News & Press Releases

February 21, 2022 – By Aaron Crowe Joining the ranks of the credit elite with an 800+ credit score can do much more than provide bragging rights. A higher credit score can help you qualify for better interest rates and other terms from lenders, saving you thousands of dollars on an auto loan, home mortgage, credit card interest, or any other type of financing. Investing the savings — which can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars — can result in close to $1 million over a lifetime.

Boston, MA – May 12, 2020 With April 15th right around the corner and many Americans expecting a tax refund, American Consumer Credit Counseling offers advice on things to consider while your tax filing is processed by the government.

July 22, 2019 – By the Northwestern Mutual Voice Team You’ve got to give Shakespeare his props. When he penned the famous phrase from Hamlet, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be,” he offered the world a piece of timeless advice. Lending money to family or friends can be a touchy subject, especially if you’ve opened your heart and your wallet only to have both trampled on. Yet people make loans to loved ones all the time. In fact, Boston-based American Consumer Credit Counseling reports that 82 percent of Americans would lend money to a family member in need; 66 percent would do the same for a friend.

Boston, MA – November 20, 2015 Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark both consumers’ and retailers’ favorite shopping days of the year. To start off the busy shopping period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers often offer consumers the best and most enticing promotional deals.

Boston, MA – December 23, 2014 The holiday season is well underway as consumers flock to malls and shops in search of the perfect gifts for loved ones. While it’s a time of great happiness and cheer, the risk of over spending could leave you feeling glum as you ring in the New Year.

Boston, MA – December 17, 2014 As the end of 2014 quickly approaches many consumers will begin to think about the year ahead and what goals they have for their financial future. According to a recent survey by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, 40 percent of Americans have identified managing money as their top goal for the coming year.

December 13, 2014 – By Marshfieldnewsherald.com It’s easy for us to think of this year’s tax refund as free money coming to us courtesy of Uncle Sam. However, the truth of the matter is that the check you receive is a return of your own hard-earned money. And since you’re going to get your own money back, why not use it to get ahead of your financial goals?

December 9, 2014 – By Geoff Williams You're short on cash, but there is something important you need to spend money on, like your mortgage or an electric bill or groceries. So you settle on what's often called a "Band-Aid" fix. That is, you come up with a very short-term solution that solves your financial dilemma today.

Boston, MA – December 9, 2014 With an expected increase in holiday shopping once again this season, many consumers will be tempted to swipe credit cards rather than pay in cash to take advantage of increased retailer perks. However, given that, on average, the interest rate for a credit card comes to almost 15 percent and the average retail credit card boasts an APR more than 23 percent, these credit-reliant consumers may be spending much more than they believe to be saving this holiday season.

Boston, MA – December 4, 2014 Like many cities across America, the retirement system of Los Angeles suffered a huge hit during the nation’s Great Recession, and is still attempting to rebuild the program. As the city endures a budget deficit, pension issues are becoming more and more serious

Boston, MA – December 3, 2014 Across the country, families and individuals have been forced to rethink their financial strategies and readjust to economic climates that they cannot control. Surpassing New York City, San Francisco has been listed as America’s most expensive city to live in. With sky-rocketing rent costs and increasing shifts in urban communities, those living in San Francisco’s evolving financial landscape are struggling to achieve financial success.

Boston, MA – November 18, 2014 The majority of budget-conscious consumers plan to be frugal with their holiday spending this year, according to a new survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling. The online survey found that while 35 percent of respondents plan to spend the same amount as last year, 20 percent indicated they were spending less and 32 percent indicated they plan to dish-out as little as possible for gifts because they are struggling financially.

November 17, 2014 – By Brian O'Connell How do you channel your inner Emily Post to create money etiquette habits that build better relationships with family, co-workers and friends? It's not easy, say the folks at American Consumer Credit Counseling.

Boston, MA – November 14, 2014 When it comes to your money, what happens in Vegas, does not necessarily have to stay in Vegas. You don’t have to go home with an empty wallet and empty bank account. Known for its world famous casinos, top chefs, sparkling shows and dazzling strip, Las Vegas is a premier tourist destination with something to offer everyone. A record 39.7 million people visited Las Vegas in the past year, and according to a recent survey conducted by Expedia.com, the average Las Vegas-bound visitor spends an average of $1,600 for a three day vacation. But despite the expensive and extravagant options, proper planning will make it possible to have the same glitzy experience while sticking to a budget.

November 14, 2014 – By Dustin W. Schofield Lending money to friends and family members is common. According to a survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling, 82 percent of people would lend money to a family member and 66 percent to a friend. But that doesn't mean it’s risk-free. Not only is there a chance you could lose your money, but you may also put your relationship with the borrower in jeopardy.

November 12, 2014 – By Farnoosh Torabi Fronted a pal for a meal, a vacation or rent? These will help you collect what you're owed, and keep your relationship intact. Raise your hand if you’ve fronted money to a friend or relative only to realize that your “loan” ended up being a “gift,” money you never saw again.

November 12, 2014 – By Jenna Rehnstrom If cash was as easy to come by as open properties in Monopoly, we'd all be rich. But, for the Holmes family, money matters are no game. They take budgeting seriously, and they're reaping the rewards.

Boston, MA – November 4, 2014 With the upcoming holiday season around the corner, both retailers and consumers are gearing up for the holiday shopping rush. This year, in their 2014 eHoliday study, the National Retail Foundation found that over half of shoppers, 56 percent, are expecting to do at least part of their holiday shopping online. The survey also showed that online shoppers will spend 16 percent more than those who do not shop on the web. In order to prepare consumers for their online shopping experience, American Consumer Credit Counseling has provided guidelines for shopping sensibly on the web during the holidays.

Boston, MA – November 4, 2014 Every year, particularly as the holiday season approaches, tricky money issues tend to rise to the surface of various social situations. How do you split a bill at a restaurant? Does it make sense to lend money to a friend? When should you tip? These are just a few questions that can make for awkward moments. Following the proper etiquette can be difficult when money is involved, since people often operate under different rules. Money is an issue consumers often grapple with, whether it is how to earn it, save it, or spend it wisely. It’s not difficult to avoid awkward situations by being fair and conscientious. In order to properly navigate these issues, American Consumer Credit Counseling has provided some recommended ways to be smart, polite, and thoughtful.

October 30, 2014 – By MAINST With total U.S. student loan debt rising to $1.1 trillion and more than 1 million college students joining the burdened each year (1.3 million in 2012, up from 0.9 million in 2004), a growing number of collegians say they're having "regrets" about taking on all that financial obligation.

Boston, MA – October 21, 2014 American Consumer Credit Counseling, a leading financial education, credit counseling and debt management nonprofit based in Newton, Mass., recently participated in The Money Conference on Saturday, Oct. 11th. The Money Conference, which took place at the University of Massachusetts Boston, was planned by the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasury and designed to provide personal finance information to help Commonwealth residents achieve their financial goals.

Boston, MA – October 21, 2014 Budget-conscious Americans have second thoughts about their careers when they evaluate the cost of student loans, according to a new survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling. In fact 71 percent of those surveyed said they would have made different education choices if they could have forecast the burden of repaying student loans. Total student loan debt reached $1.1 trillion this past year.

October 20, 2014 A financial research company published good news on Tuesday about the average financial security of Americans. The company, called Bankrate, said in their report that Americans’ financial security has increased in October for the third consecutive month. This jump in security comes from ... Read More »

Boston, MA – October 9, 2014 As the holiday season approaches, American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) today released its recommendations for the best apps for bargain hunters.

Boston, MA – September 23, 2014 Nearly 40 percent of budget-conscious consumers admitted to taking on debt in order to attend a wedding, according to a recent online poll conducted by American Consumer Credit Counseling. These results come as the average amount spent to attend a wedding has increased by 10 percent in the last year alone, up from $539 to $592.

Boston, MA – September 17, 2014 Newton-based nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling partnered with the Federal Reserve and Leader Bank to host the Federal Reserve’s first Reality Fair for young students last week. The fair addressed the dire need for financial education for students in Massachusetts and teach students about critical budgeting and money management skills.

September 11, 2014 – By Lane Anderson ennifer Gilmore, executive director of the Feeding America San Diego food bank, recently drove through a neighborhood of three-bedroom homes with manicured lawns and clean sidewalks in a military housing development. When she arrived at her destination — the neighborhood school — she was stunned to see 300 people waiting for food.

September 11, 2014 While marriage often means the communion of two salaries, it also means the compacting of two financial situations, including the bad. While managing individual finances can be challenging enough, combining finances can be significantly overwhelming and present a couple with new challenges and even discoveries about their better half.

Boston, MA – September 5, 2014 In recent months, the retail industry has experienced an onslaught of data security breaches, placing millions of consumers at risk of becoming victims of identity theft. What’s worse is that according to a recent online survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling 41 percent of respondents are not confident that they know what to do to protect themselves if their information has been compromised – a risk that could prove costly; credit card and debit card fraud cases in 2012 resulted in losses totaling $11.27 billion as indicated by Cardhub.com.

September 4, 2014 – By Anne Mostue By the end of 2030, Massachusetts is expected see nearly 50,000 veterans come home. And some of them will come to fairs like this one at Beverly High School.

Boston, MA – August 20, 2014 National nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling wants to take time to give consumers advice about how to avoid letting small daily expenses turn into costly annual expenditures. To most, ordering take-out for lunch, daily coffee purchases, or buying a candy bar and a magazine at the convenience store seems insignificant.

August 15, 2014 – By Marlene Y. Satter Nearly 60 percent of Americans are supporting either elderly parents or young adult children in some way, support that can often pose a roadblock to retirement, according to national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling.

Boston, MA – August 13, 2014 According to a recent survey by national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling, nearly sixty percent of Americans are providing some form of financial support to either their elder parents or young adult children by means of housing, living expenses, and transportation.

Boston, MA – August 12, 2014 American Consumer Credit Counseling partnered with the Massachusetts Credit Union League and MassSaves to host Scholars & Cents: A Reality Fair for State House Legislative Interns last week. Scholars and Cents provides an opportunity to address the dire need for financial education for students in Massachusetts. Through lectures, teamwork stations, and discussions, interns had the unique opportunity to learn about spending, budgeting and managing their finances based on future career choices and lifestyle decisions.

July 30, 2014 – By Steve Trumble Once upon a time, America invested in its young people so that they could enter the world without debt. College was meant to provide opportunity and strengthen the overall economy by creating a better- educated workforce. Looking at the numbers today, I can only think that our current system has failed this generation.

July 24, 2014 – By Jeanine Skowronski Dear Credit Card Adviser, I have been applying for secured and unsecured credit cards as a way to rebuild credit. I keep getting denied because of unpaid medical bills. Are there credit cards that someone with poor credit can qualify for? -- Natalie Dear Natalie, Getting an unsecured credit card may prove difficult, depending on how poor your credit actually is.

Boston, MA – July 24, 2014 While many college bound students will spend their summers preparing for the Fall semester, few will ask themselves if they are financially prepared for the next four years. Personal finance can be a daunting topic for college kids, but it is one that needs more attention. Today, with the average American college student graduating with $26,500 of debt, it is essential that college students have an understanding of how to most effectively manage their personal finances. A national financial education nonprofit, American Consumer Credit Counselling, has put forth some basic guidelines that will help college kids make money-savvy decisions while still in school.

Boston, MA – July 23, 2014 The summer season is in full swing, the weather is warm and the last thing on consumers’ minds are the winter holidays. However, with Black Friday and holiday shopping less than four months away, holiday expenses will be here before we know it. Year after year, November and December are the highest months for consumer spending, and expected spending continues to grow. Last year alone, consumers spent a total of $602 billion a 3.8 percent increase from the prior year Despite this, many consumers do not adjust budgets accordingly, creating a holiday debt hangover come the New Year. This year, consumers can avoid the headache of the post-holiday bill by beginning to save for the holidays during the summer months.

July 23, 2014 – By Steve Trumble The single biggest cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States isn't job loss or irresponsible use of credit. It's medical expenses. An analysis this year by NerdWallet Health found that about 60% of all bankruptcies are health related. And a comprehensive study by Harvard researchers who examined a large sample of 2007 bankruptcy filings found that, "using a conservative definition, 62.1% of all bankruptcies … were medical." That research, published in the American Journal of Medicine, found that most of these "medical debtors were well educated, owned homes and had middle-class occupations."

Boston, MA – July 14, 2014 Over one-third of budget-conscious consumers across the US are reining in spending this year according to a recent online survey by national financial literacy nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling. The online poll, which surveyed more than 447 consumers across the US, found that 35 percent of respondents indicated that they have not budgeted spending money for vacation, summer camp for children, social events or other recreational activities this summer. These results come as gas prices reach the highest they have been since 2008 with the national average reaching $3.67 for regular unleaded — 19 cents higher than a year ago.

Boston, MA – June 27, 2014 Across America’s most popular cities, the cost of living has skyrocketed. This includes San Francisco, which is ranked as the third most expensive city to live in according to a Kiplinger report. With housing costs at nearly three times the national average and increasing prices on goods and services, many residents are finding themselves priced out of the city. National financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling has released five essential money tips to help San Francisco residents combat rising costs.

June 25, 2014 – By Michelle Smith “Obli-cations” — trips for reasons like family reunions and weddings— are taking a bite out of Americans wallets. During the past 12 months, Americans spent some $185 billion on trips because they felt obligated to be somewhere, the American Travel Behavior Survey from discount travel site Hotwire.com reveals.

Boston, MA – June 25, 2014 There is no doubt that Americans are charitable, last year alone donations in the U.S. reached $416.5 billion, a 13 percent increase over the prior year. Americans aim to support causes that are close to them, whether for their child’s school or sports team or for research on a disease that has affected a family member or friend. And in the effort to fundraise individuals often find their charitable efforts are outpacing their circle of friends and family leaving them to ask themselves - how often is too often and how much is too much? Leading financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling has compiled a list of tips that will maximize the fundraising success, while also keeping relationships intact.

Boston, MA – June 19, 2014 The temperature is beginning to rise, and so are gas prices. After a brutal winter, consumers will be traveling, going on road trips, or just driving to the beach this summer. There are, however, ways to save on gas despite the seasonal increase. As part of National Dump the Pump Day on June 19th, American Consumer Credit Counseling has developed smart and savvy tips to save consumers money at the pump.

June 13, 2014 – By Abigail Bessler Half of new college graduates are relying on their parents to give them money even though just 6 percent are unemployed, a recent study finds. The study, from the University of Arizona’s Take Charge America Institute, tracked 1,010 students over five years and found that students are relying heavily on parents or partners for money.

June 13, 2014 Americans were budget and money conscious with their tax returns this year, according to a survey by American Consumer Credit Counseling. Sixty-nine percent of American consumers used their tax refund to pay down debt and get ahead on monthly expenses such as rent, utilities and car payments, while only 16 percent splurged and bought themselves something, according to the survey.

Boston, MA – June 12, 2014 Americans were budget and money conscious with their tax returns this year, according to a survey by national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling. The online survey revealed that 69 percent of American consumers used their tax refund to pay down debt and get ahead on monthly expenses such as rent, utilities and car payments, while only 16 percent splurged and bought themselves something.

June 12, 2014 – By Brian O'Connell Fathers Day is only days away, and the mission for family members is to treat dad like a king for a day without spending a king's ransom on gifts and swag.

Boston, MA – June 10, 2014 As Father’s Day nears, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling wants to help gift givers honor their fathers with gifts that are both thoughtful and budget-friendly. Since Father’s Day shopping can often pose a challenge, ACCC has come up with several creative ways to show appreciation for all that Dad does without going over budget.

Los Angeles, CA – May 28, 2014 Ninety-one percent of Americans believe personal finance should be a required subject to graduate from high school, according to a recent online poll conducted by American Consumer Credit Counseling. This survey comes as California is ranked among the worst states in the country when it comes to financial literacy for high school students, according to the Center for Financial Literacy’s annual report card.

May 27, 2014 – By FOX 25 With students graduating with an average of $26,000 worth of student loans, they're just adding to the millions of Americans who hold over a trillion dollars worth of student loans. Being financially literate is not always something taught in schools, so it's important for soon-to-be grads and recent grads to learn about fiscal responsibility and how to best handle debt. ACCC's Matt Paradise recently appeared on FOX 25 to discuss the topic.

Boston, MA – May 23, 2014 As Memorial Day weekend nears, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling wants to remind our service members that they are there to assist with the unique financial challenges faced by both active duty service members and veterans. Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report that found that for the fourth year in a row, veterans are having a harder time finding jobs than non-veterans.

Boston, MA – May 21, 2014 The Las Vegas economy is beginning to emerge from the recession as its population, employment rate, and housing market are starting to rise. The stronger economy has also increased consumer confidence in the market and, therefore, increased consumer spending. However, it is going to take a long time to fully bounce back from the recession and consumers should be smart about their current spending habits and budgeting for the future. American Consumer Credit Counseling is offering tips to help customers budget their personal finances and spend their money wisely in a continuously changing economy.

Boston, MA – May 16, 2014 This month, as thousands of young Americans graduate from college, national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling releases the top five essential money lessons that every college graduate should know. This advice comes as more than one million Americans will soon graduate with substantial student loan debt averaging $26,500, according to a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures. They will join the millions of grads from prior years who collectively hold more than $1 trillion in student loan debt.

Boston, MA – May 13, 2014 As part of its popular Talking Cents blog, national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling exposes the knock outs, strike outs, fumbles, and fouls of five legendary pro athletes to inspire consumers to take control of their own finances. This latest installment of the Talking Cents blog comes as pro athlete salaries continue to rise. According to ESPN’s 2014 survey of worldwide sports salaries, seven professional athletes earned at least $31 million last year. At the same time, however, a 2013 Gallup poll found that nearly half of Americans making over $240,000 annually do not feel good about the amount of money they have to spend.

May 13, 2014 – By Brian O'Connell The notion that high school students should study personal finance seems to make a lot of sense. After all, knowing how to balance a checkbook or review a credit statement or home mortgage bill is arguably as important as studying the Civil War or dissecting a frog.

May 7, 2014 – By Amy Fontinelle Statistics show the odds are stacked against the Millennial generation: They will retire later than their parents – or not at all. But time offers hope. Gen Yers have decades to correct the effects of a bad economy, slow job market and delayed financial planning. Taking action now and avoiding critical mistakes may spell the difference between retiring on time or over a decade late.

Boston, MA – May 6, 2014 Ninety-one percent of Americans believe personal finance should be a required subject to graduate from high school, according to a recent online poll conducted by American Consumer Credit Counseling. This survey comes as teens’ knowledge of money, including how to balance a checkbook or check the accuracy of a bank statement, declined from 52 percent in 2007 to 36 percent in 2011.

Boston, MA – May 5, 2014 As Mother’s Day approaches, leading financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling released its list of budget-friendly alternatives to celebrate and honor Mom this holiday.

Boston, MA – May 1, 2014 Leading financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling announced the release of the organization’s financial savviness tips to help consumers become more knowledgeable consumers and develop better money management skills.

April 29, 2014 – By Brian O'Connell Call it the "Target effect." After consumers got wind of the data security breach that left customer credit card numbers open to identity thieves last year, many stopped using their credit and debt cards while shopping at the national big box retailer.

Boston, MA – April 25, 2014 As some consumers struggle to recognize the role of credit reports and credit scores, American Consumer Credit Counseling offers information to help Americans better understand these two important financial indicators.

Boston, MA – April 24, 2014 Sixty-four percent of American consumers do not trust retailers with their financial information according to a survey by national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling. Recent data breaches at major retailers such as Target and Neiman Marcus have worried consumers that they might be the next victim of identity theft. The survey also found that 42 percent of respondents are now more likely to pay for purchases with cash or check.

Boston, MA – April 17, 2014 Leading national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling today announced the addition of ‘Talking Cents Guy’ to their popular Talking Cents personal finance education blog.

April 16, 2014 – By Aaron Crowe Legally, a foreclosure can stay on your credit report for seven years. It can lower a credit score and make it more difficult to apply for loans and even find rental housing. But life after foreclosure doesn’t have to be all bad news.

Boston, MA – April 11, 2014 Leading national financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling today launched a parent’s guide to teaching children about money to help youth of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, understand the basics of money management issues including saving, credit, and the value of a dollar.

Boston, MA – April 10, 2014 National nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling is pleased to announce Sue Katz as a certified graduate of Boots Across America's national certification course, which educates loan officers, realtors, and housing professionals on how to work with military clients.

April 2, 2014 – By Rachel Hartman In fact, thieves could be redirecting your mail, glancing over your shoulder at the checkout or sneaking into your car or home while you are right there, all in the search for credit card information. “Low-tech identity theft happens a surprising amount of time,” notes Jane Carpenter, founder of Maine Identity Services, which offers data breach repair kits and assists victims of identity theft in her state.

Boston, MA – April 1, 2014 Leading financial education nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling announced today the launch of “30 Tips in 30 Days” as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to better prepare young Americans for college and independent living. According to a recent study ... Read More »

March 26, 2014 By now you’ve abandoned your plan to eat a healthier breakfast and spend an hour at the gym every day. Across the country, self-improvement resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Instead of succumbing to guilt and frustration over what you might not do this year, why not focus your energy on a goal that’s achievable at any time of year – financial fitness?

March 25, 2014 By now you’ve abandoned your plan to eat a healthier breakfast and spend an hour at the gym every day. Across the country, self-improvement resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Instead of succumbing to guilt and frustration over what you might not do this year, why not focus your energy on a goal that’s achievable at any time of year – financial fitness?

Boston, MA – March 21, 2014 In honor of March Madness, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling announced the release of its “Financial Bracketology” – an interactive guide to help consumers pay down credit card debt. The bracket challenges consumers to complete an easy-to-follow step-by-step plan to pay off a credit card and begin a healthy financial future.

March 20, 2014 – By Allie Johnson Consumer Reports has come out with some pretty valid criticism of the free ID theft monitoring service Target is offering for one year for U.S. customers.

March 13, 2014 On Saturday, March 22nd, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling will participate in a financial literacy conference geared specifically toward veterans, active military members, and their families. The first-ever Operation Money Wise, a free conference hosted by the Massachusetts Office of Financial Literacy, will offer advice on a variety of topics including how to develop healthy spending and saving skills, how to protect assets from predatory lending practices, and what financial tools and benefits are available to service members and veterans.

March 6, 2014 American Consumer Credit Counseling's Matt Paradise sits down with Fox 25's morning show to discuss the latest data security breaches and how consumers can protect themselves against identity theft.

Boston, MA – March 2, 2014 The retail industry has experienced an onslaught of data security breaches, placing millions of consumers at risk of becoming victims of identity theft. To help consumers minimize the damage, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling offers the “Identity Theft Checklist,” a step-by-step guide on what to do and how to protect yourself from financial damage if your identity has been stolen.

February 28, 2014 American Consumer Credit Counseling, along with fellow Massachusetts Financial Education Collaborative (MFEC) members and other partners, collaborated with MassSaves to host the first annual State House Financial Capability Day. During the event, community outreach staff members Matt Paradise and Sue Katz spoke to the crowd, giving advice and insight on money management and the need for Financial Capability Day.

Boston, MA – February 27, 2014 On February 27th, ACCC, along with fellow Massachusetts Financial Education Collaborative (MFEC) members, State Senator Jamie Eldridge of Acton, State Representative Viriato Manuel DeMacedo of Plymouth, and State Representative Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough, will collaborate with MassSaves, to host the first annual State House Financial Capability Day. During the State House Financial Capability Day, ACCC and other organizations will present to legislators and staff on financial education and capability work going on in the various legislative districts across the Commonwealth.

February 27, 2014 – By Dan Rafter, MoneyRates Do you make less than $50,000 a year? How about less than $30,000? Marilyn Timbers, a certified financial planner and ING retirement coach in Stamford, Conn., has good news: You can still save enough to live a comfortable life during your retirement years.

Boston, MA – February 25, 2014 Today, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling announced the launch of its new in-depth Bankruptcy Attorney Client Management System (ACMS), specially designed to help attorneys better assist and manage their clients going through bankruptcy filings.

February 19, 2014 – By Claes Bell The line between a future of financial solvency and one of distress is thinner than you might think. Unfortunately, many people don't realize they're on the wrong side of that divide until it's too late, says Jessica Cecer

February 19, 2014 – By By Claes Bell and Boston.com Staff While the overall financial situation has recently improved in the United States, many Americans are still facing tough personal financial circumstances. “Let’s face it, everyone has good intentions when it comes to their personal finances, but sometimes we get off track. It is so important to be able to recognize the signs leading up to a personal financial disaster,” said Steve Trumble, president and chief executive of national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling. “You can avoid a financial catastrophe by getting back on track before it’s too late.”

February 16, 2014 – By Jessica Dyer At Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen, staff have been known to recite a list of nearby ATMs. Customers, meanwhile, have been known to pay their tabs with spare change rounded up from their car. Because Padilla’s only accepts cash or checks, the occasional would-be diner has been known to walk out once they realize the plastic in their wallet will do them no good.

Boston, MA – February 13, 2014 Sixty-nine percent of Americans this year are bucking the elaborate Valentine’s Day traditions and opting for budget-friendly date options to avoid falling into financial ruin, according to a recent online poll conducted by American Consumer Credit Counseling.

February 13, 2014 – By Judy Martel It wouldn't be romantic in the traditional sense, but the best gift for your Valentine might involve fiscal restraint. After all, financial difficulties are not very romantic. So before you spend money on that expensive bottle of perfume or splurge on dinner in a white-tablecloth restaurant, you might consider a less-expensive gesture.

Boston, MA – February 12, 2014 While the overall financial situation has recently improved in the United States, many Americans are still facing tough personal financial circumstances. As February 14th draws closer, American Consumer Credit Counseling invites Americans to self-reflect and determine if they are flirting with a personal financial disaster.

February 6, 2014 – By Christine DiGangi As far as self-improvement goes, personal finance and health are important to Americans — just think about how many people have New Year’s resolutions like losing weight, getting out of debt or making more homemade meals (a potential two-in-one resolution). But if you had to choose one or the other (financial health or physical health), what would you prioritize?

Boston, MA – February 6, 2014 This New Year, fulfill your resolution to become financially fit and debt-free in 2014 by following American Consumer Credit Counseling’s straightforward approach to achieving financial peace of mind. This fun and interactive infographic provides a pathway for consumers to help manage credit card debt and gain valuable financial education to develop better spending habits and money management skills.

Boston, MA – February 4, 2014 Budget-conscious Americans say their financial health is more important than their physical fitness in 2014, according to the most recent online poll from American Consumer Credit Counseling. Nearly 59 percent of those surveyed said they are more concerned with their finances than their fitness, while 41 percent said fitness goals are most important to them in the New Year.

January 29, 2014 – By CardRatings.com While they disappeared during the credit crunch, credit card issuers have brought them back lately. Despite their proliferation, they're tough to get, and high in demand, but obtaining the highly rare zero-interest credit card is doable if you know where to look.

Boston, MA – January 28, 2014 January is National Financial Wellness Month and national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling is helping consumers stick to their New Year’s resolutions with an easy-to-follow financial health resource guide. ACCC’s educational booklet, “20 Steps to Financial Health: Achieving Lifelong Financial Fitness,” outlines steps towards short and long-term goals for consumers hoping to reach a healthy financial future.

Boston, MA – January 8, 2014 Ninety-two percent of Americans made a New Year’s resolution to cut spending, save more money and pay off debts in 2014, according to a recent online poll conducted by American Consumer Credit Counseling. The survey also found that younger respondents were less likely to make the resolution - with 74 percent reporting that they plan to cut back expenses and put more into savings.