by Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist At one time or another, many consumers have fallen behind on paying their bills. For the working poor, unemployed and underemployed, the struggle to get out of debt can be a daily challenge. At the same time, there are businesses that exploit others’ financial woes, reaping high profits on debt […]
Pitfalls to Avoid When Making a Student Loan
by Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist If you are a college student, a recent college graduate or even a college drop-out, student loan debt is not only likely, but probable. Among Black families, more than half – 52 percent – borrow for college costs, according to the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). Additionally, paying off college […]
Black Families Must Focus on Asset Building
By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist July 17, 2015 Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist “To achieve true security for vulnerable families, asset building must be part of the strategy.” As the wealthy few continue to prosper, the rest of the nation is caught in a financial tug-of-war between stagnant wages and a […]
‘Credit Invisible’ Blacks & Latinos
By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist June 26, 2015 Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist When it comes to consumer finance, traditional lenders usually review credit scores before reaching a decision. In general, the higher a consumer’s credit score is, the lower the cost of credit they will pay. Conversely, the lower one’s credit score, […]
Black Families Must Focus on Asset Building
By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist May 29, 2015 Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist As the wealthy few continue to prosper, the rest of the nation is caught in a financial tug-of-war between stagnant wages and a rising cost of living. In communities of color, chronic unemployment and underemployment and a host of other […]
Consumer Complaints Lead to $1.6 Billion in Relief
April 10, 2015 Right now, the bureau is also continuing investigations of major debt collection firms regarding collections practices. (NNPA) — Financial stress can feel like a lonely struggle. But according to a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 460,700 consumers shared many of the same financial concerns […]