The annual America Saves Week campaign focuses on increasing Americans’ financial confidence by helping them get a clear view of their finances and identify new strategies to meet their spending and saving goals. Encouraging Our Community to Build Stronger Financial Futures At Advantage Credit Counseling Service, we believe that small financial steps can lead to […]
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Lauralynn is the Online Marketing Specialist for AdvantageCCS. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, cooking, video games, sewing, and gardening. Lauralynn has a degree in Multimedia Technologies from Pittsburgh Technical College.
Spring Cleaning Your Finances: A Fresh Start For Your Money
As winter fades and the days grow longer, many of us feel the urge to open the windows, declutter our homes, and start fresh. But spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at your closets—it’s also the perfect time to refresh your finances. Just like physical clutter can weigh you down, financial clutter—unused subscriptions, lingering debt, disorganized accounts—can […]
Continue ReadingNeeds vs. Wants Revisited: A Modern Budget Reality Check
In today’s world of one-click shopping, subscription services, rising grocery prices, and “Buy Now, Pay Later” options, the classic budgeting advice to separate needs vs. wants feels harder than ever. But here’s the truth: understanding the difference between needs and wants is still one of the most powerful tools for taking control of your finances […]
Continue ReadingTax Refund Regret: Common Mistakes That Might Cost You Long-Term
For many households, tax refund season feels like a financial reset. After months of budgeting and stretching every dollar, that lump sum can bring relief — and a little excitement. But once the money hits your bank account, it can disappear faster than expected. At our non-profit credit counseling agency, we often hear from individuals […]
Continue ReadingCan Love Hurt Your Credit? The Risks Of Joint Accounts & Co-Signing
Love and money are deeply connected. Whether you’re moving in together, getting married, helping a child build credit, or supporting a partner through a tough financial time, it’s natural to want to share and support each other financially. But when finances and relationships intertwine, your credit can also become intertwined — and that can come […]
Continue ReadingHow to Talk About Debt with Your Partner or Spouse
Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships, and debt can make those conversations even more difficult. Whether it’s credit card balances, student loans, medical debt, or past financial mistakes, talking about debt with a partner or spouse can feel uncomfortable, emotional, or even a bit scary. But avoiding the conversation […]
Continue ReadingSaving vs. Paying Off Debt: What Should You Prioritize First
At Advantage Credit Counseling Service, one of the most common questions we hear from our clients or potential clients is: “Should I be saving money, or should I focus on paying off my debt first?” It’s an understandable concern. When money is already stretched thin, trying to do both can feel impossible. The truth is, […]
Continue ReadingDebt Fatigue Is Real: How To Stay Motivated When Progress Feels Slow
Paying off debt is often described as a financial journey—but what many people don’t talk about is how emotionally exhausting that journey can be. If you’ve been making payments month after month and still feel like you’re barely moving forward, you may be experiencing debt fatigue. Debt fatigue is real, common, and completely understandable. Moreover, […]
Continue ReadingFinancial Reset After The Holidays: How To Recover From Holiday Debt
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many people, January arrives with something far less festive: credit card balances, financial stress, and lingering debt from holiday spending. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Holiday debt is extremely common, and the good news is that it’s also manageable […]
Continue ReadingEmergency Funds: How Much You Need And How To Build One
An emergency fund is one of the most important yet misunderstood components of financial stability. Many people know they should have one, but uncertainty about how much to save and how to get started often leads to inaction. Understanding the purpose of an emergency fund can make saving feel more achievable and less intimidating. What […]
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