COUNSELING SERVICES
Your first question is probably what is this counseling service and how
does it pertain to me? The answer of course is it is all about you and
how we can help you. Let’s start at the beginning. You came to our
website for a purpose; usually you have a need, a problem, or a concern
or sometimes you just want to be a good steward with what you have and
with which you want some help. Knowing up front we are a financial help
ministry clears the air of what kind of help we can be to you. Now we
can talk about how this process works. Counseling is divided into
sections. We help you to define the issue(s), hear your story, gather
the facts, consider the options, make a decision, prepare a plan of
action, implement the plan and track your progress. Understand, this is
all done in confidence with one of our certified credit counselors. If
you are in the Tampa Bay area, we offer free face to face counseling and
encourage you to call us as we can schedule an appointment at your
convenience. If not, we can use the combination of internet and
telephone technology. The telephone call is free (800 553-8621). We have
a Getting Started button for you to fill out some
information that allows us some knowledge in order to serve you. You can
complete the forms, hit the submit button and then talk with our
counselors about your need. Of course, if you wish, you can print the
forms, fill them out and fax them to (813) 989-0359. Tell us when and
how you would like for us to contact you and we will do it. People want
honest practical help and we give that to you.
EDUCATION SERVICES:
In the book of Hosea, chapter 4, verse 6, it says “My people perish for lack
of knowledge”. How true that is today. We receive credit cards allowing us
to purchase many items which we see as a positive to our lifestyle and yet
the dark side is the small print that can keep us in stronghold bondage for
many, many years. Interest rates, fees and creditor reporting are out of our
control and the results cost us far more in dollars than we ever thought
possible. Of course the creditors share information, so when one starts to
charge you, they all follow suit. There are similar issues with your credit
rating. The credit bureaus report information about you and if wrong, then
tough. Getting corrections made is hard as that is not what they do. They
gather report and you pay. We could go on and on about how these systems
work and don’t work, but at the end of the day, it really comes down to you.
You need to know, you need to understand, you need to be able to apply it to
you and you need the education. You need a resource to help you navigate
what is best for you. Under the button labeled "EDUCATION" we
discuss many of the helps we offer and when and how we provide them. However
for this section of our programs and services, we encourage you to talk with
us about your interest. We have lots of information and some prepared
programs like “Money-In-Motion, Making Sense of Family Finances and Managing
Your Lifestyle” to name a few. Our encouragement to you is to call us (free
call 800 553-8621) or use this site to e-mail us and we will
be happy to help you, answer your questions, provide resources and even help
to apply this knowledge to meeting your need. A small amount of your time
checking things out before you decide can save you not only many dollars but
peace of mind. Also while you are here, check out our sections
FAQ
and News & Information. They just might provide the knowledge
you are looking for.
DEBT PROGRAMS:
You have debt and are considering your options, then consider these.
Credit Cards/Medical bills/unsecured debts – use our
DEBT FREEDOM PROGRAM
There are other choices to
consider as well. Home equity, home refinancing, installment loan,
consolidation loan, and borrowing from your 401K or IRA. These are choices
for you to consider in addressing your debt and each has a price. When you
look at options, take in account your lifestyle, upcoming
changes/obligations and possible new goals or direction changes. Add the
cost element of dollars paid back and time to payoff because these will
shock you when you compare them. There is a saying that goes sometimes like
this, ”when you have a debt problem and don’t address it, it will not go
away, it will only get bigger and your options become fewer.” So, if you
have a debt problem, let us help you consider your options.
DEBT FREEDOM PROGRAM (DFP)
The first thing you should know is this is not a loan, it is a way out of
debt. Here is how it works for you. Given you are past due, over the limit
on your card(s) or ready to payoff this growing debt, then DFP maybe a good
solution for you. Of course other unsecured debts (such as medical bills,
collection accounts and old convenience debts) can be included here as well.
As an accredited non-profit agency, we are authorized by the creditors to
pass to you the benefits of their defined debt management program. Creditors
define the interest rate, stop past due fees, stop over limit fees and reage
your account to bring it current. This is the same for all agencies. Be
careful if you shop around and they tell you something different or that
they have a special deal.
The program is structured such that you enroll your individual debts (use
our Getting Started form to do this step). We will calculate
your payment for these debts as a single monthly payment. We then discuss
the details of what each creditor will do for you and the length of time to
become debt free. The one key point about this program is the rollover
feature. Once a debt is paid in full, that money is applied to another debt
until all your debts are paid in full. This snowball effect shortens your
payback to five years or less and saves you hundreds in interest cost. If
this arrangement works for you, then we complete the process to get you
started. We are not a high pressure agency. Don’t feel because we talked
with you that you are committed to sign up. Our role is to help you find the
best solution, given all the facts.
CREDIT PROGRAMS:
Before you borrow, know your credit score – use our
CREDIT REPORT REVIEW W/SCORE SERVICE
Credit report errors & issues hurting you – use our
CREDIT AUDIT & VERIFICATION SERVICE
As consumers we all use
credit at one time or another and for some, we use it a lot. Use of credit
allows us to make purchases that otherwise we could not afford to make, such
as homes, autos, big and even small ticket items. Because we use credit and
therefore use the credit system, it is our responsibility to ensure that the
credit system reflects our records correctly. This system for many of us is
known as our credit report and the records about us are reported by the
three major credit bureaus. Each of us have a credit record and today that
record data is translated into a credit score. This allows the lender to
take your score number and quickly decide the level of credit risk you are
and what rates, terms and conditions to offer you or the other side is to
deny you and wish you well. Credit, like your good name, must be protected
and honored because once harmed, it is hard to restore. One last point you
should know. The credit system was not designed for you; it was designed for
the lenders, to protect the lender from risk and provide information to them
about you so they can determine if and how much to loan you. Now with all
this knowledge, do you know your credit score? If not, let’s talk.
CREDIT REPORT REVIEW W/SCORE SERVICE
Your credit report and now your credit score are more important than ever.
It use to be that when you wanted to borrow money, you would meet with a
loan officer, give some information about yourself and have your credit
report pulled. Most of this was not shared with you. Only the decision to
loan or not to loan and the amount with terms were usually all you knew.
Today this credit lending world has changed in big ways; the most notable is
the introduction of the credit score. Gone are the loan officers. In their
place is an automated system that can quickly respond whether to loan or not
to loan you money.
How do you handle this when using credit and not become a victim of the
system? The answer starts with pulling your credit report with your score.
As you look it over, notice all the different sections of this report; the
header, public records, score and reasons, trade data, inquiries, reporting
agencies and the summary section. All are important and all affect your
credit standing. Now you are starting to see the complexity of the system
but don’t be afraid, because once you break it down by each section and
understand it, knowledge becomes your strength. An example of this was a
family with an auto loan at 22% and $440 a monthly payments. After working
with and educating them about their credit, they were able to refinance this
same auto at 5.99%, $330 payment and cut 8 payments off the length of their
loan. Understand the credit system does not look out for you, you look out
for you. So if you are ready to “look out for you”, let us help you do that.
You can go to our Getting Started section or call us toll free
(800 553-8621) or e-mail us or fax us (813 989-0359) and yes,
we still accept the traditional US postal mail method, write to us. However
you choose to do it is fine, but to not do it will not change anything for
you. We are here to help you. Let’s talk.
CREDIT AUDIT & VERIFICATION SERVICE
My goodness these are big words. What is this all about? The simple answer
is it is a way for you to legally address any errors on your credit report.
We have all heard the horror stories of how a friend or co-worker’s credit
was ruined because of information wrongly being reported on their credit
report. We are not talking about identity theft. That is another issue and
has its’ own story. Rather we are talking about the 4 billion data bits of
updating information that goes into the credit system monthly and how you
can be affected through this massive volume of postings. Keep in mind it is
not only errors that are not related to you, but errors from the very
creditors that you do business with. Okay this is not meant to scare you but
tell you reality does exist and computers are great tools and we are human
and errors happen. Yes these errors can hurt your credit standing and credit
score. That is why the government passed a law giving you the right to
acquire a free credit report once a year. Even they knew bad things happen
to good people. The bottom line for you is two points. Get a copy of your
credit report once a year and if it contains errors, address them promptly.
Okay, one more point. Errors don’t only have to be the way out crazy items
on your report (although they do exist). They could be postings like past
due/late payments that are wrong, or duplicate postings of an account, or
balance due, credit limit, payment history, etc. All are inaccurate
information which hurts you. This is serious business when you want to use
credit and find out you have to pay a higher cost because of incorrect
information being reported about you. So if you are ready and want to look
at this matter, then let’s get started. You can call us (800 553-8621),
e-mail us, fax us (813 989-0359) and yes, you can choose to write
to us.
BUDGETING PROGRAMS:
Need a quick picture of where you are at – use our
FREE
COUNSELING BUDGET SERVICE
Want to get a handle in your spending – use our
CASH ENVELOPE SYSTEM
Want more than payday to payday living – use our
FULL BUDGET “CROSSINGOVER” PROGRAM
I am sure you have
heard the expression “where did all the money go” many times. With todays
fast pace lifestyles, it can go from your pocket to wherever before you know
it. It seems that something is always coming up. You receive an insurance
notice of increase, taxes are due, or surprise, Christmas is here again. No
matter how hard you try, it may seem like all you do is respond. Pay this
bill, delay this one and where did this one come from are common stories we
often hear. You do what you know how and you do the best you know how to do
and some days it is never enough. Is it possible to change this story, is it
possible to be able to pay bills on time and is it possible to even make it
beyond a payday? The answer is clearly a loud YES! Getting from working for
the money to having your money work for you is possible and is a small
journey. Once there, you will never turn back. Peace of mind, peace in your
marriage, peace in the family and peace making new decisions are all
priceless when you get your money working with your lifestyle. If this is
you, then consider the following programs.
FREE COUNSELING BUDGET SERVICE
We offer this program to you because it can be a first step to show you a
lifestyle in a financial picture that you may never have seen before. We
have done this with families thousands of times and at least 65% of the time
it came as a shock to them. By shock I didn’t mean great news, rather the
opposite. How did this happen and no wonder we aren’t making it are often
their response. There is good news however. After we gather some information
and work with you a little, we can show you different options that will help
you obtain a new lifestyle. Taking a look at your income, expenses, debt and
balance sheet (wealth) will set a stage to help you see where you are and
even help you decide where you want to be. For some people this is all they
need. A good look at where they are at, a little help to realign, a trusted
resource to help look at their options and a closing prayer. We do this and
if you would like more, we do that also. If this is you and we can help,
start with our Getting Started button. Fill out what you can,
submit it to us and then, let’s talk. Remember, any change must start with
the first step and filling out the forms is a great way to start.
CASH ENVELOPE SYSTEM
Need some money for gas? How about lunch money? Need to buy a birthday gift
today and short on funds? Does your ATM machine know you so well that a pin
number is no longer required? Are you ready to make a change?
How about an old proven successful method that not only works for you but
puts you in control, meets your needs and saves you gas and time from
stopping at the ATM. Sound too good to be true? Your parents and
grandparents found it worked for them and yes it can work for you. It is
called a Cash Envelope System. Ok, it is not high tech, has no plastic card
and you are held accountable; if that is fine with you, then this little
solution will make you one happy camper. It is not hard to set up, nor is it
hard to use and best of all it serves you for all your different needs. Now
are you ready to get started? We have a package for you. It includes simple
instructions, examples and a set of papers for you to use. It is all built
on God’s principles of stewardship. Plus we are here to help you implement
it and we will be here for you as you use it. The first steps start with you
calling us (800-553-8621), or e-mail us, or fax us (813
989-0359) and yes you can write to us. Remember tomorrow won’t change until
you do something today.
FULL BUDGET “CROSSINGOVER” PROGRAM
Paying bills, meeting the many different money demands and trying to keep
afloat is a challenge many of us face every day. It seems that there is
always more month left than money and no matter how hard you try, another
event or need awaits you just around the corner. Over time we find that we
are working for the money. Our decisions and our lifestyle seem fixed
because we have no extra money. For some, we just stop dreaming or stop
setting any kind of goal because we don’t see a way to change it. This
picture is real for many families today. Yet it doesn’t have to stay that
way. There is a workshop we conduct called “World’s Way vs. God’s Way” and
in short, what it does is to show you there are two systems to managing
money, the World’s or God’s. You chose which one you will use. By the way,
if you don’t chose, the default system you get is the World’s Way. Our
program is called “CrossingOver” for a reason; it is a process of helping
you change from managing your money the world’s way to a complete new system
with a firm foundation called God’s way. Understand if you are interested in
this program that it is not a quick fix, it will not instantly make all
things right nor is it the other extreme, believing God will take care of it
and you can relax and sit back. What it is will take you and your family on
a journey of discovery, education, dreams, goals, changes, and a big dose of
peace. You will better understand what the bible says about money principles
and how to live by them. Your new decisions will be far different than your
old ones and as is stated in the last verse of Jeremiah 29:11 “to give you a
future with hope”. Many families have gone before you on this journey and
our testimony page will encourage you with their stories. So, if you are
ready for a “new future with hope”, give us a call (800 553-8621), or
e-mail us, or fax us (813 989-0359) and yes, we like getting
letters, so write to us.
HOUSING
ASSISTANCE:
Buying your home for the first time or the hundredth time can be a challenge
to you because it is not something you do often and it is complex. Even to
refinance your home is not easy with all the forms, requirements, extra
money needed and many people wanting more information, not to mention the
confusion at the closing. Yet with all these negatives, we still do it and
repeat it no matter how complex. We don’t like it; we don’t understand it
and we wish it could be a more simple process. As one of the current
commercials on TV says “won’t somebody help me?” We are that somebody for
you.
ONE–on-ONE ASSISTANCE
You
are looking for a home, have found a home or even have a home and want to
refinance it. Now you need a mortgage and everyone is telling you they have
a friend in the business or the TV ad says let the lenders fight over you
and you win. Truth is, getting a mortgage is a big deal and one big deal
that you will be paying for many years out. Trusting someone to take care of
you when their agenda is a commission is akin to the fox guarding the
chicken coop. Not to say they aren’t nice people. In fact they are very nice
people trying to make a living and using a system designed to benefit the
lender. If you are serious about getting a good deal on your mortgage, then
you need a good resource to help you navigate these waters. You need to get
personal with your financial information and how it applies to getting a
good mortgage. You need to know your credit score, credit issues, front end
ratio, back end ratio, RESPA, truth in lending laws, and what a good faith
statement is. You need to know how the loan process works and your role in
making it happen. Having knowledge and a game plan before you payout any
money or sign forms will put you in the drivers’ seat. If you don’t get your
game plan and go to deep into the process, you’ll soon find that you are
becoming a victim. Homes are the American dream for many of us and mortgages
are a fact of life. If you are thinking about a mortgage (new or refinance)
let us help you. You can call us free (800 553-8621), e-mail
us, fax us (813 989-0359) and yes, we like receiving letters.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE for the DO IT YOURSELF FOLKS
Sometimes we just want to understand things in our own way. We want to read
about them, ponder them and even figure them out to where they make sense to
us. Sometimes we just need some basic education before we can go forward. If
this is you, then smile, because we have what you are looking for. As a
non-profit ministry, we receive booklets from Fannie Mae which we can give
out to you. These booklets are free and although basic in nature, they will
get you started on the right track. We have four booklets and they are
available in both English and Spanish. They are:
-
Opening the Door to a Home of Your Own
-
Knowing and Understanding Your Credit
-
Choosing the Mortgage that’s right for you
-
Buying Your Home – Settlement Costs and Helpful Information (English only)
When you contact us to request any of these booklets, let us know if you want them in English or Spanish.
You can call us free (800 553-8621), e-mail us, fax us (813 989-0359) and yes, we like receiving letters.
MORTGAGES
We are often asked, do you know anyone we can trust to get our mortgage or
to refinance our current mortgage? Our answer is yes. Now here is the full
and complete answer. We are not in the lending business, we are not a
broker. We don’t process mortgages. We are a Christian Financial & Education
Ministry helping individuals and families with their needs and with
resources. In the Tampa Bay area, we know some good Christian folks that are
in the mortgage business and because we hold them to a high standard, we
will often refer people to them. In fact, we will aid you if you would like.
We keep track of how well they treat you and let them know if they don’t
meet our standards. God holds us accountable to serve you properly and we
believe it is no less important to hold others accountable as well. So, if
we can help you with this resource, you can call us free (800 553-8621),
e-mail us, fax us (813 989-0359) and yes, we like receiving
letters.
Need to get your bankruptcy certificate – use
our
“KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS” - A
BRIEFING
Need to get your education certificate – use our
MONEY IN MOTION PROGRAM
The new bankruptcy law went into effect October 17, 2005 and as a part of that new law, it requires each person to obtain two certificates. One comes from an approved Credit Counseling Agency where you are to receive a briefing resulting in a printed certificate to be taken to your attorney for your bankruptcy filing. The other is an education program that you must take and obtain a certificate that goes back to the court before you can receive your discharge. If you are considering bankruptcy or are already in the process, then let us help you.
“KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS” - A BRIEFING
Family Life Resources is approved to issue certificates in compliance
with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of
an Agency’s services. Family Life Resources has been approved by the
Executive Office for the United States Trustee to provide these services to
you in Region 21, Florida Middle District. This briefing “Knowing Your
Options”, is a well defined service that you can choose to take in one of
three formats. First is our face-to-face (in-person) service. You call for
an appointment at your convenience, plan on at least an hour and a half with
one of our trained certified counselors. The second choice is our telephonic
service. Here we schedule a time with you to conduct this briefing. Just
like the in-person service, this method also will take approximately one and
a half hours to complete. The third choice is our internet counseling
service. Here we have you complete some information on forms located within
this website. Submit them to us and then we work with you to complete the
remaining portion of this briefing. Upon completion of this briefing a
certificate is issued to you as required for your attorney to file your
bankruptcy. To get started, you can call us toll free at 800 553-8621,
e-mail us or you
can even fax us 813 989-0359.
MONEY IN MOTION PROGRAM
Family Life Resources is approved to issue certificates in compliance
with the Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of
an Agency’s services. Family Life Resources has been approved by the
Executive Office for the United States Trustee to provide these services to
you in Region 21, Florida Middle District. Money in Motion is a well defined
program that you can choose to take in one of three formats. First is the
new on-line program where you register with us and we get you set up so that
you can take this course on your own time table. The process is fairly easy
using your own computer and the ability to come and go as you wish is great
for those with a busy schedule. The second method is our face-to-face
(in-Person) service. You call for an appointment at your convenience, plan
on at least two and half hours with one of our trained certified counselors.
Again, if you would like to do it this way, contact us to set you up with
the process. The third method is by class room. We host a 2 ½ hour class for
this program at our office. If you would like to do this, then contact us
for the current schedule of dates. To get started, you can call us toll free
at 800 553-8621,
e-mail us or you
can even fax us 813 989-0359.
PAYDAY LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
Florida has a law that says in simple terms; if you take a Cash Advance from
a Cash Advance company, and you cannot pay it back by the due date, you can
contact an Approved Consumer Credit Counseling Agency who can arrange a
repayment plan for you. We are an approved source for you and the service is
free. We also have information to help you now and in the future concerning
the use of payday loans. So, if we can help you, you can call us free (800
553-8621), e-mail us, or fax us (813 989-0359).
AUTO ASSISTANCE SERVICE
For those of you in the
Tampa Bay area looking to purchase a used auto and would like some help,
then consider letting us serve you. Our service is focused on helping you
decide what you want and how best to acquire it. We work with a resource
that understands your needs and really cares about helping you. So, if you
would like some no pressure one-on-one help, you can call us free (800
553-8621), e-mail us, or fax us (813 989-0359).
HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE SERVICE
As a
Christian ministry, we are always looking for ways to help others. One of
those needs today is health insurance and it seems to be an ever growing
concern for many people. What we have to offer you is not the main stream
insurance products that most people use but rather an alternative affordable
way to give you protection and join thousands of Christian brothers and
sisters in a way to share one another’s burden. We have two different
products and would be pleased to answer any questions, provide you written
information and even help you understand how this insurance process works.
So, if we can help you, you can call us free (800 553-8621), e-mail
us, or fax us (813 989-0359).
SIMPLE WILL SERVICE
The age old question; do you have a will? It is a simple question with a
simple answer that should be; yes I have a will. The world today is far too
complex for you not to be protected by a will. You may not even think you
need one or what good it could be to you. Let’s look at one example. You
have minor children; do you know what the state will do for or to your
children if you don’t leave a will? Most likely they will be placed in
foster care until the court and social services can determine the best place
for them to be. If you don’t want that to happen and you know who should
take care of them, then put it in your will. If we have your attention and
you want some help, you can call us free (800 553-8621), e-mail us, or fax
us (813 989-0359).
TAX PREPARATION SERVICE
The annual ritual of filing our tax returns is still as much fun as having
our teeth pulled. We can’t do much to relieve your pain of having to file,
but we can at least help you get it done. If you live in the Tampa Bay area
and would like to use our professional resource at an affordable price, then
you can call us free (800 553-8621), e-mail us, or fax us (813 989-0359).
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
If you work
in the Tampa Bay area, there is a good chance that your employer has an EAP
with us and you are encouraged to use our services for you and your family.
These services include everything you see here in this website and for many
of you; we come to your worksite. If your employer does not have an EAP with
us, give them our website address and have them contact us. We’ll take it
from there and soon you too can have some quality honest help to address
your needs.
