Financial Counseling

Results: 11

• AARP Tax Aide Programs (1)
  DT-8800.0100

  AARP Tax Aide Programs

  DT-8800.0100
  
  Programs sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that provide tax preparation assistance for persons age 60 and older, particularly those who are confined to their residences or retirement communities. The service, which is also known as Tax Counseling for the Elderly or TCE, is provided by volunteers trained by the IRS.
• Credit Counseling (1)
  DM-1500.1500

  Credit Counseling

  DM-1500.1500
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who want to improve their understanding of the consumer credit lending and collections systems, and maximize their skill in using credit. Services may include help in completing credit application forms, understanding how credit information is analyzed, choosing the best credit cards and/or interest rates available, determining how many credit cards can be managed, protecting one's credit information, communicating with creditors, improving poor credit reports and associated credit scores, eliminating credit card debt and dealing with other credit card issues.
• Debt Management (1)
  DM-1800

  Debt Management

  DM-1800
  
  Programs that provide assistance for individuals who are having difficulty meeting their financial obligations and, as a result, may be faced with bankruptcy or loss of their home or property.
• Estate Planning Assistance (1)
  FT-2700

  Estate Planning Assistance

  FT-2700
  
  Programs that offer a review of options and assistance to people who want to provide for the administration and/or protection of their assets during their lifetime, develop a plan for managing their finances in the event of a disabling illness, prepare binding instructions for the health care they wish to receive or avoid should they become terminally ill, make arrangements for the disposition of their assets with a minimum amount of taxation upon their death and provide for the administration of their estate should their spouse or other beneficiaries be incapable of managing their affairs. Estate planning provides an opportunity for individuals to make their wishes known and to name the person(s) who will be responsible for carrying out those directives. Tools available during the estate planning process include a Last Will and Testament, durable power of attorney for health care, durable financial power of attorney and a directive to physicians such as a living will, natural death directive or other state-recognized document. A revocable living trust may also be appropriate in some circumstances.
• Fraud Prevention (2)
  FN-1500.2050

  Fraud Prevention

  FN-1500.2050
  
  Programs that help older adults, people who live alone and other vulnerable individuals become aware of the scams and con games that are most frequently used to induce victims to part with their money or valuables. Common scams include fraudulent prize offers, "free" travel packages that have hidden costs or which never materialize, "get rich quick" investments that turn out to be worthless, tax debt/refund scams, phony charities with names that are similar to well-known organizations and schemes involving promises to recover an individual's money following their victimization by another scam.
• Investment Counseling (1)
  DM-3300

  Investment Counseling

  DM-3300
  
  Programs that provide information and guidance for people who want to purchase securities or place money or property in business ventures, real estate or other investment plans for the purpose of earning profits. Included are programs that focus on wealth building through a combination of investments, debt reduction and savings to realize long or short-term financial goals which may include having an emergency fund, owning a home or a business, paying for a child's education or having enough money to live comfortably during retirement years.
• Money Management (1)
  DM

  Money Management

  DM
  
  Programs that provide assistance for people who want to build personal wealth, obtain credit and use it responsibly, access their credit reports and correct erroneous information, pay their bills in an orderly way, reduce their debt burden and/or manage their financial resources more effectively. The objective of money management programs is to help individuals and families become more financially stable and achieve long-term economic independence.
• Motor Vehicle Tax Information (1)
  DT-8700.5000

  Motor Vehicle Tax Information

  DT-8700.5000
  
  Programs that provide information about the annual taxes on motor vehicles owned by local residents collected by state and/or municipal offices. The tax, the amount of which varies depending on the assessed value of the vehicle, is usually paid at the time the vehicle is registered or the registration is renewed, and can be deducted from federal income taxes by those who itemize.
• Personal Financial Counseling (1)
  DM-6500

  Personal Financial Counseling

  DM-6500
  
  Programs that help people who are having difficulty paying their monthly bills gain control of their finances. The process generally involves analysis of the individual's income, expenses, debts, taxes and other factors to create a personal financial assessment; development of a budget for basic living expenses; and agreement on a short-term plan for repayment of creditors which may include debt consolidation or other strategies and a longer term plan for realizing personal financial goals.
• Retirement Planning (3)
  DM-7150

  Retirement Planning

  DM-7150
  
  Programs that help people of all ages plan financially for retirement. Services may include a review of existing assets, retirement goals and expected retirement income and assets; analysis of options which may include work-related and individual retirement accounts, investments, savings accounts, trusts, annuities and insurance policies; and assistance in formulating strategies for money management, asset growth and protection, and realistic goal setting based on the client's age, current lifestyle, financial obligations and future earnings potential.
• Tax Preparation Assistance (1)
  DT-8800

  Tax Preparation Assistance

  DT-8800
  
  Programs that help eligible individuals (including older adults, people with disabilities and people with low incomes) prepare their tax returns or complete paperwork to apply for tax relief in the form of tax credit, rebate, exemption or postponement programs. Included are programs staffed by volunteers or others who provide this service without charge and professional tax preparation services. Most tax preparation assistance sites allow the people they assist to file their tax return information electronically.