Walk through your debt options in Sara's shoes and discover which is the best for you.

Sara has decided to end her relationship with debt — take a look at these two different debt-payoff scenarios.

 

Here at MMI, we are always looking for new ways to approach the complex topic of debt. So in an effort to make the subject more relatable, we recently launched the “Break up with Debt. For good.” awareness campaign.

The “Break up with Debt” campaign takes a light-hearted look at this very serious subject — with the hope that we can help more people realize that there is always a way out of a toxic relationship. And much like a bad romantic relationship, your relationship with debt can negatively affect every aspect of your life, from health problems like depression and insomnia to lost productivity at work.

And while factors like tax increases, student loans and the ever-changing economic landscape have left many feeling trapped in their relationships with debt, it’s important to remember that these are beyond your control. While your credit card debt, on the other hand, is something that can be controlled.

And we want to empower you to take that control back through our Debt Breakup blog series, right here on Blogging for Change. This series will guide you through the breakup process, and offer valuable tools and resources to help you break free from Debt once and for all.

If you missed it:

• An open breakup letter to Debt
• Three signs your debt just isn't that into you
• How much debt is too much?

And if you’re ready to break it off, once and for all?

MMI differs from other debt repayment services by teaching consumers to trim expenses, develop a spending plan, repay debts, and develop the financial know-how to effectively manage their finances for life.

The process starts with a free, no-obligation counseling session. Give us a call at 866.412.2227 to learn more about how MMI can help you break free from Debt, and begin to build a healthy relationship with your finances.

There's one simple reason Money Management International was named one of Houston's Top Workplaces for 2012.

When a disaster strikes it's important to weather-proof your important documents! This technique will make it quick and easy to ensure your records remain safe and dry.

The nonprofit Money Management International (MMI), the nation’s largest full-service credit counseling agency, announced today that it is working with the National Football League’s Player Engagement department to provide rookies, veterans and retired players access to important financial literacy programs and services designed to equip them to maximize their full financial potential at every stage of their career.

The tailored financial education program “Your Financial Game Plan” is part of Financial Solutions, MMI’s employer sponsored financial wellness program. The training offered through the program helps players take the necessary steps to understand their true net worth, assess their financial risk, live within a realistic budget and create smart financial goals.

“We are committed to offering our players the financial tools and resources they need to make smart financial decisions,” said James Thrash, player engagement manager for the NFL. “The objective of this program is to ensure players’ long-term financial stability throughout their football careers and beyond.”

In addition to the program designed for players entering the league, MMI is working with the NFL on additional programs to assist players who are transitioning into other areas of their career. These financial literacy workshops essentially provide education and advice on how to successfully live on a new budget, as well as how to make appropriate changes to investments to support their new lifestyle and life stage.

“We’re excited to work with the NFL to offer players appropriate financial education resources and a realistic perspective on the current economic environment,” said Maura Attardi, regional director of financial education for MMI. “Our in-person workshops provide an opportunity for players to develop short- and long-term financial goals, create a realistic monthly budget, and establish savings strategies to assist them both today and tomorrow.”  

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of financial regrets. Prior to taking a job at Money Management International, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about finances. But boy was I wrong! The more I learn, the more my financial mistakes of the past become clear to me. And my biggest financial regret is actually something I continue to struggle with to this very day.

Are you considering bankruptcy? Money Management International (MMI) is pleased to announce reduced rates for our bankruptcy pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge education fees.

MMI’s National Housing Survey reveals concerns with current mortgage-relief "programs". Due to the increased prevelance of foreclosure prevention scams and fraudulent services offered online, it can be difficult to know which company to trust.

Holiday spending has undoubtedly been a popular topic this season, but according to a November poll hosted by the NFCC, 40 percent of respondents revealed indicated that they do not intend to spend any money on holiday purchases.

If you’re someone who looking to make cuts in your spending this holiday season, but you're not sure how, try regifting! Regifting can be a great way to ensure you have a frugal, yet festive, holiday season, but first, you should brush up on your knowledge and take a course in Regifting 101.

The path to becoming a regifting master begins by asking yourself the following questions:

• Is the gift regiftable? Never regift handmade or one-of-a-kind items. Signed books and monogrammed items are off-limits. Do you have to be told not to regift free promotional items? Some gifts that are good candidates for regifting include good (unopened!) bottles of wine, new household items and inexpensive jewelry.
• How is the condition? Only new, unopened gifts in good condition should be considered for regifting. Never give partially used gift cards. Don’t give items that you have owned for a long time. A general rule of thumb: if you have to dust it off, it is not regiftable.
• Is this going to work? Successful regifters use common sense. If you are going to regift, be sure you know who gave you the item, so you don’t return something to the original giver. Only regift items to people who are not likely to see the original giver.
• Do you have good intentions? Don’t just give a gift to give a gift. Be sure that the recipient will appreciate the item. Remember, if you feel that an item is undesirable, the recipient probably will too. If you are regifting simply because you ran out of time, gift cards are simple to obtain and always well received.
• How does it look? When it comes to gift-giving, go for show! While gift bags in good condition can be reused, wrapping paper is a one-time thing. And be sure to always spring for a new card or gift tag.
• Can you handle it? If you don’t plan to announce the gift as a regift, ask yourself if you can keep the secret. Never feel guilty about regifting once you’ve done it.
• Have you considered your options? An unwanted gift could be a welcome donation to a charitable organization. It is also an option to suck it up and keep an unwanted gift — after all, it was a gift.

If you’re looking for more ways to save during the holidays, check out our new Holiday Headquarters section for tips and resources for cutting back without taking the cheer out of the season. And if you have regifting tips of your own, we’d love for you to share them! Leave a comment on this post or head over to our Regifting forum to share your experiences and ideas with the community.