Debt Consolidation Counseling Where to get Debt Consolidation Counseling

Will it help?The White House estimates the new provisions can lower payments for more than 1.6 million borrowers, but critics argue far fewer students will actually benefit.”Unless you have really low income, you’ll end up paying the loan off before you’d ever have anything forgiven,” says Orsolini. “If you have borrowed the maximum $27,000 (federal loan allowance) and if you make $24,500 (per year), you’ll pay your loan off in less than 20 years.”Publicity — or lack thereof — may be another barrier. Millions of borrowers can lower their monthly payments through the current income-based repayment plan, but only a few have enrolled, says Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access and Success, an Oakland, Calif.-based nonprofit that focuses on financial aid policy.”People still don’t know about income-based repayment,” she says. “We estimate that about 500,000 borrowers are enrolled now, which, frankly, is far lower than what we would expect in this climate.”The initiatives offer some consolation in contrast to more drastic 2012 financial aid changes. Next July, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans for undergrads will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, the government will stop subsidizing Stafford loans for graduate students, and the family income threshold to qualify for a full Pell Grant will decrease from $30,000 a year to $23,000. The government will also shorten the number of semesters students can qualify for a Pell from 18 to 12, making it tougher for nontraditional students, and will eliminate federal financial aid for students without high school or GED diplomas who entered higher education through the Ability to Benefit program. The American opportunity tax credit, the largest education tax credit currently available, is also scheduled to expire at the end of 2012, while college tuition continues to increase an average of 8 percent this year, according to Finaid.org.”If you’re currently in college, there’s not a lot you can do. You’re just going to have to buck up and pay (the cost increases)”, says Orsolini. “If you have kids going off to college, you’ve certainly got to take a look at all these factors and plan them into your college decisions.”

Article source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/college-finance/pay-as-you-earn-what-students-need-to-know.aspx?ic_id=Top_Financial%20News%20Center_link_3

An Eastern Michigan University student who was expelled from a counseling program because she refused to counsel gays and lesbians about their lifestyles won a major victory today in the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
A three-member panel of the court said Julea Ward can argue her religious discrimination suit against the university before a federal court jury in Detroit.
“Ward’s free speech claim deserves to go to a jury,” Judge Jeffrey Sutton said in an opinion joined by Julia Gibbons and John Adams. Adams is a federal district judge from northern Ohio who was sitting by designation on the appeals court.
“Although the university submits it dismissed Ward from the program because her request for a referral violated the ACA (American Counseling Association) code of ethics, a reasonable jury could find otherwise — that the code of ethics contains no such bar and that the university deployed it as a pretext for punishing Ward’s religious views and speech.”
Ward’s lawyers at the Alliance Defense Fund, a faith-based legal group, hailed the decision.
“Public universities shouldn’t force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree,” said the Alliance’s Jeremy Tedesco, the lawyer who argued the case. “The court rightly understood this and ruled appropriately. Rather than allow Julea to refer a potential client to another qualified counselor — a common, professional practice to best serve clients — EMU attacked and questioned Julea’s religious beliefs and ultimately expelled her from the program because of them.”
There was no immediate comment from Eastern Michigan University.
The case now goes back to U.S. District Judge George Steeh in Detroit, who ruled in favor of the university in 2010.
The case was closely watched by Christian-rights, gay and lesbian and academic-rights groups. Several Michigan universities filed briefs in support of EMU, saying schools should have the right to set their curriculum an students should be required to follow them.
Although Ward refused to counsel gays and lesbians about their sexual orientation, she said she was willing to counsel them on other issues
Staff Writer David Jesse contributed to this report.
Contact DAVID ASHENFELTER: dashenfelter@freepress.com

Article source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120127/NEWS06/120127022

An Eastern Michigan University student who was expelled from a counseling program because she refused to counsel gays and lesbians about their lifestyles won a major victory today in the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
A three-member panel of the court said Julea Ward can argue her religious discrimination suit against the university before a federal court jury in Detroit.
“Ward’s free speech claim deserves to go to a jury,” Judge Jeffrey Sutton said in an opinion joined by Julia Gibbons and John Adams. Adams is a federal district judge from northern Ohio who was sitting by designation on the appeals court.
“Although the university submits it dismissed Ward from the program because her request for a referral violated the ACA (American Counseling Association) code of ethics, a reasonable jury could find otherwise — that the code of ethics contains no such bar and that the university deployed it as a pretext for punishing Ward’s religious views and speech.”
Ward’s lawyers at the Alliance Defense Fund, a faith-based legal group, hailed the decision.
“Public universities shouldn’t force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree,” said the Alliance’s Jeremy Tedesco, the lawyer who argued the case. “The court rightly understood this and ruled appropriately. Rather than allow Julea to refer a potential client to another qualified counselor — a common, professional practice to best serve clients — EMU attacked and questioned Julea’s religious beliefs and ultimately expelled her from the program because of them.”
There was no immediate comment from Eastern Michigan University.
The case now goes back to U.S. District Judge George Steeh in Detroit, who ruled in favor of the university in 2010.
The case was closely watched by Christian-rights, gay and lesbian and academic-rights groups. Several Michigan universities filed briefs in support of EMU, saying schools should have the right to set their curriculum an students should be required to follow them.
Although Ward refused to counsel gays and lesbians about their sexual orientation, she said she was willing to counsel them on other issues
Staff Writer David Jesse contributed to this report.
Contact DAVID ASHENFELTER: dashenfelter@freepress.com

Article source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120127/NEWS06/120127022

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London
27 January 2012
Saint Kitts and Nevis has made marked process on debt reduction under a program supported by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF found, undertaking the first review of St Kitts and Nevis’s economic
performance under a 36-month Stand-by Arrangement program, that despite the
territory’s stagnant economy it had met all criteria necessary for
the disbursement of a second tranche of funds. The completion of the review of the jurisidction’s fiscal policy actions allows the immediate disbursement of around USD17.6m,
bringing total disbursements under the arrangements to around USD51.6m.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Managing
Director and Acting Chair, stated:
“All end-September 2011 quantitative targets have been met, despite slower-than-expected
economic growth. The fiscal target was met by a comfortable margin, and the
authorities were successful in reducing budget expenditure arrears to below
the levels at the end of December 2010. No external arrears were accumulated
except for debt service payments, which are part of the debt restructuring.
Also, the authorities approved the 2012 budget consistent with the program objectives.”
Shinohara said.

“The authorities have made progress on structural reforms, including by updating
the registry and undertaking the valuation of 600 acres of land, as well as
updating existing stress tests of financial institutions. To ensure fiscal sustainability,
further reforms will focus on public financial management, the civil service,
the social security system, and the strengthening of the social safety net.”
“The authorities are making progress on negotiations with their creditors
for the comprehensive restructuring of the public debt. Early implementation
of the debt restructuring will be critical for the success of the program. Continued
commitment to ensuring the stability and health of the financial sector will
be important to reduce vulnerabilities.”
In 2009, St Kitts and Nevis had the most significant public debt among its Caribbean peers, at 185% of
gross domestic product, and the third largest in
the world. Following the introduction of a value-added tax and excise tax reforms introduced in November
2010, and the streamlining of import duty exemptions and the introduction of an environmental levy, the government has managed to make inroads into the debt problem.
.

Article source: http://www.tax-news.com/news/St_Kitts_And_Nevis_Budget_Consolidation_On_Track____53695.html

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London
27 January 2012
Saint Kitts and Nevis has made marked process on debt reduction under a program supported by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF found, undertaking the first review of St Kitts and Nevis’s economic
performance under a 36-month Stand-by Arrangement program, that despite the
territory’s stagnant economy it had met all criteria necessary for
the disbursement of a second tranche of funds. The completion of the review of the jurisidction’s fiscal policy actions allows the immediate disbursement of around USD17.6m,
bringing total disbursements under the arrangements to around USD51.6m.
Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Managing
Director and Acting Chair, stated:
“All end-September 2011 quantitative targets have been met, despite slower-than-expected
economic growth. The fiscal target was met by a comfortable margin, and the
authorities were successful in reducing budget expenditure arrears to below
the levels at the end of December 2010. No external arrears were accumulated
except for debt service payments, which are part of the debt restructuring.
Also, the authorities approved the 2012 budget consistent with the program objectives.”
Shinohara said.

“The authorities have made progress on structural reforms, including by updating
the registry and undertaking the valuation of 600 acres of land, as well as
updating existing stress tests of financial institutions. To ensure fiscal sustainability,
further reforms will focus on public financial management, the civil service,
the social security system, and the strengthening of the social safety net.”
“The authorities are making progress on negotiations with their creditors
for the comprehensive restructuring of the public debt. Early implementation
of the debt restructuring will be critical for the success of the program. Continued
commitment to ensuring the stability and health of the financial sector will
be important to reduce vulnerabilities.”
In 2009, St Kitts and Nevis had the most significant public debt among its Caribbean peers, at 185% of
gross domestic product, and the third largest in
the world. Following the introduction of a value-added tax and excise tax reforms introduced in November
2010, and the streamlining of import duty exemptions and the introduction of an environmental levy, the government has managed to make inroads into the debt problem.
.

Article source: http://www.tax-news.com/news/St_Kitts_And_Nevis_Budget_Consolidation_On_Track____53695.html

Consumers have changed their spending behavior during the economic downturn, saving more and reducing credit card debt, but that hasn’t resolved their housing situations, a Las Vegas financial adviser said Thursday.Michele Johnson still sees 400 to 500 people a week coming to Consumer Credit Counseling Services, which has changed its name to Financial Guidance Center to better reflect the broad range of services offered by the HUD-approved, nonprofit United Way member agency.The previous name was too vague, Johnson said at a celebration of the agency’s 40th anniversary. When people thought of Consumer Credit Counseling Services, they thought of credit card debt, which is only one component of services offered.Debt management was the agency’s foundation, but housing is now the major concern for just about everybody in Las Vegas, the president and chief executive officer said.Her agency has provided more than $3.5 million in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, and helps homeowners navigate the complex and often frustrating road to loan modification and foreclosure alternatives.Financial Guidance Center is marketing its services and programs to thousands of Nevadans who continue to struggle under the incredible strain the economy has placed on the state, Johnson said at Stan Fulton International Gaming Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.”The Great Recession that’s still going on … it’s different for us than other parts of the country,” Johnson said. “I’m hopeful that we learned to save for that rainy day and inevitably it comes. Everyone thought we were recession-proof, and that’s proven not to be true.”Since the financial crisis emerged in 2008, U.S. household debt has fallen by $584 billion, or 15 percent relative to disposable income, which is more than in any other country, according to a report from McKinsey Global Institute.At this pace, Americans could reach sustainable debt levels by the middle of 2013, the report concluded.”They haven’t been spending the same way,” Johnson said. “I think people have been very cautious. They’re not sure about their jobs. Savings are up and spending is down.”Over 40 years, Consumer Credit Counseling Services assisted nearly 500,000 individuals and households with financial counseling and education. It brought back $18.3 million in tax returns for more than 17,000 households through an eight-year partnership with AARP and the Internal Revenue Service.Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said the agency has been instrumental in dealing with the housing crisis.”We’ve seen foreclosure scams go through the roof,” she said. “People are seeking a loan modification and can’t get the banks to work with them. They need help understanding the foreclosure process, and scammers come in and take their deed of trust.”During a video presentation of client testimonials, Casey Eckels of Las Vegas talked about how the recession had taken a toll on the tips he earned as a service worker in the casino industry.Eckels said he didn’t want to “walk away” from his house where he and his wife were raising two children.He had heard about people getting burned by “fly-by-night” loan modification companies, so he contacted Consumer Credit Counseling Services because it was HUD-approved. The agency was able to work out an agreement with his lender that lowered his mortgage payment from $2,400 a month to $1,100 a month and would reduce the principal by $60,000 over three years if payments were made on time.Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.

Article source: http://www.lvrj.com/business/consumers-showing-frugality-but-housing-pain-persists-138187744.html

Consumers have changed their spending behavior during the economic downturn, saving more and reducing credit card debt, but that hasn’t resolved their housing situations, a Las Vegas financial adviser said Thursday.Michele Johnson still sees 400 to 500 people a week coming to Consumer Credit Counseling Services, which has changed its name to Financial Guidance Center to better reflect the broad range of services offered by the HUD-approved, nonprofit United Way member agency.The previous name was too vague, Johnson said at a celebration of the agency’s 40th anniversary. When people thought of Consumer Credit Counseling Services, they thought of credit card debt, which is only one component of services offered.Debt management was the agency’s foundation, but housing is now the major concern for just about everybody in Las Vegas, the president and chief executive officer said.Her agency has provided more than $3.5 million in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, and helps homeowners navigate the complex and often frustrating road to loan modification and foreclosure alternatives.Financial Guidance Center is marketing its services and programs to thousands of Nevadans who continue to struggle under the incredible strain the economy has placed on the state, Johnson said at Stan Fulton International Gaming Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.”The Great Recession that’s still going on … it’s different for us than other parts of the country,” Johnson said. “I’m hopeful that we learned to save for that rainy day and inevitably it comes. Everyone thought we were recession-proof, and that’s proven not to be true.”Since the financial crisis emerged in 2008, U.S. household debt has fallen by $584 billion, or 15 percent relative to disposable income, which is more than in any other country, according to a report from McKinsey Global Institute.At this pace, Americans could reach sustainable debt levels by the middle of 2013, the report concluded.”They haven’t been spending the same way,” Johnson said. “I think people have been very cautious. They’re not sure about their jobs. Savings are up and spending is down.”Over 40 years, Consumer Credit Counseling Services assisted nearly 500,000 individuals and households with financial counseling and education. It brought back $18.3 million in tax returns for more than 17,000 households through an eight-year partnership with AARP and the Internal Revenue Service.Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said the agency has been instrumental in dealing with the housing crisis.”We’ve seen foreclosure scams go through the roof,” she said. “People are seeking a loan modification and can’t get the banks to work with them. They need help understanding the foreclosure process, and scammers come in and take their deed of trust.”During a video presentation of client testimonials, Casey Eckels of Las Vegas talked about how the recession had taken a toll on the tips he earned as a service worker in the casino industry.Eckels said he didn’t want to “walk away” from his house where he and his wife were raising two children.He had heard about people getting burned by “fly-by-night” loan modification companies, so he contacted Consumer Credit Counseling Services because it was HUD-approved. The agency was able to work out an agreement with his lender that lowered his mortgage payment from $2,400 a month to $1,100 a month and would reduce the principal by $60,000 over three years if payments were made on time.Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.

Article source: http://www.lvrj.com/business/consumers-showing-frugality-but-housing-pain-persists-138187744.html

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A former Ohio State and NFL quarterback facing 10 years in prison on fraud charges is requesting drug abuse counseling while behind bars.Art Schlichter is scheduled for sentencing next month in a fraud case stemming from a million-dollar ticket-selling scheme.An attorney for the 52-year-old Schlichter on Thursday asked a federal judge to recommend his client for a 500-hour federal prisons drug abuse program.Schlichter, of suburban Columbus, is also asking for a recommendation that he be sent to a prison close to the city.Schlichter, due for sentencing Feb. 7, was jailed last week after authorities said he violated the conditions of his bond by testing positive for cocaine use while free on house arrest.Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

Article source: http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7507836/art-schlichter-wants-drug-abuse-counseling-prison

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPFH) (the “Company” or
“BPFH”) today reported fourth quarter 2011 GAAP Net Income Attributable
to the Company of $13.1 million, compared to GAAP Net Income of $11.7
million in the third quarter of 2011. BPFH reported fourth quarter
diluted earnings per share of $0.15 compared to diluted earnings per
share of $0.14 in the third quarter of 2011.

“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data –
Note 1: Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies”

For the full year of 2011, BPFH reported GAAP Net Income Attributable to
the Company of $39.1 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of $11.0
million for the full year of 2010. BPFH reported diluted earnings per
share of $0.46, compared to a $0.29 loss per share for 2010.

“Our fourth quarter results show continued progress with our plan to
return the Company to sustainable and acceptable profitability,” said
CEO and President Clayton G. Deutsch. “We continue to drive improvements
in asset quality, and our overall restructuring program remains on
track. As we have made headway with our restructuring program, we are
increasingly focused on growth. Our recent fourth quarter loan growth
trajectory in all of our markets is encouraging. ”

Revenue Down Slightly in Low Rate Environment

Net Interest Income in the fourth quarter was $44.1 million, down 2%
from $45.1 million in the third quarter of 2011. For the full year of
2011, Net Interest Income was down 1% to $178.9 million. Fees and Other
Income for the quarter decreased slightly to $31.2 million, from $31.4
million in the third quarter of 2011. For the full year of 2011, Fees
and Other Income increased 12% to $125.0 million.

Net Interest Margin was 3.17% in the quarter, down eight basis points
from the third quarter of 2011. For the full year of 2011, Net Interest
Margin was 3.25%, down five basis points from the full year of 2010.

Total Assets Under Management/Advisory (“AUM”) increased to $19.1
billion in the fourth quarter, up 5% from $18.2 billion in the third
quarter 2011. For the full year of 2011, AUM was down 2%. The Company
experienced fourth quarter 2011 AUM net outflows of $140 million, as
compared to $223 million of net outflows in the prior quarter. AUM net
outflows for the year were $477 million.

Operating Expenses Increase in Q4

Operating Expenses (excluding restructuring costs of $0.7 million) in
the fourth quarter were $58.8 million, up 6% from $55.4 million
(excluding restructuring costs of $1.1 million) on a linked quarter
basis. For the full year of 2011, Operating Expenses (excluding
restructuring costs of $8.1 million) were down 2% to $232.1 million.

“The expense increase we experienced in the fourth quarter was driven by
non-recurring compensation increases related to the Bank integration and
attainment of full-year performance goals,” said David J. Kaye, Chief
Financial Officer. “Despite these items, we made significant progress on
expense reductions throughout the year.”

Asset Quality Continues to Improve

Provision for Loan Losses in the fourth quarter was a credit of $2.5
million, a decrease from a Provision for Loan Losses of $4.5 million in
the third quarter of 2011. Provision for Loan Losses was $13.2 million
for the year, down 85% from $87.2 million for 2010.

Non-Performing Loans (“NPLs”) declined for the third consecutive
quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2011, NPLs were $68.1 million, down 7%
from $73.4 million on a linked quarter basis and down 35% from $105.5
million as of the end of 2010. [...] Continue Reading…

Article source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120126006418/en/Boston-Private-Financial-Holdings-Reports-Fourth-Quarter

The NDSU Counseling Center has listed its group counseling programs that will start during the spring semester. These groups span a wide variety of issues that students may deal with and have been created for students who feel that they need help in these areas.
This semester, some of the programs include a graduate student support group, a bereavement group, a meditation group, an alcohol and drug abuse group, a mood management group and a group entitled “Unpacking Your Family Baggage”, which is designed for students with family concerns or issues.
Some groups, like the meditation and alcohol support groups, recur every semester. However, there are always new groups announced each semester. If a program receives enough feedback and attendance, the Counseling Center may make it a more regular group and offer it each semester.
All of the services at the Counseling Center are free for students. The Counseling Center, alongside support groups, offers individual counseling as well. While some students may feel wary about joining a group, Teresa DeMers, a counselor at the center, explains why groups can be beneficial.
“It’s helpful to be able to meet with other students who have similar concerns to be able to relate with one another, to be able to find support and to find ways to cope with some of the concerns they have,” DeMers said.
Marlys Borkhuis, the assistant director of the NDSU Counseling Center, said that students feel relieved when they realize that they’re not the only ones with a certain problem and learn to trust the other members of their group.
“I think sometimes you have to be able to trust the other people to tell them something and they’re not going to laugh at you or act like, ‘That’s really weird,’” she said.
Both DeMers and Borkhuis suggest that students try to challenge themselves if they feel that they need help. Joining a support group can be a big step, but it can also be a very beneficial one. The people in these groups help each other out, especially when some are further along in their healing journey than others.
Even though the sessions are with multiple people, confidentiality is required. Borkhuis stressed that no student will have to detail information that is uncomfortable for them to say to the group and that confidentiality will never be broken.
Once a student contacts the Counseling Center, they can usually get into a group within a week. If a student doesn’t want to try groups, or has found that the groups don’t work for them, the Center offers individual sessions as well.
“Everybody’s got stuff in life, you know? And I think of it as an opportunity to grow,” Borkhuis said, encouraging students to take the first step to helping themselves.
For information, students can visit the Counseling Center’s webpage at http://www.ndsu.edu/counseling. The Counseling Center is located in Ceres Hall 212.
 

Article source: http://www.ndsuspectrum.com/news/counseling-center-announces-spring-support-groups-1.2753319