The Dallas100 Ranks Credit Answers #10 For The Fastest Growing Private Company

 

Credit Answers was recently named by the Dallas100 as the tenth fastest growing private company in the Dallas Metroplex. The Dallas100 award is an annual event sponsored by the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship and recognizes the top companies and business leaders in the Dallas/Ft Worth Area. This prestigious award is only given to companies that meet a stringent set of standards including high business ethics.   “Credit Answers is honored and humbled to be selected as one of the top 10 companies in the entire Dallas/Ft Worth Area. Our philosophy has always been to help our clients live better debt free. Through our dedication to our clients and a positive work environment, we have continued to help thousands settle their debt and get on a path to a better life. Credit Answers will continue to treat each and every client based on their individual needs and get the best settlement available. We feel that our relationship with our clients is what has made us one of the best debt settlement firms in America.” -Bill Loughborough CEO & President of Credit Answers

About The Dallas100 Award   Co-founded by the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship in 1990, the Dallas100 Awards is an annual event that identifies and honors the 100 fastest-growing privately held companies in the Dallas area. To qualify for the Dallas100, a company must meet a number of criteria based on its sales history, credit report and overall business character.   About Credit Answers   Credit Answers was established in 2006 with the goal of providing consumers with debt relief options. Credit Answers realizes its success depends on its clients’ success and since inception has helped thousands of clients across the country settle tens of millions of dollars in debt.   Especially in today’s challenging economic climate, Credit Answers believes it is important for the consumer to have a right to choose in which manner they wish to handle their debt problems. With personal bankruptcy filings at an all time high, consumers need an alternative solution in which they can preserve their financial integrity.   Credit Answers strives to assure its clients are provided with excellent customer care and attributes its success to creating a positive work environment for its employees and following a strict code of ethics to enable clients to make informed decisions when it comes to dealing with personal financial matters.   Credit Answers’ Policy To Clients   The Credit Answers Settlement Services Team is committed to delivering world class customer service. We strive to achieve a true partnership with our clients and serve as their trusted advisor, guiding them through each and every step of the debt settlement process. Our Settlement Services Team is supported by an organization with over 100 years of combined debt settlement experience. Our Settlement Coaches uncover each client’s unique, personal story and provide customized, individual attention. We become our clients personal advocate in their quest to Live Better Debt Free. Our proven debt settlement program and team of professional negotiators have helped thousands of clients become debt free. Credit Answers partners with our clients so they are never alone in their decision to gain total control over their debt.   Credit Answers realizes the importance of money in peoples lives and also the accompanied strain that debt can cause. To assist its clients, Credit Answers offers financial education with a commitment to specialized personal debt settlement service. Through long-term and established relationships with creditors, Credit Answers represents its clients vigorously. Credit Answers has been selected as one of the leading credit and debt professionals of the Western United States by Goldline Research and is a proud member of The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC). The firm is located just north of Dallas in Plano, Texas.

Single Parenting On A Budget

Parenting, although difficult and full of challenges, can be one of the most rewarding and exciting journeys in life. The United States Census Bureau claims that there are about 13 million households in America where this journey is being experienced by a single parent. It is possible to create a budget and, if you involve your children, they may even learn good spending habits in the process! Using a debt settlement savings account can be a good way for single parents to educate their children early and establish good spending habits and the process of saving money.
 
Take some time to focus on yourself.
 
If possible, discuss issues with family members and trusted friends. Remember, taking time for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you are being selfish. Also, think about finding an inexpensive hobby that could help you relieve stress. Try to find something that you enjoy that inspires you. If you feel centered, you may make better financial decisions regarding you and your children.
 
Control Spending and have fun.
 
Consider creating a spending plan. If you aren’t sure how to start, enlist the help of someone who can offer you responsible advice about budgeting and finance. You may also want to talk to your children about the importance of a good budget. Go shopping at sales and clip coupons together. You could plan a ‘cheap date’ outing during which time all of you can take advantage of special events such as ‘Kids Eat Free’ meals or Family Days/Nights at local facilities. Your public library could offer access to free resources.
 
Do your children have health insurance?
 
If your income is limited, you may qualify for Medicaid. If you do not currently receive child support, Medicaid may also be able to refer you to your local office of Child Support Enforcement. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) may also be an option. Eligibility criteria vary by state. To explore SCHIP go to insurekidsnow.gov.
 
Be aware of tax breaks available to you.
 
You may be eligible for some tax breaks from the Internal Revenue Service depending on gross income, age of children and other factors. Go to irs.gov or call 800-829-1040. You may also be eligible for child tax credits, working tax credits or child care allowances that can be taken from pre-tax dollars.

Online Freebies: Family Fun At Your Fingertips

If you are a budget-conscious online shopper, you’ve probably seen them before – websites offering free samples of brand name products, printable grocery coupons, discounts and deals on a variety of items. Every penny counts while saving toward your debt settlement, so finding deals online is a good practice. Online freebie hunting can be fun, but there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind.
 
Some sites may offer truly free items with no shipping charges, membership fees and no commitments to buy anything. However, other sites may say something is ‘free’, only for shipping charges to apply. Consider researching a site thoroughly before you provide payment information. It is up to you whether these ‘free’ items are worth the shipping charge.
 
Thinking carefully about offers could also help you identify and possibly disregard sites that require a membership fee for access to free items and offers. Try to keep in mind that there are many freebie sites at your fingertips that don’t require a membership fee. As usual, when shopping or applying for anything online, you may want to avoid giving personal information such as social security number or credit card number.

Some freebie sites feature discussion forums which may offer you the opportunity to communicate with others regarding freebie sites to try and ones to steer clear of. According to forum feedback, popular sites for you to consider include:
 

Freegrabber.com
 

Absurdlycool.com
 

Startsampling.com
 

Heyitsfree.net
 

Babytobee.com
 

Free-ebooks.net
 

SlickDeals.com
 

Paperbackswap.com
 

Freeflys.com/FreeSamples.php
 

Mysavings.com
 

Keeping Your Pet Pals Happy and Healthy Doesn’t Have to be Costly

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent more than $43.2 billion on their pets in 2008. That estimate is expected to increase in 2009 despite the economic recession. When it comes to pet care, keep in mind that an ounce of prevention may be equal to a pound of cure. Here are a few suggestions.
 
Communicate With Your Vet
 
Take your pet to its annual checkup if at all possible. Inform your vet of your financial situation. Yearly vet exams can recognize small problems that can lead to expensive health issues for you and your pet down the road if not detected.
 
Before your appointment, you might want to list questions and concerns you have regarding your pet’s care. Being prepared beforehand could eliminate the need for extra visits, saving you money for debt settlement.
 
Pet Health Insurance
 
This area may be overlooked since many pet owners assume that insurance is too costly. When considering pet insurance, consumers might want to research carriers and policies. Many carriers will reimburse policyholders for routine exams. Go to petinsurance.com (Veterinary Pet Insurance-VPI) on the Web or call 888-899-4VPI to see if pet health insurance is an option for you.
 
Feeding Your Furry Friend
 
The Dollar Stretcher.com suggests talking to your vet about complete and balanced foods that fit within your budget. Also, ask your vet about proper feeding amounts. According to a National Pet Obesity Awareness Study, approximately 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in the United States are overweight. An obese pet is more likely to suffer from diabetes, disease and joint pain, leading to expensive vet visits throughout its life. You could purchase food and/or litter in bulk. This may appear to cost more at first but considering the unit cost could save you money in the long run. Think about making some of your pet’s food at home. Discuss recipe choices with your vet.

Credit Answers Has Been Listed as an Accredited Member of TASC

The Association of Settlement Companies has bestowed Credit Answers with their highest status, accredited membership. Exceeding all standards in the debt settlement industry, Credit Answers stands out as one of the best settlement firms in the country.   “We take our commitment to our clients very seriously at Credit Answers. It is very humbling to be acknowledged as one of the best debt settlement firms in the country by an outstanding organization like TASC. At Credit Answers, we will continue to strive to bring our clients the respect and service they deserve. We understand that every client is different and we will work hard to earn their trust and get them the best settlement possible on their unsecured debt. “ -Bill Loughborough CEO & President of Credit Answers

About TASC   TASC’s goals are to promote excellent practice in the debt settlement industry and protect the interests of consumer debtors.   Debt settlement companies act on behalf of consumer debtors to help them clear their debts. They do this by entering into direct negotiations with creditors in order to facilitate the repayment of debts. In return for their services, debt settlement companies are generally paid a fee by the consumer debtor. In order to avoid any hint of impropriety, TASC members do not handle, manage, or otherwise control their client’s funds.   TASC Accreditation Standards   Accredited members of TASC exceed the standards listed below and go through a strenuous yearly review of business practices by a nonaffiliated third party member.   Accredited Membership is the highest honor TASC can bestow upon a company.   Accredited members excel in the following areas:   Compliance with all state and federal laws and rulings.   Formal and continuing education for all employees and settlement negotiators.   Debt Settlement Services to all individuals in a nondiscriminatory manner.   Advocating the needs on behalf of their clients while conducting themselves in the highest ethical standards and practices.   Charging Fees in compliance with state law when applicable and in other instances which are fair and reasonable.   Servicing clients and service delivery procedures.   Establishing Creditor Policies and Procedures and adhering to their own set of systems of communications with creditors. To view the entire list of standards please visit the TASC website.   Credit Answers Policy To Clients   The Credit Answers Settlement Services Team is committed to delivering world class customer service. We strive to achieve a true partnership with our clients and serve as their trusted advisor, guiding them through each and every step of the debt settlement process. Our Settlement Services Team is supported by an organization with over 100 years of combined debt settlement experience. Our Settlement Coaches uncover each client’s unique, personal story and provide customized, individual attention. We become our client’s personal advocate in their quest to Live Better Debt Free. Our proven debt settlement program and team of professional negotiators have helped thousands of clients become debt free. Credit Answers partners with our clients so they are never alone in their decision to Live Better Debt Free.   Credit Answers realizes the importance of money in peoples lives and also the accompanied strain that debt can cause. To assist its clients, Credit Answers offers financial education with a commitment to specialized personal debt settlement service. Through long-term and established relationships with creditors, Credit Answers represents its clients vigorously. Credit Answers has been selected as one of the leading credit and debt professionals of the Western United States by Goldline Research and is a proud member of The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC). The firm is located just north of Dallas in Plano, Texas.

Choosing Wisely Could Save You Money At Dollar Stores

Stores that sell everything for a dollar or close to it have been part of the shopping landscape for quite a while. But do these stores really offer money-saving solutions for frugal shoppers saving for debt settlement? Depending on what you need, you may discover dollar stores really could save you money.
 
Cleaners
 
According to MSN Money, many shoppers head to dollar stores specifically for some kind of household cleaner.
 
You may want to consider your favorite brand-name product and compare its ingredients with your choice from the dollar store. Do you find many differences? A cleaner with a well-known label doesn’t necessarily do a better job than one without a brand name.
 
Food And Grocery Items
 
Some products in this category can turn out to be good buys, but use caution. MSN Money suggests thinking along the lines of purchasing items such as spices which can sometimes be overpriced in supermarkets.
 
Cereals, crackers and soda may also be good choices as long as boxes are sealed completely. Also, remember to check the expiration labels. Good Housekeeping recommends passing on the item if no expiration date is listed or if the item is close to expiring.
 
Also, use caution when considering the purchase of canned vegetable or fruit, trash bags, food-storage bags, foam and plastic cups and bottled water which may be more expensive on a per-unit basis at dollar stores than at some supermarkets and retail competitors.
 
Kitchen Utensils
 
Dollar stores could be a good shopping destination if you need to stock your kitchen with inexpensive utensils, according to MSN Money.
 
Items like kitchen knives, dishes, spoons, forks, latex kitchen gloves, graters, funnels, whisks, peelers and spatulas are likely to work just as well as similar cooking tools offered at larger discount stores.

What Exactly Is Debt Settlement?

Credit Answers, a leading debt settlement provider, located in Plano, TX, wants their clients to understand exactly what debt settlement entails.   “At Credit Answers, we are sometimes amazed by the feedback we get from our clients regarding what they believe debt settlement actually entails. We are here to set the record straight so you can make a well informed decision in regards to your money and financial future. At Credit Answers, we believe that a well informed client is who we want to do business with. “   -Bill Loughborough CEO & President of Credit Answers   What Is Debt Settlement   Debt Settlement, also known as debt negotiation, involves a personalized plan that effectively enables a debt settlement negotiator to negotiate a compromise with creditors to settle unsecured debts. Once the creditor and debt settlement negotiator agree on a reduced balance and that lower balance is paid, it will be viewed as payment in full. Debt settlement has become a viable alternative to bankruptcy for thousands of consumers across the country. Debt Settlement does not stop collection efforts from taking place and does not remove your credit card debt overnight. The debt was not built up overnight so it naturally makes sense that it will not disappear overnight.   Credit Answers is dedicated to helping you live better debt free. We can settle your credit card debt or unsecured debt for a fraction of what you owe in many cases. If payments stop to creditors, balances continue to grow because of late fees and ongoing interest. A debt settlement negotiator can reach a compromise with the debt creditor on the new balance to reduce your overall unsecured debt amount.   Why Debt Settlement   For many, the outrageous interest rates charged by the credit card companies leads to a never-ending cycle of making minimum payments. In turn, the consumer never actually gets out of debt. With a debt settlement program, people have the option to change their spending habits and focus on a solution that will lead them to a better debt free life. While every case is different, debt settlement or debt negotiation generally can be completed in 36 months or less with payment plans you can afford*.   How Does Debt Settlement Affect My Credit?   That depends on what your credit looks like when you enrolled in the debt settlement program. But in general, if you do not make payments and do not pay your creditors according to the terms of your credit card agreement your credit will suffer. That is one of the trade-offs you will have to make if you are serious about reducing your debt.

Enjoying Technology On A Budget

Technology is everywhere and our options are endless. It is possible to enjoy the benefits of technology without spending a lot of money. When you see an interesting electronic product or fun gadget, you may want to take time to think about how necessary that item would be in your daily life.
 
Considering your choices might help you decide wisely about what technology you really need. It may also help you prevent a budget meltdown. Here are a just a few ideas that could help you save money on technology:
 
Computers
 
If you do an Internet search for ‘free software’ you will see a multitude of choices available. Spreadsheet and office programs, anti-virus software and programs that could help you improve the photos you take with your digital camera are just a few choices awaiting your discovery.
 
In addition, you can find free software that might help you manage your budget and track spending. PCMag.com recommends Mint.com, a software tool that can assist you with finance management by providing regular reports on how much you are spending and ways to save money.
 
Billeo.com, another PCMag.com recommendation, could help you maintain your budget through spending reports and assistance with online bill payment options. Other free expense tracking software includes Buxfer.com and Wesabe.com.
 
Cameras
 
It is likely that you can find a very good digital camera for a very reasonable price in today’s market. If you are considering a digital camera, think about what features are important to you and what kind of photos you will be taking. All digital cameras feature megapixels which have a role in dictating an image’s quality. However, more megapixels may not always produce a better quality image, and megapixel count usually has a direct effect on a camera’s price.
 
Try to remember to stick to your budget and do your research, ask friends and read customer reviews of the products that interest you.
 
You may want to try Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) which features customer reviews of cameras and image samples from a variety of models.
 
Free photo editing software, Gimp.org to name just one, is available on the Internet.

Making the Most of a Bad Economy

Much discussion surrounds the issue of the struggling economy. Although the state of the world may look bleak, future positive changes may evolve from this financial crisis. While saving toward your debt settlement every penny counts. Below are some ideas that may help give you an optimistic view of the recession.
 
Stores May Lower Prices
 
Many stores have slashed their prices to entice shoppers to spend. Taking advantage of these lower prices is a good way to stock up on necessities. Be careful of buying extra items simply because they are on sale. As many consumers review their finances during the rough economy, stores may also tailor their gimmicks and advertising towards budgeting and saving money. For example, Dolans.com, an informative financial web site, reports that lay-away programs may be making a comeback at many retailers.
 
Cash Becomes A Preferred Payment Method
 
Spending with credit may not be as easy as it was in the past. As credit lines are lowered, consumers may choose cash as a preferred payment method for many purchases. According to Cardweb.com, a web site that tracks the payment card industry, consumers spend nearly 200% more when using credit. A rough economy may allow many consumers to see the value of using cash.
 
You Have A Support System
 
Credit cards make it easy for consumers to live beyond their means and impress friends and family. Swiping a credit card can quickly allow you to pick up the tab for an expensive dinner or purchase extravagant gifts for special occasions. As more consumers experience the effects of the economy, you will more than likely be acquainted with someone who is required to tighten-up their budget instead of people that encourage overspending. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals that understand your situation may help you persevere and achieve your financial goals. Hopefully, frugal living will become a lasting trend even when the economy bounces back to a prosperous state.

California Unveils Pay-As-You Drive Vehicle Insurance

New revised regulations in California will allow insurance companies to give their customers the option to choose a coverage plan that could be paid by the mile. Under the plan, California motorists would be able to purchase a certain number of miles for a specified time similar to individuals who buy prepaid minutes for their cell phone, according to www.insurance.ca.gov.
 
According to California Commissioners, the pay-as-you-go proposal could benefit not only motorists, but also the state and environment since the plan gives premium discounts for those not operating their vehicle over a certain amount of miles.
 
Those interested in the plan should check with their insurance company. The drive less, save money plan isn’t right for everyone. For example, customers who reside in a rural area or those who commute a considerable distance to work may end up paying more in the long run if they choose the pay-as-you-go plan.
 
Even if you decide that the pay-as-you-go plan isn’t right for you, or if you are not a California resident, visit the web site www.onlineautoinsurance.com to compare rates from a variety of companies. Many websites offer instant quotes from a multitude of insurers.

Credit Answers specializes in debt management, credit card debt settlement, debt negotiation and bankruptcy alternatives. Credit Answers team of experts work to enable a new and fresh financial start for individuals with debt problems. We realize the importance of money in people’s lives and also the accompanied strain that debt can cause. Our team has helped thousands of clients across the nation.