‘Financial Help’ Archives
June is National Homeownership Month
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA Are you thinking about buying your first home? The first step in the process is learning what that process is. Homebuyer education has been around for some time but really came into focus after the housing bubble of 2003 - 2006 burst and we were plunged into the Great Recession in 2007. During the bubble, mortgage loans were handed out like candy with predatory loan terms. Borrowers did not understand the terms and the consequences of that lack of knowledge. Some 3.8 million homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure between 2007 and 2010. (Not all were first-time homebuyers, there was plenty of ill-advised refinancing of mortgages going on, as well.)First-time homebuyers are now strongly encouraged to take homebuyer education, required or not. (Most special loan programs or down payment assistance programs do require it.) I regularly hear from homebuyers how valuable the class is - they feel much more confident going forward on the homeownership path.And that [...]
Prepare + Prosper Offers Free DIY Tax Prep Service
What is DIY Tax Prep? Do-it-yourself tax prep can be a great option for people who are comfortable working with a step-by-step online program. This year, the service is available to folks with an income of $73,000 or less. How does it work? P+P will provide access to: Free web-based tax filing software so you can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income taxes, as well as the Minnesota renter or property tax refund.A DIY Tax Prep Guide to help you navigate tax situations and the tax software.Live online training held weekly by P+P tax-certified volunteers to support people with getting started on their returns and get answers to tax questions.Additional tax prep support is available via phone and email with a P+P tax-certified volunteer to help you successfully file. Learn more! https://prepareandprosper.org/do-it-yourself-tax-prep/Email: DIYtaxes@prepareandprosper.org or leave a voicemail at 651-262-2181. Prepare + Prosper offers free tax prep [...]
Something I Said: 3 Pound Cats
Dwight Hobbes By DWIGHT HOBBES 3 Pound Cats partners with clinics to provide seniors affordable pet care. A true godsend. After all, who is hit harder in these tough economic times? Yet nonetheless need to safeguard our furry, four-footed loved ones? Do a little price comparison at just a few animal hospitals and the picture comes into focus. For a still clearer idea, visit 3poundcats.com. “I originally was trying to place 3 rescue - or pound - cats into assisted living facilities”, recalls owner-operator Dr. Marie Louderback, DVM (call her Dr. Marie). “To get the cats out of the shelters and into homes with people to love them and pet them!” So, she isn’t only giving elders a break but has a heart for homeless would-be pets. Yes, including dogs. Ani-Meals executive director Melanie La Pointe remembers how she met 3 Pound Cats. “When I was unemployed and had 3 little dogs to take care of, my groomer introduced me to Dr. Marie. She helped me keep [...]
