blocks Arbitration

A joint Congressional resolution awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature would unravel a rule blocking financial institutions from forcing customers into arbitration to resolve disputes rather than class action lawsuits. Tuesday’s 51-50 party-line vote by Senate Republicans – Vice President Mike Pense broke the tie – comes in the wake of major breaches of consumer trust

It Pays to Remember this Money Advice from Mom

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to recognize the role Moms play in the financial health of our families. It might not be that much of a surprise, but researchers note the “Mother of all Financial Advisors” is in fact Mom! Many people turn to their Mom for advice on managing money.

What Happens When You Make Minimum Payments On Credit Cards? – U.S. News

Featuring Jeff Arevalo, Financial Wellness Expert  Making the minimum monthly payments on your credit cards can lead to maximum pain. By paying only the lowest amount required each month, you’re stretching out how long it takes to wipe out your credit card debt and paying considerably more interest than you otherwise would. Minimum monthly payments can be

Best Money Advice I’ve Ever Gotten

Cameron Huddleston has more than a decade of experience as a personal finance journalist. She’s talked with countless experts and translates their knowledge into actionable advice for readers. Here is an article from her blog about the best money advice she’s ever gotten. I have been writing about personal finance for a long time –

Equal Credit Opportunity Act

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits credit discrimination by Race, Color, Religion, National origin, Sex, Marital status, and Age.

How To Read Your Credit Report

Although each credit report agency formats and reports this information differently, all credit reports contain the same categories of information.

Good Debt, Bad Debt: It’s Mostly Bad For You – Investor’s Business Daily

Personal Finance Action Plan For 2015 A common misconception is that there is good debt and bad debt. In fact, virtually all debt is mostly bad for you, there really is no good debt vs. bad debt. After six years, the era of deleveraging household debt is over, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Since

GreenPath Helpdesk: Answering the Most Common Questions about Credit Reports and Scores:

Reading a credit report and understanding what a credit score means can be confusing. Every day, people ask us questions about their reports and scores. In this webinar, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions, including: Is there a “perfect” credit score? Why do a few missed payments drop my score so quickly?

GreenPath’s new CEO focuses on financial wellness – Detroit Free Press

The new CEO of GreenPath likes to begin meetings — and perhaps appropriately given the nonprofit’s name — by giving employees a chance to breathe and relax with something she calls “Zen poetry.” The small group stands in a tight circle, pauses and then one by one each shares one word. “It’s not a haiku,”

Teaching Teens About Money

We need to focus on teaching teens about spending and saving money. Too many teenagers are not taught the importance of spending and saving.

Top Five Money Myths Affecting Millennials

There are many money myths about personal finance and debt affecting millennials. It’s no surprise given the financial state they are facing. Americans owe over $1.4 trillion in student loan debt, which is spread out among nearly 44 million borrowers. Furthermore, the average amount of student loan debt for a graduate of the Class of

Should You Use a Credit Card Loan? – U.S. News & World Report

Excerpt from U.S. News & World Report looks at credit card financing options. Featuring Katie Bossler, GreenPath Quality Assurance Specialist & GreenPath Expert This time of crisis has many looking to make ends meet.  To manage finances through the coronavirus, many people have found that the credit cards currently in their wallets may offer a

4 Steps Identity Theft Victims Should Take

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – March 10, 2015) The Federal Trade Commission recently released its 2014 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, which analyzed more than 2.5 million consumer complaints from across the country. The leading complaint topic was identity theft, followed by debt collection complaints and impostor scams. “This is the fifteenth year that identity theft

What to Do If Your Credit Score Has Fallen – 5 Tips

Your credit score can affect your life in a lot of ways, from whether you are eligible for a loan or credit card, or qualified for a security clearance. If your credit score has fallen or you want to improve your credit score, these tips can get you started. What is a Credit Score? A

Miss A Credit Card Payment? Here’s What to Do

If you miss a credit card payment, it is important to know that not all creditors handle delinquent accounts in the same way. Typically, if you miss a payment, your creditor will start to call you. They will want to find out if you merely forgot or if something bigger is going on.  Many people

Watch out for those ATM Fees – KABB-TV/FOX (San Antonio)

 San Antonio — Recently, it was reported that consumers were charged more than $6 billion in ATM fees and overdraft fees in 2015. GreenPath Financial Wellness was in on "Fox News Midday" to explain how to save money when using an ATM. Here are some reminders, when it comes to using the ATM: Always

8 Money Saving Back-to-School Shopping Tips

While the dust has barely settled on Independence Day festivities, the store shelves are already packed with back-to-school supplies and clothes. The sales are underway online and in-store. So, while we still may be thinking sunscreen and summer fun, now is the time to think about saving money on the upcoming school year! Here are

NYC Is The Most Financially Distressed City In The Nation

Featuring Kelly Figueroa, Financial Wellness Expert New York City is officially the most financially distressed metropolis in America, according to local debt counselors and financial analysts. The city’s credit card delinquency rates and level of bad personal debt are the highest in the nation, which saw household debt and credit soar by $219 billion, or

7 Ways to Get Out of Credit Card Debt

According to Creditcards.com, about 40 percent of Americans carry credit card debt from month to month without paying it off. The website also says the average interest rate on those credit cards is more than 13% but did you know that there are 7 ways to get out of credit card debt?

3 Money Saving Back-to-School Shopping Tips

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is expecting this year’s back-to-school shopping season to be the most expensive ever. According to their survey, on average, families with children in grades K-12, plan to spend nearly $700 and those with college students plan to spend nearly $1,000, both the highest ever recorded by the NRF. Parents are

Stay Within Your Budget During Summer Heat

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – July 22, 2016 – With much of the country stuck in high heat and humidity for the next few weeks, GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nationwide non-profit financial counseling and education organization, is sharing some tips on ways you can stay within your budget during Summer heat. You can save money on

5 steps to a mortgage-worthy credit profile – CreditCards.com

You've been diligently pinching pennies to save for a down payment and after countless hours of drooling over online "For Sale" listings, you've decided it's time to make your dream of owning a home a reality. But is your credit mortgage worthy? To find out, you'll need to meet with a loan officer to see how

Save Money by Meal Planning

If you’re struggling to stick to your food budget, meal planning is a good way to help you buy what you need, and be as efficient as you can.

One Side Effect of the Virus: Free Credit Reports Each Week – The New York Times

GreenPath’s President and CEO Kristen Holt is featured in The New York Times about new options to obtain free credit reports, which are now available weekly during the pandemic crisis. The economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus has prompted a helpful — if temporary — change in the window that Americans have into their credit

Behind on Your Mortgage?

Sometimes, unplanned events – a  sudden job loss or medical expenses, for example – can impact your ability to pay the mortgage. It happens to many of us. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself if you’re behind on your mortgage. Read The Homeowners Guide to Success The Homeowner’s Guide to Success explains

Equifax data breach

On September 7, Equifax, one of the three major credit bureaus, announced it had suffered a major data breach sometime in late spring or early summer of this year. Approximately 143 million consumers could be impacted by the Equifax data breach, as hackers were able to tap into personal information such as names, birthdates, social

Creating a New Model for Financial Education

This story is part of a series that spotlights our employees here at GreenPath. We hope these stories will give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their daily lives, and how they strive to make an impact by helping people improve their financial wellness. Today’s story is about Chris Dlugozima, Learning Experience Designer. In my current

Managing Debt in the Time of COVID

In the early weeks of the pandemic, understanding the economic impact of the crisis was on the minds of most of us.  A specific concern was managing debt in the time of COVID.  The roll-out of forbearance programs as part of the CARES Act gave relief to millions of households and gave Congress time to bolster unemployment benefits and offer

5 Reasons to Make a Budget

Making a budget and following it are two powerful financial habits. It’s not always easy, or fun at first. But it is one of the best steps you can take to successfully manage your finances.  There are many reasons to budget and in the long run, it feels really good to see yourself accomplishing a

From GreenPath Debt Solutions to GreenPath Financial Wellness

GreenPath Debt Solutions makes a change to GreenPath Financial Wellness!  The transition is based on our long-term commitment to guide all consumers through life’s financial challenges, not just those in debt. We certainly know there is a need as more than 200,000 people, with a variety of different questions and issues, partnered with GreenPath to

Answers To Questions About Bankruptcy

What is bankruptcy? We have answers to your questions and can help you understand what bankruptcy is and evaluate the pros and cons.

Budgeting Steps – 3 Easy Tips for Making a Budget That Works

Three simple budgeting steps to help you learn how much money you have to spend, and make decisions about how to cover your expenses and meet goals.

Millennial Money: ‘Tidy up’ so each dollar sparks joy – AP

Featuring Kristen Holt, President & CEO Marie Kondo has inspired countless people to wipe out clutter. Her KonMari organizing method, popularized by her book and Netflix series, lays out how to get more joy from your life and possessions. This approach can extend to your money, too. Applying her mindset can reduce the financial clutter

Common Budgeting Mistakes

Sticking to your budget is easier if you avoid these budgeting mistakes. Don’t use your credit to make ends meet. Make sure to keep track of your expenses.

A View from the Summit

It’s about 8:30 am, and from where I sit, an undeniable excitement hums through our building.  Everyone is working to prepare for our guests’ arrival.  Breakfast is in the works (and smells amazing by the way!)  Rooms are being set for a fun day of networking, learning, and insight.  This is all in anticipation for our second annual Financial Industry Summit.

Protecting Credit Information for People with Disabilities

Recent credit bureau breaches and cyber hacks have raised awareness of information security and the vulnerability of our personal financial data. Major incidents like the Equifax data breach have shown us just how important it is to continually monitor our credit reports, be alert to potential identity theft, and work on protecting credit information. It’s easy to

Seven Steps to Financially Prepare Yourself for the Holidays

With the holiday season approaching, now is the perfect time to review your money management practices and work towards a debt-free holiday. Here are seven quick tips that will help you financially prepare for the holidays, budget and tame your use of credit, when it comes to gift-giving, entertaining and more! First and foremost, start

Avoiding the Payday Loan Cycle

Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans that are very easy to get. The danger is that if you have to renew the loan, you fall into the payday loan cycle. This can cause debt to snowball, and costs a lot of money in the long run.

Car Ownership or Ride-sharing

It makes sense to look at your transportation options when planning for financial wellness. So which is better car ownership or ride-sharing? Transportation accounts for 17% of an average American’s spending. This is inconsistent with what financial counselors typically recommend, which is to limit transportation costs to 15% of one’s income, max. And it’s only

Setting Financial Goals in 2017 – Consumer Affairs

It’s still not too late to make a New Year’s resolution, and if you are hoping to get ahead financially in 2017, setting a financial goal is a great place to start. GreenPath Financial Wellness, a non-profit credit counseling and education organization, says a good way to start is to stop and think about what went

Navigating a Housing Crisis

The spread of COVID-19 has drastically altered the day-to-day routines of many Americans. People are experiencing reduced hours, job loss, or other financial setbacks that cast doubts over their financial future. Depending on the severity of someone’s financial situation, they may be worried about foreclosure or eviction. Learn how GreenPath provides support to help people

Comprar en Internet…¿te conviene?

Una de los usos más popular del internet hoy en día es hacer compras. Cada día más gente elige comprar en línea en vez de la tienda. Para decidir la mejor opción para si mismo, es importante analizar los beneficios y contras de comprar en internet.

Your Environment Matters

Have you ever started the day, determined to crank out some serious work, only to find yourself scrolling through social media two hours later?  Ben Hardy, author of Willpower Doesn’t Work says: “You are who you are because of your environment.  Want to change? Then change your environment.” Your goal is to change your spending behavior

7 Ways to Save Money for an Emergency Fund – Investopedia

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and some of them can really put a dent in your budget. Emergency situations, such as repairing a car, replacing an appliance, paying a large health insurance deductible, or taking an unexpected trip, can deplete your savings or cause you to make unwise decisions that may cripple your financial

10 Ways to Rebuild Credit

Everyone faces setbacks from time to time. The good news is that you can rebuild your credit score. Please understand that there are no quick fixes for improving your score. You may have seen ads for companies that promise, for a fee, to quickly repair your score. Credit repair does not work. Their usual technique

Reverse Mortgage Counselors: People More Informed, Resources Strained During Pandemic – Reverse Mortgage Daily

Excerpt from Reverse Daily Mortgage showcases the impact the ongoing pandemic has made on those seeking information on reverse mortgages. Based on observations from reverse mortgage counselors, those seeking information are better-prepared for their counseling sessions regarding their understanding of the reverse mortgage product category.  The publication notes that this could be a potential sign

¡Felicidades a los Gradados!

Bienvenidos al mundo de los adultos.  Ahora tenemos que pensar en nuevas metas y decidir como y cuando las vamos a cumplir. Voy a discutir 3 de las muchas decisiones que tendrás que tomar.

HUD awards $3.2M in housing counseling grants to Michigan agencies – The Detroit News

Featuring Kristen Holt, President and CEO
Each year, GreenPath counsels more than 42,000 people looking to obtain or retain housing.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

An individual retirement account or IRA is an investment account that enables individuals to save for retirement.  There are two types of IRAs.

7 tips for using budget apps safely – CreditCards.com (Yahoo Finance and Money Magazine)

Budget apps such as Mint.com and YouNeedABudget.com can help spendthrifts track and control spending. They also carry a security risk, as they require users to hand over sensitive information such as credit card and bank account numbers, then allow the apps access to that information. In this era of headline-grabbing security breaches, just how safe

Seven Million Americans Delinquent on Auto Loans Could Be a Bad Sign

Featuring Jeremy Lark, Senior Manager of Client Services The U.S. is at an all-time high for auto loan delinquencies. Is this the sign of overborrowing or overconfidence in the economy's strength? Seven million people are at least 90 days behind in their car payments, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility

Too many children and teenagers are not taught the importance of spending and saving. Educating your child about finances plays a critical role in forming a healthy attitude towards money, as they grow into adults. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching kids about money. Good skills, that are learned at an early age,

Types of Bankruptcy – Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

You’ve probably heard people refer to different types of bankruptcy. The most common types that people file are referred to as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.  Let’s talk about the differences.

Estate Planning

Estate planning involves deciding how you want to distribute your assets after you die. We can give you some suggestions for basic estate planning.

Getting a Home Mortgage

Before strolling through an open house, make sure you’re prepared for the mortgage process. You’ll need to know your credit health and monthly budget.

New rule may make it tougher to get reverse mortgage – Macon (GA) Telegraph

Getting a reverse mortgage may sound like the answer to a homeowner’s financial issues. Instead of the homeowner paying the lender every month as in a conventional mortgage, in a reverse mortgage, the lender sends a monthly check to the home­owner.  A new rule may make it tougher to get a reverse mortgage. A reverse

Debt Consolidation Loans

In general, a debt consolidation loan can be defined as a loan that combines multiple debt obligations into one single and simplified loan.

Cruise Control Your Finances

In this 30 minute webinar, we will teach you how to control your finances. Achieving lifelong financial success can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. There is a step-by-step plan that will help you with controlling finances long-term. We will go over how you can take control of your finances by understanding the internal and external forces that

GreenPath CEO Kristen Holt: Tips for Avoiding Reverse Mortgage Foreclosure

Recent news coverage (“Detroit leads nation in reverse mortgage foreclosure rate”) has brought the escalating reverse mortgage foreclosure rate into the spotlight. A Free Press and USA Today analysis revealed that urban communities have been most impacted by the reverse mortgage foreclosure trend with Detroit leading the way. Other urban epicenters including Chicago, Baltimore, Miami

Berkshire Bank Partners with GreenPath Financial Wellness to Provide Financial Counseling and Resources

Pittsfield, MA – September 6, 2018 – Berkshire Bank is excited to announce a partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness to offer its employees, customers and communities with practical resources and tools to improve their financial well-being. The goal of the new partnership is to enhance Berkshire’s ongoing commitment to helping individuals realize their financial goals.

Types of Credit Cards

Did you know that there are different credit card types? Here’s a guide to a few of them. General-purpose cards are issued by banks and other lenders.

The Importance of Similar Financial Goals – CreditCards.com

Deciding whether to build a future with someone goes beyond just physical attraction and common interests. The most successful couples often have similar financial goals and money habits. Consider this: The top four reasons behind money fights among couples are spending habits (67 percent), not saving enough (37 percent), bills (33 percent) and debt (29

GreenPath Financial Wellness & Associated Bank

(MADISON, WI – Feb. 12, 2016) — GreenPath Financial Wellness, in partnership with Meridian Group, Associated Bank and the United Way of Kenosha County, will provide a Financial Wellness Development Series in February, March and April, in Racine and Kenosha. The free, one-hour workshops will help individuals get a better understanding of budgeting, credit reports and

Home Appraisals

Home appraisals find out if the asking price is different than the actual value of the property. An appraisal defines the value of a property.

Tax Saving Tips

Let’s look at some tax saving tips that may help you save money on your taxes. Generally, the lower your taxable income, the less tax you will need to pay. Tax withholding exemptions.  These will increase or decrease your take-home pay based on the number of withholdings you claim. You can change these exemptions by

Foreclosure Process

The Foreclosure process transfers ownership back to the lender when the mortgage can’t be paid. It is what happens when you can’t pay back your mortgage.

Tax Return Not What You Expected?  Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you hoping to get a refund from your 2019 tax return? Many people intend to use their refund as a “forced savings plan” (essentially withholding extra taxes on purpose so that they get a larger refund at the end of the year, instead of being tempted to spend it during the year).  However, 42%

Are You About to Hit a Financial Setback? Here’s What You Need To Know.

For millions of Americans, an unexpected financial setback can make it feel like your world is caving in around you. If you or a loved one has been affected by a recent setback, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that everything is going to be okay. GreenPath Financial Wellness offer the steps below

CheckRight

Are you interested in opening a checking account? Whether you are opening an account for the first time or you've had one in the past, this course can help you understand how an account can benefit you, different options you may face, and how to deal with challenges along the way. Follow Veronica and Nicholas

Behaviors Hindering Your Money Management Success

Amy Blacklock works to help others simplify their lives and crack the code on personal finance. Through her website, Life Zemplified,  she provides tips and tools to help others save money and achieve money management success. Here is an article from her blog. Saving money is a pretty simple process. What’s difficult, is changing our

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission, such as your name, Social Security number or credit card.

Why Is That Old Information Still On My Credit Report?

How long information stays on credit reports depends on the specific type of information. Negative credit information can be reported on your credit report for 7-10 years. In general, here is what to expect: Late payments, student loan defaults and foreclosures – 7 years. It’s important to note that, as more time passes, the less impact a negative mark will have on your

Effective debt management: How to increase savings and get rid of that debt load – USA Today

Effective debt management Debt is high and savings are low. Indeed, total household debt rose to an all-time high of $13.15 trillion at year-end 2017, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data. There is no better time for effective debt management. And, as of year-end 2017, some 4.6% of

Buying a New or Used Car

Is it better to buy a used car or go with a shiny new vehicle? Let’s compare the two options of buying a new or used car and give you some good information to make a well informed decision. Buying New Probably the biggest single advantage is the car itself.  Since it’s brand-new, it has never

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act bans discrimination for housing. According to the Fair Housing Act, no one may take any actions based on prejudice.

What Is a Credit Card Hardship Program?

A Credit Card Hardship Program is a payment plan, negotiated via your issuer, that may temporarily lower interest and waive fees when a difficult circumstance hinders your ability to pay. Financial emergencies, setbacks and major life changes can come at you quickly, making it difficult to meet monthly financial obligations like credit card payments. Before you

Credit Score Calculation

A FICO Credit Score Calculation is the standard used by most lending institutions in the U.S. There are five categories that make up the score.

Ways to Build Credit as a Student – U.S. News & World Report

Featuring Chris Dlugozima, Education Specialist Establishing credit while you’re in school can help make the transition into post-graduation life much easier. Good credit can help you qualify for lower interest rates on a student loan refinance, pass an employment background check or get approved for an apartment lease. But when it comes to building credit,

Tis the Season to Pay off Credit Card Debt

Tis the Season to pay off credit card debt! Paying off all that credit card debt from the holidays might be a little harder than you think in 2017. Our Alese Underwood shows us how an interest rate hike could damage your credit score if you're not careful. SAN ANTONIO -- As holiday spending winds

Three Reasons Why Making a Budget Can Make Sense for You

In a time of uncertainty, many of the people we speak with find that making a budget is a powerful step to help improve financial health. Taking the time to create a simple budget helps people figure out how to meet financial goals, and weather any unexpected financial challenges that might come along. Why Budget? Making a

3 Tips to Spread Joy While Saving Money Through the Holidays

Be Mindful of Your Finances Through the Holidays   1. Using mindfulness to have more peace during your holiday shopping When it comes to gifts, it’s not enough to simply know how much you plan to spend in total for the holiday season. You can also break that number down by person so that you’re

Payday Loans

Payday loans are short-term cash loans based on your personal check. You write a personal check for the amount borrowed, plus the finance charges.

Credit Scoring Example

The impact of a financial mistake on credit varies from person to person. While each credit profile is unique, check out this credit score example to understand how late payments or other issues can affect credit.

FAFSA – Applying for Student Aid

College is becoming more and more expensive. This makes student loans and other types of help even more important. Fill out a FAFSA application form.

What Federal Student Loan Repayment Options Do You Qualify For?

You have some federal student loan repayment options. Depending on the size of each loan, this typically translates to a 10-year payment term.

Credit Reports 101

We get asked a lot of questions about credit reports. That’s because millions of Americans like you are striving for financial wellness! Credit reports are important in helping to achieve this goal. But they can be confusing too. Here’s are the answers some common questions about credit reports: How long does information appear on my

GreenPath Financial Wellness acquires Rural Dynamics, Inc.

GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit credit counseling and financial health organization, has acquired Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI), a nonprofit credit counseling and financial advocacy organization based in Montana and Idaho.

Tracking Your Expenses

Track expenses to find out how you really spend money and learn how to improve your habits and your budget. These methods can help.

HUD Awards $40M in Housing Counseling Grants – Reverse Mortgage Daily

Excerpt from Reverse Mortgage Daily details HUD housing counseling grant awarded to GreenPath Financial Wellness The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $40 million in counseling grants to agencies across the country, including GreenPath Financial Wellness, According to the HUD announcement, housing counseling agencies approved by HUD will use grant funds to

Game Plans for Avoiding Bad-Credit Stereotypes – CreditCards.com

Even if you’re not borrowing money, a less-than-stellar credit file can impact your personal and professional life. From where you live to where you work to who you date, your credit plays a role, and if you have bad credit, you need a game plan for dealing with the occasions when it comes up. Without

Retailers roll out layaway plans early for 2015 holidays – CreditCards.com

Before Labor Day cookouts even started this year, retailers began rolling out holiday layaway plans. Although that may seem absurd to traditionalists, starting early with layaway can help you reduce January credit card debt. Wal-Mart led the way, offering layaway plans Aug. 28 to help shoppers get a jump on hot toys. "Wal-Mart launched layaway

eHome Money Online Financial Education

In this online, two- to three-hour online course, you will learn about earning, saving, borrowing and spending habits for a financially healthy life. You may take the course online at any time. It costs $99.

Register now

No Spend November – 30 days of Financial Mindfulness

GreenPath is passionate about remixing the American Dream so it works for everyone. In November, we are running a 30 day challenge – No Spend November.

7 Times You Might Be Liable for Fradulent Charges – CreditCards.com

Despite “zero liability” promises from credit card companies and protection from federal laws, there are instances where consumers might be liable for fraudulent credit charges. Credit card fraud is big business: In 2013, fraudulent use of existing credit cards reached $11.1 billion in the United States, according to Lexis Nexis’s annual True Cost of Fraud

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement is a process of negotiating with creditors to accept a percentage of the full amount on debt that is charged off or severely delinquent.

Utility Payment Plans

You’re not alone if you have a hard time paying your utility bills. It’s not easy to predict how much your utility payments will be. They change with the seasons.

Stop Swiping

Credit cards make it easy to swipe and go about our day. We swipe effortlessly, without realizing that we will have to pay off the charges later. Today, I want you to try to stop swiping. We save our credit card information in all of our favorite apps so we can quickly hit purchase. We

Managing Student Finances – News 4 San Antonio, Texas

Student loan debt can be complicated to manage. Gladys Coward of GreenPath Financial Wellness shares insights with News 4 San Antonio about what to keep in mind. News 4 WOAI San Antonio, Texas regularly shares consumer information as part of their regular broadcast, providing the latest on managing finances especially in challenging times.   The news

9 things to know about your credit score and how it’s calculated – USA Today

Featuring Kristen Holt, CEO   More and more Americans are checking their credit and understand how the scoring system works. The percentage of consumers who have obtained at least one credit score over the past four years has risen to 57 percent in 2018, up from 49 percent four years ago, according to a survey released in

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans or line of credit (HELOC) allow you to borrow money using your home’s equity as collateral. It turns equity into cash.

Buying or Leasing a Car

Deciding whether you will be buying or leasing a car is a very important decision that can have a long-term impact on your budget. It’s important that you don’t end up with a car that you cannot afford down the road. Let’s take a look at each option in more detail.

Behind on Auto Payments? You’re Not Alone. Here’s How to Handle It

If you feel like you’ve been struggling to keep up with car payments, you’re not alone: According to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, over 7 million Americans are at least 90 days behind on their auto loans. It’s no secret that increased financial stress can weigh heavily on your

Smart Tips for Choosing a Credit Counselor – NerdWallet

Four GreenPath financial wellness experts recently sat down with the website Nerdwallet to discuss wise ways to choose a non-profit credit counselor. There are many things to consider when choosing a credit counselor. This is especially true when you’re struggling with debt or need help managing your finances, you have different resources to choose from.

When to cancel a credit card – CreditCardForum Blog

Whether the annual fee is no longer worth it, you’re trying to reduce the temptation to overspend, or you’re just mad at your bank, you want a card out of your life. How do you know when to cancel your credit card? While cancelling a card won’t necessarily wreak the credit havoc some fear, there

GreenPath Financial Wellness Creates Endowment Funds to Honor Founders Albert O. Horner and Bruce Paradis

GreenPath is pleased to announce the creation of two endowment funds. Read an excerpt of the press release with a link to the full release below: GreenPath Financial Wellness Creates Endowment Funds to Honor Founders Albert O. Horner and Bruce Paradis Funds will support the national nonprofit’s operations, helping people achieve financial health and sustainable

Is your teen ready to handle credit ? – Money Rates

When used properly, credit cards can teach teenagers how to manage money and help them establish a credit history. Is your teen ready to handle credit? When used improperly, they can lead to huge amounts of debt and missed obligations -- two things that can wreck your teen's credit before it's really gotten started. How

Paying Back Holiday Debt – WSMH-TV/FOX (Flint, MI)

You might be doing some last minute gift-wrapping tonight and maybe the cost of all those gifts is finally hitting you. Paying back holiday debt can be a long process if you haven’t budgeted, but small sacrifices now can make sure your credit card debt is paid off sooner rather than later. “If you didn’t plan

Understanding Student Loan Options – Strategies for Today and Tomorrow

Dealing with student debt? You’re not alone. In fact, student loans currently account for over $1.56 TRILLION of total consumer debt in the U.S—second only to home mortgages. Whether you are one of the 44.7 million borrowers who currently carries student loan debt, or are planning on taking out a student loan in the future,

Tips for Back-to-School Savings – KIOS Omaha Public Radio

It may only be the end of July, but many kids start school next month.  And with the start of school comes the rush to buy students all the school supplies and clothes they need. But before you head out to the stores, Katie Bossler, a financial counselor with GreenPath Financial Wellness, has some money

Signature Loans

Signature loans are unsecured personal loans. They are not backed by property. They can be used for many purposes. Amounts can vary.

Financial Awareness

Today’s focus is on financial awareness. We are all human, and part of being human is understanding that each decision we make has an outcome on our financial situation. A lot of our decisions are driven by our biases and environment. Ask yourself these questions: How often do you feel pressure to order something when

The Best Step I Could Take

“This was the best step I could take. GreenPath put me on my way to becoming completely debt free.” Otelia P. Brooklyn, NY

Purchasing a Home That’s a Fixer-Upper

Purchasing a fixer upper house can be complicated.  The bank may not lend money to buy the house until repairs are complete. But you can’t do repairs until you buy the house. Fortunately there is a special loan program for just this kind of purchase.

Young adults have more credit card debt than savings – Detroit Free Press

    Young adults cant build savings with credit card debt. Many are juggling the needs of young families, the costs of old student loan debt and the temptations of more hip ways to spend money. Ebeth Fielder, 23, has a simple explanation for why many people, particularly those in their 30s and 40s, owe more

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the files of consumer reporting agencies. Here are the basics of your major rights under the FCRA.

Scholarships

A scholarship is money for college that you do not have to repay. Scholarships are often provided by colleges for students who fit a particular profile.

GreenPath receives grant from the Texas Veterans Commission

AUSTIN, TEXAS – June 22, 2016 – GreenPath Financial Wellness, a nationwide non-profit financial counseling and education organization, with eight locations across Texas, has received a $300,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The one-year grant will provide free financial counseling to Texas veterans and their families. “We thank the Texas

Why your credit cards may deserve a second chance – NerdWallet (distributed through syndication)

In this article, Jeffrey explains how using credit cards wisely can help positively impact your credit score.

Credit starts to tighten as job losses remain high – WXYZ Detroit

Excerpt from the Detroit Free Press’ story, Credit starts to tighten as job losses remain high. Featuring Kristen Holt, president & CEO, and Jeremy Lark, senior manager of client services A recent Detroit Free Press article shares that a pandemic relief assistance is ending, many people are still struggling and are turning to credit cards,

America Saves Week – Day 3: Save for the Unexpected

The following content is part of our America Saves Week Series and is provided by americasaves.org Nearly a quarter of savers who take the America Saves pledge chose “emergency savings” as their first wealth-building goal. And they have the right idea. Research shows that low-income families with at least $500 in an emergency fund were better off

Second Consecutive Year, GreenPath Named Free Press Top Workplace: Instilling a Culture of Empathy, Compassion and Balance

Farmington Hills, Mich., (November 11, 2018) For the second consecutive year, GreenPath Financial Wellness has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2018 honor by The Detroit Free Press. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools.

Practicing Healthy Habits Can Help Spark Your Financial Independence

Making the transformation from being a carefree young person to a financially healthy adult can seem overwhelming and scary.  Most young adults starting out can attest to the challenges of managing an entry-level salary while still striving for the financial stability. But there are ways to create a path to financial independence early in your

Rebuilding After Bankruptcy

You took the plunge.  You heard the warnings and knew the consequences, but it was the right decision for you.  Now you need to put the bankruptcy behind you and swim back to shore.  You need to begin the task of rebuilding after bankruptcy. The truth is that the bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for

Financial Resolutions – Detroit Free Press

    Nobody needs to tell us we’re wasting our money. Really, we know if we tend to overspend, rack up fees or never pay off credit card bills. So let’s not make Financial Resolutions this New Year, such as “I will stop wasting money.” The only way to get the job done in 2017

College grads average $32,158 in debt in Michigan. Here’s what some didn’t know

Excerpt from Detroit Free Press About that thing called ‘interest’ College grads receive a six-month grace period before they have to start paying down student loans. Getting a diploma in May means many will begin to repay those loans in November. But if you have unsubsidized federal student loans, the interest keeps building during that

San Antonio has highest credit card debt burden – San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio has highest credit card debt burden among the 25 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, an analysis released today by CreditCards.com revealed. It was a poor showing for the Lone Star State, with Dallas-Fort Worth landing right behind San Antonio and Houston four spots back on the list of the areas with the highest debt

It’s Groundhog Day

It’s February 2 and that means it’s Groundhog Day! Before 1993, that meant waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to come out of his Pennsylvania burrow to see if we’d have an early spring or not. But, in the early 1990s, the day took on a new meaning, when Bill Murray starred in the movie “Groundhog Day.”

A Learning Experience

“I really appreciate the help I received from GreenPath. The last three years have been very difficult, but I learned some painful, yet valuable lessons on how destructive debt can be. I’m proud of the fact that I paid off the money I borrowed rather than using bankruptcy and my credit score is already improving!

Achieving Financial Wellness – Fox San Antonio

Sometimes, the first step to achieving financial wellness is the hardest step, especially when it comes to finances. Federico Peña, with GreenPath Financial Wellness, stopped by Fox San Antonio to talk about achieving financial wellness through goal setting, creating a budget, maintaining a budget, saving and monitoring your credit reports and scores. Watch the clip for

The Lowdown on Credit Counseling. It Might Be Just What You Need!

Featuring Jeff Arevalo, Financial Wellness Expert, who shares what credit counseling is, who can benefit, and how it works. Have you ever wondered if credit counseling might help you? Most of us have never stopped to even think about what credit counseling is unless we find ourselves facing a financial roadblock. But it is for

Bills You Should Pay First

Which bills should you pay first? Food, medicine, childcare, mortgage/home expenses, auto, child support, income taxes and then unsecured debts.

What to Do if Your Gift Card Declares Bankruptcy

We all have a few of them either rubber banded together or lost in the back of our kitchen junk drawer: gift cards in all colors and denominations. But, what are your rights if a store closes, is sold, or declares bankruptcy? What should you do if your gift card declares bankruptcy? Recently, The Wall

Getting Unstuck Walking a New Financial Path

How can we change our financial behavior to better reach our goals? Join psychotherapist and money coach, Amanda Clayman, as she unpacks the way we sometimes stall in our efforts. Amanda will share her insights from the emerging field of Financial Therapy. “It’s about how we use money to fuel what’s important to us: aligning our

Cities with the biggest credit card debt – CreditCards.com

San Franciscans aren't known for their frugal lifestyles. But residents of northern California's digital mecca carry the lightest credit card debt burden of any major metropolitan area in the nation, an analysis by CreditCards.com found. The average Bay Area resident had a card balance of $4,393 in 2014, a whisker under the U.S. average of

Being the Change

This story is part of a series that spotlights our employees here at GreenPath. We hope these stories will give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their daily lives, and how they strive to make an impact by helping people improve their financial wellness. My name is Omari Hall, and I’m a Financial Wellness Expert here at GreenPath

Cancel Your Subscriptions

With the click of a button you can sign up for a subscription to stream music or  your favorite T.V. series.  It’s easy to be roped in by offers for gym memberships, grocery delivery, and box subscriptions. These relatively  “small” recurring costs can add up quickly.  Many times, we’re unaware of exactly how much we

Reducing Heating & Cooling Costs

We’re all looking for those unexpected places where we can save money. If you’re in a pinch, you can save money by reducing  heating and cooling costs in your home. Many people don’t even realize how much of a strain this can place on their budget. Here are a few tips for reducing heating and cooling

Allowances

Giving your child an allowance is a great tool to teach them about money. When you think your child is ready for an allowance, discuss how much they’ll get.

5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs at Home

Heating, cooling and energy costs can eat up your budget.  These easy tips for reducing energy costs can help you save money all year round.

Managing Finances During the Pandemic– News 4 San Antonio, Texas

The pandemic is cause for many to experience financial hardship. Gladys Coward of GreenPath Financial Wellness shares insights with News 4 San Antonio about what to keep in mind. News 4 WOAI San Antonio, Texas regularly shares consumer information as part of their regular broadcast.  The news outlet recently shared a consumer segment on managing

Get Your Credit Score Ready for Homebuying Season – BankRate.com

Getting ready to buy a home this spring? Is your credit ready for home-buying season? A good credit score is essential when it comes to securing a mortgage. “If (your score is) below 600, you’re probably not going to buy a home in the short term,” said Mike Sullivan, director of education at nonprofit credit

Women Turn to Welding for Financial Spark

Fredrea Lakes still cannot quite believe how a six-week training program turned into a life-changing, $6-an-hour boost to her pay. A year ago, she was living in a homeless shelter in Detroit and working minimum wage jobs. Her last check at her old job was just $40 because she worked so few hours. Now, she's

Financing a College Education

Financing a college education is a huge and important decision, that will affect your student (and her future life, family and financial health) for the next 15 to 30 years of her life, or more.

Financial Life Advice – USA Today

GreenPath’s own David Flores weighs in on auto-buying advice as part of a series of financial life advice sessions from USA Today. Hey, Millennials, ever wondered what a credit score means and why it matters? Or how your significant other’s finances could affect your future together? What about protecting yourself from fraud? Or have you

GreenPath Focuses On Financial Wellness

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (4/11/16)--GreenPath Focuses On Financial Wellness. GreenPath Inc. is now operating as GreenPath Financial Wellness. The new name is based on the firm’s long-term commitment to assisting consumers with financial challenges beyond debt, its previous focus. “Our new focus on financial wellness better represents the full impact we have on individuals and the communities

How to Reset Your Website Redesign – Forbes

Featuring Donna Doleman Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer Learn how GreenPath Financial Wellness successfully launched a website in just a few months, amidst a change in Marketing leadership. Check out these website redesign tips. Click here to learn more about these website redesign tips and read the entire article on Forbes.

Everything You Need to Know About ChexSystems – MagnifyMoney

Excerpt from the MagnifyMoney article, Everything You Need to Know About ChexSystems Featuring Alexandra Cisneros, GreenPath education specialist Most people know they have a credit score and credit report that lenders use to decide if and how you can borrow money. But did you know that banks and credit unions have their own method of

Coronavirus: Financial Advice From Our CEO

If you’re dealing with an income loss due to the coronavirus, GreenPath Financial Wellness CEO Kristen Holt discusses what you can do.

How to Buy a Car After Bankruptcy

Featuring Sarah Teets, Senior Client Advocate Bankruptcy gives some time and breathing room to pay off debts, or it may expunge those debts altogether. But bankruptcy is not a financial Get out of Jail Free card. It has consequences, and one consequence is that it will make it more difficult—and more expensive—to get a new

Student Loan Consolidation – Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to student loan consolidation. Consolidating means taking out a brand new larger loan to pay off all of your smaller loans.

Credit Card Interest Rates Start to Sink as Banks Respond to Emergency Fed Actions – The Balance

The Fed dropped interest rates to 0%. What does that mean for your credit card interest rates — and credit card debt? GreenPath’s Jeremy Lark explains in an interview with The Balance.

College 529 Savings Plan

A 529 savings plan is a tax-advantaged option designed to encourage saving for future college costs. There are two types of 529 plans.

The Truth About Credit Card Debt Settlement – U.S. News & World Report

Featuring Katie Bossler, Financial Counselor In general, your credit card company wants its money back – all of it. Part of your agreement when using the card is that you’ll pay back all the charges you’ve made, plus any interest and fees that you accrue. But, in some cases, credit card issuers realize that getting

Money 101 – How to Start Saving – Consumer Affairs

After years of stagnant incomes, consumers are finally beginning to take home a little more money in their paychecks. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the median 2015 household income rose 5.2%, or $2,798, over 2014.  Many consumers are looking for advice on how to start saving. It would be nice to think that this extra

GreenPath Financial Wellness joins forces with Clarifi

Leading nonprofit credit counseling organizations together will expand services in debt management, pre-purchase and housing education FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (March 1, 2019) – GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit credit counseling organization based in metro Detroit, is affiliating with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley doing business as Clarifi, a nonprofit credit counseling and

Top 5 Mistakes with Student Loans

If you are a recent graduate or young professional, you may have significant student loan debt. Like many others, you may be strapped for cash and not know how to make any progress. Being short on money and facing debt can be scary, and it can lead many people to make mistakes with student loans. However,

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Awards Rural Dynamics $50,000 Grant

Since its start in 1968, Rural Dynamics has provided direct services such as credit counseling and coaching to help people achieve financial independence. RDI’s credit counseling and financial education services are provided under the GreenPath brand. We are pleased to announce that our affiliate, RDI, has been awarded a $50,000 grant to address the connection

Navigating the New Normal: Your Finances During COVID-19

Many people are facing unprecedented financial challenges right now. This webinar explores options to help address these challenges. During our time together, we guide you through building a now, near, and far plan, focusing on prioritizing income and expenses in the now. You’re not alone, and GreenPath is here for you.   

Master Your Money in 3 Steps

Can a spending plan really help you master your money? You might be surprised! Trust us, it’s worth it to block some time on your calendar to take a closer look at your finances. This way, you can take some time to pause and reflect on what you want to accomplish with your money? For

Spring Cleaning Finances – Fox 29

Spring Cleaning Finances Spring Cleaning Finances is important so that you will be prepared for summer expenses. tax season in the rear view mirror and warmer temperatures on the horizon, family leisure expenses, such as vacations and recreational activities, are going to start popping up in your monthly expenses. Spring Break, graduations, and summer vacations

Seeking Mortgage Assistance? Check Out These 5 Resources

Many of us are in fast need of mortgage assistance in this time of crisis. Facing financial hardships can cause us to fall behind on monthly mortgage payments. Depending on how severe the financial situation, it is overwhelming and sometimes confusing to understand the available options that could help us keep our home.  Featuring

Feeling that Holiday Pressure to Spend, Spend, Spend? Here’s How to Stay on Track

The holidays are beautiful, magical, and dang…They can get expensive fast. Before you have even cleared the table after Thanksgiving dinner, your inbox is overflowing with urgent, high-pressure offers to buy now, or miss out of crazy savings. (For real:  according to Digital Commerce 360, the average person gets more than 18 emails a day

Ahorrar en los Servicios de Casa

Si usted esta buscando una manera de cortar gastos típicamente se puede encontrar una buena oportunidad de ahorrar con los servicios de casa.

What is Debt Consolidation? – Magnify Money

Dealing with multiple personal debts might feel a lot like playing whack-a-mole – different bills with different due dates, minimum balances and late fines and penalties. Just when you’ve sent in one payment, another bill pops up. At Magnify Money, we understand that  it’s easy for people to get behind.

Episode 5: Michele – Feeling Optimistic in a Time of Challenge

Meet Michele: Michele faced hardships from many different angles.  Her mortgage payment became unaffordable after her initial payment skyrocketed.  Her husband lost his job.  She subsequently got a divorce, lost the home and filed bankruptcy.  She continued to struggle to keep up with her household expenses after a consolidation loan only provided a temporary fix. 

Episode 8: Angela – A Journey through Homeownership

In this episode, our guest Angela discusses her journey through homeownership and the financial decisions she and her husband had to make along the way. Angela spent a number of years at GreenPath in several roles. Her first role was as one of our Advocates— helping people who call GreenPath for the first time. Angela

Auto Financing Options

Before you find your new or used car, you should know how you will pay for it. Most people don’t have cash to just buy your car. In general, there are three main options:  financing through the dealer, financing through your own credit union or bank, or leasing. Use the dealer’s financing  This is usually

The economy is booming. But are Americans’ finances healthier because of it? – USA Today

Featuring Dawn Hudson, GreenPath Financial Expert This is the first story in a series about Americans' financial health based on a survey provided by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to financial education and empowerment. If you had to grade the U.S. economy today, it would probably get straight As. The country is a month short

Is Playing the Lottery Worth the Gamble?

Partner with GreenPath to create a spending plan that puts you on the path to financial wellness We all have high hopes that one day our luck will change and we will win the lottery. While this dream is exciting to fantasize about, what are the odds that millionaire status is in your future? Odds

Financial help available for gig workers during crisis – Scripps National News

Scripps National News features GreenPath Executive VP of Strategy, Rick Bialobrzeski on financial help available for gig workers during COVID-19 crisis    With unemployment rising, many workers are pivoting to the gig economy. Independent workers or those who are newly unemployed and looking to get into gig work are getting new financial help. This

Episode 3: Matt & Kendal — A Modern Day Tale of Love and Money

Matt and Kendal each had a unique story that included financial hardships and bankruptcy.  They met, fell in love and decided to “merge corporations.”  Faced with the prospect of another bankruptcy, they decide to take a different route: a Debt Management Plan.  But this route proved to be a bumpy road and they had to

Don’t Load Up on Debt to Build Credit – NerdWallet.com

Building your credit can unlock possibilities and save you money. It’ll help you qualify for loans and credit cards at lower interest rates, and you might get a break on your car insurance rate or avoid deposits on utilities. But be strategic about the approach you pick. Taking on high-cost debt to improve your credit can leave

Michigan mom among millions rethinking how to survive financially amid COVID-19 – WXYZ TV

GreenPath’s President and CEO Kristen Holt is featured in  a WXYZ TV Detroit segment about how to stay financially healthy during the pandemic crisis. With the next round of financial relief options still up in the air with the HEROES act, many are still facing uncertainty when it comes to finances. WXYZ TV Detroit shares a segment

Financial Wellness With Kristen Holt – Comcast Newsmakers

Featuring Kristen Holt, President, and CEO In this segment, Laurel Hess from Comcast Newsmakers interviews President and CEO of GreenPath Financial Wellness, Kristen Holt. Holt provides an overview of GreenPath Financial Wellness and shares the organization's vision to remix the American Dream so that it works for everyone. She also highlights how GreenPath can work with

Forming New Habits

We all have habits and routines.  We also have triggers.  Today, let’s work together in forming new habits! Our days are dominated by our habits and that could be a good thing for your finances. According to research from Duke University, habits make up around 45% of our daily behaviors. If there’s an aspect of

Strategies to Negotiate and Pay Bills During COVID-19 – MoneyWise

A MoneyWise article shares GreenPath’s suggested budget strategies amid the pandemic. What’s the best way to negotiate and pay bills during COVID-19? The coronavirus crisis has a profound impact on the nation’s economy as well as at the individual level. Sudden income changes, temporary or permanent unemployment, and other challenges are increasing the number of

Coronavirus and Your Finances: Preparing for an Emergency

Stay Calm, Wash Your Hands, and Follow These Tips for Financial Preparedness Never in a million years would you have made a specific financial plan for a new virus to disrupt the global economy or your paycheck. Unfortunately, our bank accounts do feel the ripple effect of larger-than-life forces and events across the globe. These

Financial heuristics: Creating money rules to live by – CreditCards.com

We all have financial rules that we live by. Some help us save money, such as a policy of waiting 24 hours before making an impulsive purchase. Other rules end up costing us, such as a tradition of rewarding yourself with a new gadget whenever you land a new client. There’s a psychological term for

4 Things to Consider before Taking a Credit Card Cash Advance; Plus Some Alternatives – Business Insider

Excerpt from Business Insider, featuring Jeremy Lark, Senior Manager of Client Services for GreenPath Financial Wellness.  The publication Business Insider featured insight from GreenPath Financial Wellness about the pitfalls of taking a cash advance from a credit card.  With record-breaking national unemployment claims, paying bills is a struggle for many. For those without emergency funds, many people are turning to other options to make

Beware of Scams!

It’s tax season and this is the time of year that IRS scams and fraudulent tax filings are on the rise.  At GreenPath, we want you to beware of scams. Here are some suggestions to avoid becoming a victim: Threat 1 An adversary calls or emails you and portrays him or herself as an employee with

Find Your Perfect Apartment in 3 Steps

When you’re getting ready to look for an apartment, really think about your wish list.  You can find your perfect apartment with these tips.

How Debt Consolidation Programs Can Get Your Finances on Track — LendingTree

Excerpts from a LendingTree article that explains different types of debt consolidation programs, including debt management plans. Debt management plans (DMPs), a popular type of debt consolidation program, can help you get on track to pay off your unsecured debts. Often, a nonprofit credit counseling organization will set up and run the debt management plan,

Start Saving Automatically: Using automated payments to reach your savings goals

Your Future Self Will Thank You for Saving Money Now Imagine your future self: you look really good in those sunglasses, you just got a flirty smile from your crush, and things are going pretty great. You hop into your car to head to work, and… Nothing. Car won’t start. Fast forward to the desk

Protecting Yourself From Holiday Identity Theft

Action steps for staying ahead of identity thieves this holiday season The holiday season is a time when people are more vulnerable to identity theft scams. Not only are people making more purchases than any other time of year, but they are often distracted when doing so.  Here are some tips to protect your identity

Financial Wellness During Retirement

Financial Wellness During Retirement is achievable! In this one-hour webinar, special guest Matthew T. Bowden, a wealth manager for CGI Capital Group, goes through the basics of real-world retirement planning.

GreenPath Partners With IPSE-U.S. To Offer Financial Wellness And Benefits Programs

GreenPath Partners With IPSE-U.S. To Offer Financial Wellness And Benefits Programs to America’s Independent Workers  – COVID-19 Nonprofit and Not-for-profit join forces to assist independent workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (May 4, 2020) – GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit that provides financial counseling and debt management services, is partnering with

Hardcore Strategy To Slash Spending By 50% – Market Watch

Let this be a November your bank account will remember! To curb their total holiday spending, some Americans are trying something a little different: not spending money on anything but essentials in November. They’re calling it #NoSpendNovember and though it’s challenging (no Black Friday deals for you!), many are loving it. Financial experts say #NoSpendNovember

How to Increase Your Financial Literacy – Time Warner News – New York 1

April is Financial Literacy Month. In this Money Matters report, Tara Lynn Wagner explains why you should have a budget and how to start one. When it comes to being financially literate, Americans think they are making the grade.  In a recent survey conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 59 percent of those

Student Grant Programs

Student grant programs are free financial aid that you are not required to repay. Federal and state governments commonly fund student grants.

How to Raise Financially Healthy Kids

As a parent, you may be wondering how you can set your children up for financial success? Here are some tips that will show you how to raise financially healthy kids. Talk About Money Let’s change the narrative around money.  You can introduce the concept of money to your kids at an early age.  As

Investment Scams

Investment scams or fraud can do some serious damage to your finances.  But there are some common tactics used by fraudsters that you can spot and avoid.

How Do You Discuss Finances As A Couple? – Fox 29 San Antonio

Now that Valentine's Day is over and wedding season is heating up, how do you discuss finances as a couple? When is it a good time to have this conversation and how can you achieve financial wellness with your partner? Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in relationships. The main reason is

America Saves Week

GreenPath is proud to participate in America Saves Week.  This national campaign, which runs each spring, is a valuable opportunity for individuals to learn about healthy savings behavior. Here are some ways to save: My Path to Financial Freedom Free download of My Path to Financial Freedom, our interactive, 8-lesson education program which addresses a wide range of

Diversity, Acceptance and Opportunities for Growth

“What I love about GreenPath is the environment and the people. I can be myself. I love the diversity, acceptance and opportunities for growth.”

– Reeti, Financial Wellness Expert

Reducing Your Monthly Cable or Satellite Television Expense

People are reluctant to cancel cable or satellite television because it’s an affordable form of entertainment but you can lower your television bill.

Redesign Your Financial Habits

Are you looking to redesign your financial habits? Do you ever wonder why we feel compelled to purchase things when we know we don’t need them? Our GreenPath Education Team has created a new online class to help you save money and budget your expenses. For an explanation about this course, watch the video below,

Sobrevivimos a las festividades (Surviving the Holidays) – The San Fernando (CA) Valley Sun

(Editor's note: The information below from Katie Bossler is based on a recent news release on preparing for the holiday season, watching for sales, don't overspend or over-buy...) Sobrevivimos las festividades al reflexionar sobre nuestras bendiciones con una abundancia de comida en torno a un pavo como parte central de una gran fiesta. Es esa época

GreenPath Financial Wellness and Homeownership Preservation Foundation Join Forces to Expand Services to Homebuyers, Homeowners

An affiliation between GreenPath Financial Wellness and the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is increasing access to support and guidance for people seeking to buy and keep their homes.

Resolutions 2016: Get the Financial Help You Need to Kick Your Debt in the Butt – Money Talks News

All financial counselors are not created equal. Here’s how to avoid scoundrels, get financial help and conquer your debts.  This year will be different Perhaps you’ve decided this is the year when you are going to turn your debt picture around. Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson suggests that to make good on that resolution, you

Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rate

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark federal funds rate up a quarter point this week, ending a seven year stretch of nearly zero percent rates. So what does that mean to consumers? Credit cards Over time, interest rates could start to rise.  It would be wise to start paying some extra attention, and

New Year. New Decade. Make a Resolution That Sticks.

The dawn of a new decade is a time for powerful new beginnings. Are you ready for a powerful New Year’s resolution? Eliminating debt, learning new spending habits, or building savings are choices that can change your life. They can affect your entire wellbeing – from stress levels, to physical and mental health . The

Episode 1: Katie asks for help and then finds passion in helping others

Meet Katie.  Retail credit cards became her best friend shortly after college.  Home alone with her 4-month-old in a place where she didn’t know anyone, she turned to shoes and designer handbags.  Being a military family resulted in multiple moves and income instability.  Eventually, her grandma came to the rescue and helped get her debt

Six Student Loan Repayment Options

Student loan debt now impacts more than 43 million Americans, so it shouldn’t be surprising that GreenPath’s student loan experts are busier than ever. There are several student loan repayment options available to you. According to a recent New York Federal Reserve report, US student loan debt has surpassed $1.3 trillion and continues to grow. 

How to Manage Your Credit Card Bills, Which Experts Say Are Late More Often – New York Times

The New York Times recently interviewed GreenPath President & CEO Kristen Holt and GreenPath client Becky Willard for an article on how a growing number of people are having trouble paying their credit card bills. Read how a GreenPath Debt Management Plan helped Becky pay off $40,000 in about five years, saving her about $30,000 along the way.

Paying off debt is stressing out New Yorkers – New York Post

Paying off personal debt is now the leading cause of financial stress in New York, according to a new GOBankingRates.com survey. And consumer advocates say some of the blame must belong to “loan shark” credit card companies — and to the jackboot tactics employed by bankers when borrowers fall behind. They call it “legally sanctioned

Dreams Can Come True

Julio is a Financial Wellness Expert with GreenPath. He grew up in Spain, and through his life experiences, he has gained an ability to transcend cultures and empower others.

Plan Your Paycheck

Your paycheck is a starting point for making a budget.  Set aside 15 minutes to review your income and expenses. This way you can plan your paycheck. For This activity, make sure you have the following items: Time: 15 min Tools: Printable Calendar, Pen, List of Income and Expenses Step 1: Establish Your Starting Point

GreenPath Financial Wellness Welcomes Susan Murphy as Chief People Officer

Read the full press release on BusinessWire   FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich: GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit that provides financial counseling and debt management services, welcomes Susan Murphy as Chief People Officer. In the role, Susan will build on GreenPath’s strong culture of empathy, compassion, meaning and impact, fostering an inclusive culture that connects people

Mortgages 101

Understanding your mortgage and interest payments is important when your considering Buying a home. A mortgage is a loan to pay for a home.

Student Loan Repayment Options

Let’s explore your student loan repayment options. Most student loans are funded by the U.S. government. These loans, called federal student loans.

Reality Check: U.S. Subprime Credit Grows but From a Low Base – Marketing News International

PHILADELPHIA (MNI) – U.S. consumers are taking on more debt from sources such as payday lenders and Internet-based finance companies that charge high interest rates to people with low or non-existent credit scores, according to credit counselors and an executive from a leading source of lending data. Although the counselors said there is no evidence

The Best Decision I Ever Made

“Coming to GreenPath was the best decision I ever made. Phone calls have been eliminated, interest rates have been decreased, creditors are being paid and I see the light at the end of the tunnel! It’s close!” Eugenia P. Fairchance, PA

The Ins and Outs of a Credit Card Charge-Off – Creditcards.com

From creditcards.com, Jeffrey Arevalo, financial expert at GreenPath Financial Wellness, shares what a credit card charge-off means to borrowers. In today’s economic climate, more people find themselves unable to make monthly credit card payments. If payments are missed for a few months, creditors might decide that it is better to write off the amount you

Planning for Retirement During Each Stage of Life

Those of us planning for retirement face a very different set of circumstances than we did a couple of decades ago. Pensions are often less generous, if they exist at all, young people are saddled with more debt, and the future of Social Security may not be guaranteed. So what can you do to ensure

Debt And The Holidays

Managing debt and the holidays can feel stressful. Many people struggle with debt during the holiday shopping season. When adding to your Christmas list, a local expert says consumers need to exercise the same sort of practice that Kris Kringle employs. “Santa Claus makes a list and checks it twice, and so should consumers,” said

Using Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check: 5 Areas to Prioritize to Stay Financially Healthy

Getting the Most out of Your Stimulus Check The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a financial impact on millions of Americans. Thankfully, some relief is on the way in the form of a stimulus check. Lawmakers recently passed a stimulus package to combat the economic impact of COVID-19. As part of the bill, those who

Lowering Your Electric Bill

Appliances account for about 33 percent of energy use in an average home. You can save money by using appliances more efficiently and knowing what to look for when purchasing new appliances. There are several steps you can take to help with lowering your electric bill. When shopping, keep in mind that every appliance has

Thinking about splurging on a vacation using your tax refund?

It’s that time of year: Many who are receiving a tax refund are weighing what to do with it. Will you use your tax refund to plan for a summer getaway? Put it away for the holidays? Splurge? Spend? Save? GreenPath counselor Kathryn Bossler discusses the pros and cons of using your refund for a

Make the Most of National Financial Literacy Month 

Typically, in the month of April, GreenPath Financial Wellness recognizes National Financial Literacy Month to highlight the importance of financial literacy in the United States. It’s a time set aside to emphasize healthy financial habits. But this year is far from typical. It’s a time of uncertainty and worry as the ongoing COVID-17 crisis sharpens

5 Ways to Get Your Credit on Track before the Holidays – FOX 2/Detroit

Scroll to the bottom to see an interview with GreenPath counselor Katie Bossler) FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) – As we turn the calendar page to August, it’s hard to believe that more than half of 2015 has gone by. If you made a New Year’s resolution to clean up your finances, have you saved as

Helping Your Kids Deal With A Financial Crisis

Most of us experience money problems at some point in our lives. Kids are very alert. Helping kids deal with a financial crisis is important.

Millennial Money: Break free of your parents’ money patterns

Excerpt from The Washington Post article, Millennial Money: Break free of your parents’ money patterns. Featuring Kristen Holt, president and CEO   You can likely thank (or blame) your parents for some aspects of how you turned out. Maybe you have your mother’s eyes or your dad’s habit of chewing with your mouth open. How

5 questions with Greg Ostrosky, financial counselor with GreenPath Inc. – Boulder (CO) Daily Camera

The new year and tax season typically can bring a bevy of tips to better one’s portfolio and savings position. But for those with lesser means, debt or tighter situations, some of this advice may not be entirely applicable. To help provide some direction and suggestions for people who carry some debt and are looking

4 ways empathy can show up in your COVID-19 response – CUInsight

Excerpt from CUInsight, featuring GreenPath Executive VP of Strategy, Rick Bialobrzeski, on how having empathy in the workplace can go a long way during this time. These are turbulent, unprecedented times. It’s uncharted territory for all of us. One thing is certain though – amid the chaos, there is opportunity. We all have the opportunity

Credit Steps after the Death of a Spouse/Partner – Equifax Experts Blog

The period following the loss of a spouse or partner is an overwhelming time that carries with it many difficult decisions and issues to deal with. Getting a copy of your loved one’s credit report may not be one of the first things you’re thinking about, but doing so may help thwart identity theft and

Dealing With Debt

If you are dealing with debt, know that you are not alone. In fact, 4 out of 5 Americans are currently in debt.  Let’s work together to figure out how you can eliminate that burden.  Today’s article will provide some great tips on how you can pay off your debts. What are your options? Balance

Reverse Mortgages for Seniors

A reverse mortgage is a loan against the equity in your home that you don’t pay back as long as you live there. Seniors at least 62 years old are eligible.

Hard Inquiries vs. Soft Inquiries: What They Really Are, How They Affect Your Credit – CreditCards.com

Excerpt from the CreditCards.com article on how credit report inquiries can impact your credit score. Featuring Katie Bossler, GreenPath Quality Assurance Specialist & GreenPath Expert Your three-digit credit score will fall when a lender checks your credit reports or credit score, right? And if several lenders all check your credit during the same two-week period,

Give Yourself a Financial Wellness Boost! How to Start Saving Money

Saving money is tough. In fact, as humans, we’re wired to take care of our needs now, and worry about later… well, later. Putting resources away for a rainy day actually goes against our natural urge to make decisions based on what’s in front of us right now. Our financial wellness team offers their tips

Automate Everything

Automation is a great way to make life easier.  You will invest time up front setting up your system and then the system will work for you.  It’s easy to automate everything from savings, to spending, and shopping. Wondering why you should automate your finances? You may start the week with good intentions. You’re not

Consequences of Filing for Bankruptcy:  What Nobody Told You

The consequences of filing for bankruptcy can affect you into the future. Learn about what happens when you file for bankruptcy.

How Much to Save for Retirement

Saving and investing for retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of reputable financial advisors out there to assist you along the way. 

Identity Theft Webinar

This 45-minute identity theft webinar will give you the facts about what identity theft is, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been stolen.

City steps up efforts to prevent home foreclosures – OnMilwaukee.com

When Charmion Herron’s mother died in 2010, she – along with her three sisters and brother – thought the family home was gone for good. There was no will, major repairs were needed and the house eventually became the property of the city following a tax foreclosure hearing. Through a city program, Herron was able

Managing Student Loan Debt During COVID-19

As a recent college grad, it’s possible you face unexpected challenges related to the ongoing pandemic. But we’re here to remind you that it’s a time to celebrate! An important chapter in your lives has come to a successful conclusion. You completed your education and are ready to start your career path, or perhaps you

Empathy Enables Us To Listen

“Empathy enables us to listen for people’s needs, and connect more deeply with someone’s experiences so you can become more creative in problem solving.”

– Maja, GreenPath Empathy Coach

Rebuilding Credit after Bankruptcy

A stable income and two to three years of solid money management can help with rebuilding credit after bankruptcy. You can rebuild your credit!

Financial Tips by Age Group

There are two “golden rules” in personal finance that apply, regardless of how old you are: 1) live within your means, and 2) look forward to the future and save for it. These are two very simple concepts, but very powerful.  If actually applied to your everyday life, they can mean the difference between being

What Voice Is Driving Your Financial Goals?

Learn to Speak Giraffe: Using Compassionate Communication to Support Your No-Spend November Goals Hello, my name is Maja Reed. In my role as Empathy Coach at GreenPath, I support employees by helping them deepen their use of empathetic and compassionate communication, so that they can achieve greater connection and success at work. In this blog,

Homeowner Insurance 101

Homeowners insurance protects you against disasters. Your policy covers your house, and the things inside. It covers damage to your property.

How to Plan for Back to School Expenses in a Time of COVID-19

As families track the latest news about their communities K-12 reopening plans, it’s clear this is a school year like no other - especially as families plan for back to school expenses. Will students return in the classroom? Will a K-12 student school year involve a mix of online and in-class learning? Or will school

How to Get Your Stimulus Check

As part of the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of Americans are eligible to receive a stimulus check from the federal government. Now the question becomes how to get your stimulus money. Those receiving the payment include individuals with low or no earnings, who normally don’t file taxes, and many others. You could receive up to

Remix the American Dream so it works for EVERYONE – CUInsight

Excerpt from CUInsight, featuring GreenPath Executive VP of Strategy, Rick Bialobrzeski, shares tips for credit unions to serve everyone’s diverse needs. CUInsight.com connects the credit union community to news, community and trusted partners. A recent article from Rick Bialobrzesk, Executive Vice President at GreenPath Financial Wellness, looked at the challenges underway this year. Rick notes

Vision Boards: Another Way To Help Your Dreams Come True

Goals are powerful tools for personal finance. Vision boards can help you realize your goals. When you have a goal, you can make a plan. But what about the other aspects of our dreams? How will I feel when I achieve this goal? What will my life look like when my dream comes true? Vision

Debt Management in 2016 – WNHR-FM/NPR (Concord, New Hampshire)

Many Americans in the new year are resolving to become better budgeters, to spend less, and to pay down their debt. But while a consumer-driven culture has certainly contributed to overspending and increasing debt for many, the economy and sluggish wage growth in recent years has also made it harder to be as thrifty as

Respectability For Reverse Mortgages – Detroit Free Press

Reverse mortgages once had a down-and-out feel, much like a payday loan. Think of a quick fix that could generate havoc, like when widows ended up losing their homes. Significant repackaging with more consumer protections could create a new respectability for reverse mortgages. No doubt, you've seen the onslaught of TV ads for reverse mortgages

Make It Your Business to Learn About Business Credit

Are you a small business owner, or are you thinking of starting one? Whether you’re shopping for a business loan or you just want good payment terms through a new or existing vendor, business credit scores and reports will be used to predict your financial reputation. It will also help determine what kind of borrower

Mercer and GreenPath Financial Wellness to Hold Second Annual Family Financial Wellness Fair – Mercer U News (Georgia)

Mercer University's student chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) and GreenPath Financial Wellness will hold the second annual Family Financial Wellness Fair April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the University Center on Mercer's Macon campus. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, will include services such as credit reports and credit scores

GreenPath Financial Wellness Named to Companies That Care 2020 Honor Roll

National Companies that Care award focuses 2020 program to  recognize outstanding workplace practices in time of crisis FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (BUSINESSWIRE) – GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit that provides financial counseling and debt management services, has been named to Center for Companies That Care Honor Roll, a national list recognizing employers for outstanding workplace practices and active community

Financial Impact of Disaster-Related Damage

You can never be too prepared for the impact of a natural disaster. Here’s some helpful information to help you manage the financial impact. 1. If you haven’t already, contact your insurance companies to file a claim. Whether it’s auto, home or flood damage, your insurance company will help you take the necessary steps to

The ins and outs of reverse mortgages – Traverse City (MI) Record Eagle

It’s unlikely the costs of food, heat and medical care will remain unchanged after retirement. That can provide difficulty when making ends meet, said Kathy Conley, a housing specialist with GreenPath Financial Wellness.  Which is why it’s important to understand the ins and outs of reverse mortgages. “When you get to be on a fixed income,

GreenPath Counselors Discuss College Students and Credit Card Rates – Detroit Free Press

Recently, we asked a few of our GreenPath personal finance counselors to discuss college students and credit card rates. Our finance counselors have worked with college students who had large amounts of credit card debt and/or high interest rates. This was part of an ask for a story that appeared recently in the Detroit Free

Need to Slash Student Debt? Watch out for Rip-offs – USA Today

USA Today: Who would have thought you could run into a land mine of rip-offs just trying to find a way to slash your student loan payment each month? Borrower beware. It’s bad enough that many college grads and others who took out student loans find it tough to pay the bills. But increasingly, they

Consumers Say Credit Ratings Dropped Despite Pandemic Deferrals – Newsday

Excerpt from Newsday looks at credit challenges during COVID. Featuring Katie Bossler, GreenPath Quality Assurance Specialist & GreenPath Expert Some hardship programs stemming from the pandemic let people defer monthly payments on credit cards, home, car and student loans.  These relief options offered by creditors have proved problematic for folks who thought they were a

Asset Health and GreenPath Team Up

(TROY, MI – January 3, 2017) – Asset Health, Inc. and GreenPath, Inc. (dba GreenPath Financial Wellness) announced today a formal agreement to jointly deploy and market Asset Health-GreenPath Financial Wellbeing Services (AH-GFWS). AH-GFWS is unique in that it combines online, multi-media financial assessment, education and achievement tracking, along with personalized coaching services provided by accomplished

Should You Get a Divorce Loan? – U.S. News & World Report

From U.S. News & World Report, Jeffrey Arevalo, financial expert at GreenPath Financial Wellness, provides insight about taking on debt during a divorce. Going through a challenge such as a divorce can impact personal finances, notes this article about the pros and cons of taking on a divorce loan posted by U.S. News & World

Help on the way for San Antonio Vets

Veterans in the San Antonio area are about to get a reason to smile. Various organizations that help veterans and their families are getting a big boost, thanks to new funding from the Texas Veterans Commission. The Commission recently announced that it is providing grants totaling $1.9 million to groups that directly assist vets in

Pay It Forward

“Increased understanding and clarity, have helped me be receptive to the needs of others. I focus on the real and valuable human. I work to really listen and hear them, instead of being so caught up on myself.”

-Rachael, Client Advocate

Car-Buying: 5 Smart Tips – Signature Realty Associates

Considering buying a new car? Now may be ideal—with new vehicles hitting the showroom floor, dealers are eager to unload outdated models. The smartest way to buy, according to the experts at non-profit GreenPath Financial Wellness, is to have a plan. Their tips: Research – Many people buy cars based on what they look like

Making Smart Decisions About College

There are many factors to consider when choosing a college, and the cost of college is one of them. 

Will A Personal Loan Improve Credit – Bankrate.com

Maui Kahiapo once posted an intriguing question on the social network Reddit. The question was, will a personal loan improve credit? He specifically asked,  “If you took out a $1,000 personal loan and paid it off in 12 months, couldn’t you boost your credit score? And wouldn’t it be worth it — even if you

The Path is Always Greener – Fortune & Entrepreneur

Recently, members of GreenPath’s Leadership Team were featured in a special section of Fortune & Entrepreneur, “Leading Women in Business: Detroit.” Below is an excerpt with a link to the full article: The Path is Always Greener GreenPath’s progressive financial wellness program and workplace culture create a unique space in which clients and employees can

Retiring with debt? More Americans are. Here are some strategies – Detroit Free Press

Rhonda and Lonnie Edwards Jr. had good middle-class jobs most of their lives. He worked nearly 35 years in an hourly union job at General Motors. She had a job in Detroit Public Schools for 13 years as an attendance agent and earlier as a parent liaison.

Organizing Your Information

If something were to happen to you tomorrow, do you have all of your financial information in one place? I know I didn’t. We are on this challenge of owning our money and taking control of our finances. A big part of this is shifting your mindset. The vast majority of people are unorganized. We

5 Warning Signs You May Be on A Compulsive Shopping Binge – Detroit Free Press

  You don’t need to have a “shopping addiction” to overspend during the “All-I-Want-for-Christmas-Is-More” season. The buy more-save more triggers are everywhere.  If you want to hold on to some cash, it can help to consider if you’re about to get trapped into a compulsive shopping binge. Some of the signs of trouble include: 1.

Common Cents Lab, Behavioral Economics Partnership

Our collaboration, with the Common Cents Lab, to study how to make it easier to stick to a Debt Management Plan led to a number of prototypes to improve the debt management experience. Each tweak to our process seeks to remove barriers, relieve stress and pain, and encourage our clients on their journey.

GreenPath Receives $750,000 Grant From Wells Fargo Foundation to Expand Financial Counseling to Those Impacted by COVID-19 Crisis

Funds support free, one-on-one financial and housing counseling to meet an increased number of people looking to protect their households and stabilize finances. FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit that provides financial counseling and debt management services, was awarded a $750,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation to deliver timely counseling to meet

Counselors See Rising HECM Interest Through COVID-19 Crisis – Reverse Mortgage Daily

Excerpt from Reverse Daily Mortgage monitors interest in Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, it’s noteworthy to monitor the interest in Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) options. Reverse mortgage counseling sessions have increased as more seniors seek out ways to soften the financial shock endured by the country during the crisis. 

Take The Highlighter Test

No Spend November Day 2 Financial tip: highlight where your money is going Remember, this is not about judgement, this is not about feeling bad, it’s about taking control of your financial situation . It’s time to sit down and highlight your expenses! Step 1: Print your checking account statement and/or credit card statements. Step 2:

Preparing for Summer Childcare – Fox News 29 San Antonio

The school year is set to wrap up in about a month with kids out of class for the summer. With the summer comes the pressure of securing all-day summer childcare for working parents, which can be very costly.

What Americans Are Doing with Their Gas Pump Savings – The Street

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Gas prices remain low, recently hitting an average $2.43 per gallon that gives consumers an extra $1.09 per gallon compared with a year ago at this time. What are they doing with all that extra cash from gas pump savings? The answer seems clear: paying off debt. A study from American

Get Free Credit Reports

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, allows you to order one free credit report a year from companies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

We Provide a People-Centered Service

“We’re not a call center, we provide a people-centered service by phone.” Nick, IT Customer Experience Manager

Beware of Payday Loans

Payday loans are short-term, high interest loans that are very easy to get. Beware of Payday Loans though. It may be convenient to stop at a local cash advance store on the corner and tempting if your budget is tight. But, you should avoid these high-interest loans, at all costs! Consider the facts: To get

Five Tips to Get Out of Debt in the New Decade

Featuring Jeremy Lark, Senior Manager of Client Services If you made a New Year’s Resolution to get out of debt, today’s a big day. By mid-January, most resolutions have fizzled. But — YOU can say, NOT TODAY. If you feel yourself slipping, take a minute for a pep talk, remind yourself that you can do

Tips to Put that Tax Refund to Good Use – Upscale Magazine

It can seem like Christmas when that tax refund comes rolling in. You’re hyped and daydreaming about what to do with that wad of cash, which is often nearly $3,000. There are a lot of options for your tax refund. The experts weigh in with some of their ideas for the right way to go.

The Psychology of Why We Buy

Find out the psychology of why we buy in this 43 minute webinar. Discover what influences our behaviors. Create new habits to resist temptation.

Giving To Others Makes Us Happy

Generosity & Gratefulness Lead To Happiness Everyone talks about “paying it forward,” and researches seem to agree that if you give more, you’ll get more. Money can buy happiness when you spend it on someone else. Several studies show that giving to others makes us happy. If you’re on a budget, you may be relieved to know

4 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score – WNBC-TV/New York City

GreenPath’s Chris Dlugozima sat down with WNBC’s Finance Reporter Lynda Baquero to talk about effective ways to monitor and improve credit score. Check your score before applying for credit. “I always stress the time to check your credit report is when you don’t think you need it,” said Dlugozima. He further said that one in

3 Tips for Sticking to Your Budget During Financial Planning Month

October is Financial Planning Month, and with the new year right around the corner, now is a great time to make sure you are on track to meet your short-term and long-term financial goals. Here are three tips to keep your spending in check and finish the year out strong: Don’t transfer money from your

Pros and Cons of 401k Loans

If you are in need of cash, you may consider taking out a 401(k) loan.  With a 401k loan, you are basically lending money to yourself. You can typically take out up to 50 percent of your retirement funds or $50,000, whichever is less. Your employer sets the terms of a 401(k) loan, which must

Pay Off Your Debt

If you are dealing with debt, you aren't alone. The average American household has an average balance of about $6,600 in credit card debt,  and that's not taking into account home, auto, and student loans. Paying off your debt isn't always easy, but having a plan can go a long way in achieving your financial

10 Ways to Save Money

Does it seem like saving money is a luxury you can’t afford? Do you have good intentions to save, but unexpected needs always seem to arise? Are you counting on your “future self” to come to the rescue? You’re not alone. According to the Federal Reserve’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, 40%

Income Increases

At GreenPath, we always encourage people to review their budgets, whenever income increases, to ensure the new income can be put to work positively, instead of simply spending more. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that median 2015 US household income rose 5.2 percent, or $2,798, over 2014. This is the first annual increase in

Is it Better to Shop Online or In Person?

Shopping online or in person is about preference, but there can also be budget advantages. Our best advice, determine what your budget is.

Service Partnerships and Counseling Promote Positive Outcomes – NUFCU

Excerpt from our Partners at University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union: NUFCU partners with organizations that help it extend service to members who fall anywhere on the spectrum of financial well-being. For example, its relationship with GreenPath Financial Wellness provides members with free counseling and access to an optional low-fee debt management program. GreenPath is

Getting Educated On Student Loans

Featuring Chris Dlugozima, Education Specialist  A college degree can pave the way for a successful and financially secure future, but many people find themselves struggling to pay off the significant amount of student loan debt they accrued in order to get such a degree. Student debt is often described as one of the key factors

Looking To Get Out of Debt in 2019? Here’s How to Start

More than 30% of New Year’s resolutions are related to getting out of debt and saving money. Here are some tips on how you can make a successful resolution to get out of debt.

Don’t Get Bit By Zombie Debt this Halloween

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – October 26, 2016) While there will be plenty of witches and ghouls around this Halloween, one thing you will want to steer clear of is zombie debt. Yes, zombie debt. It’s not owing money to a cast member of “The Walking Dead.” It is a real thing and GreenPath Financial Wellness,

GreenPath Was The Best Option

“After shopping around to other companies, I found GreenPath to be the best option.” John W. Birmingham, AL

Framework Homebuyer Education Online Class

In the Framework Homebuyer Education Online Class, you will learn about the complexities of buying a house and the responsibilities of owning one. The course is available online and can be taken at your convenience. It costs $75.

Register now

6 Tips for Going Green at Home From a GreenPath Counselor

Going green at home is easier than you think. We have discovered some quick and easy ways to make a difference in our budget and the environment. 

Financial worries: Why waiting to file bankruptcy can be so damaging – USA Today

Filing for bankruptcy is often seen as an admission of personal and financial failure. Many people try hard to avoid it, but they end up paying the price for waiting.