Most people find it much more difficult to go to a financial counsellor than to a sex counsellor.This is part of the problem for the increasing number of families facing serious financial stress, says Sandra Saker, a financial counsellor with the Salvation Army’s Moneycare.

Ms Saker, who is Moneycare’s manager for the greater west, said there was a tsunami of debt facing families in western Sydney and people needed to seek help at the first signs of trouble.

She said people had to bite the bullet and see a financial counsellor before things escalated.

“As long as problems are tackled early on people can often come to arrangements with creditors to get some breathing space,” Ms Saker said.

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News

Americans are most prone to bankruptcy filings and each year as many as two million of them have filed for bankruptcy and the situation at present is that there are increasing numbers of families neck deep in debt which is a direct consequence of the amount of credit on offer. The cycle goes like this; once you pay your debts, there is more opportunities becoming available to run up even more debts and young people who are not mature enough to shoulder such responsibilities thus have little choice but to opt to go in for bankruptcy filings so that they can then make a new beginning.

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News

WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - Individual investors will be able to purchase U.S. Treasury debt securities in increments as small as $100 starting with the April 7 auction of 3- and 6-month bills, the Treasury said on Friday.

The reduction of the minimum trading increment comes as U.S. government borrowing needs are rising. Previously, Treasury debt could be traded only in increments of $1,000, shutting out many small investors.

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News

Most of us are under debt due to the several loans we take for home, education, vehicle and other vital expenses. These are necessary debts. But if you are in debt due to unpaid bills, credit cards and money borrowed from family and friends, then you need to take action. You can reduce debt and finally eliminate it all together with some smart planning of your finances.

Tips For Reducing Debt And Managing Finances:

These tips will definitely help you out in reducing your owed amount and taking control of your financial health:

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Credit and Debt Counselling, News, Planning Ahead

If you are in debt, your number one priority should be to work through a consolidation service to achieve the best possible debt settlement. A debt settlement will allow you to pay off creditors with money you receive in one large disbursement while simultaneously salvaging your credit rating.

That sounds easy enough, but what is the process to consolidate your debt? It’s a little more complicated.

You should start by asking your creditor to eliminate or reduce interest carried forward or brought forward.

In many instances, debtors do not ask creditors for help and end up in the following trap: the creditors first raise the equated monthly emoluments–most of which comes from increased interest rates. When the debtor can’t pay off the increased interest rate, he is forced to pay a penalty.
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Debt Consolidation Broker, Debt consolidation services, News

Is it possible to retire by 50 with an income under $60,000? Ryan and Hope Wells think so.

Married since 2005, the young Arkansas couple is just starting out. Ryan, 25, works as a used car salesman, and Hope, 23, works as a medical billing coder at a hospital. Together they earn an annual $56,000 — above the national average, yet still not exactly easy street in today’s economy.

But with a little discipline, they think they can meet their goal of an early retirement. “I feel pretty comfortable with a target of a little over $2 million,” Ryan says.

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Early Retirement, News

Under most circumstances, if you cash out your 401(k), you will have to pay federal, state, and local income tax.

You will also owe an early withdrawal penalty - 10% - if you are under the age of 59 1/2.

In almost every case, for every $100 dollars you withdraw, you will pay between $25 and $50 dollars in taxes and penalties.

In other words, unless you are doing so to avoid bankruptcy, it’s a bad idea to cash out your 401(k) and pay off debt.

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401 k, Bankruptcy, early withdrawal penalty, income tax, News, Pay Off Debt