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Allison was already struggling to make ends meet and make the payments on her high-interest rate credit card debt when ‘life’ really knocked her down. First, it was her beloved cat, Pepper. He had been there for her through good and bad times and when Pepper required vet care, it was no surprise that Allison would do whatever was necessary to help him. The vet bills began to roll in.

Then Allison’s Dad feel ill in the hospital and she was forced to help him with his bills at home. Like most people, Allison never expected these events to happen. However, now she found herself living what felt like a nightmare. Barely able to keep up with her minimum payments before her Dad fell ill, now trying to keep two households afloat was adding an enormous amount of stress to her daily life.

“I was paying my minimum payments but there were so many that it was never even making a dent in my debt,” explained Allison. She decided it was time to seek help. Hoping to prevent her situation from getting any worse, she reached out to Century. One of our Certified Debt Specialists talked with her about her needs and provided her with what options would be best for her. After reviewing her options, Allison enrolled in our debt settlement program.

She knew it would not happen overnight and trusted the process that would eventually lead her toward better financial health. “I spoke with Jennifer and she was great. She explained the process to me and answered all of my questions. I was in so much credit card debt that this program could not have come any sooner,” explained Allison.

She is working closely with our customer experience team throughout her program, taking advantage of several of our convenient communication methods. “When they have a settlement ready, they let me know and I can approve it or not. If I want to approve the settlement, Century has a really easy process to go through online or through my phone,” Allison stated.

“I’m making progress and most of my debts are already negotiated. I’m very close to being done. I will actually have my debt completely cleared up way sooner than if I hadn’t gone through Century.” Allison stated.

Congratulations on your program success, Allison!

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

Credit cards are a financial tool. If used wisely, they help manage finances, build credit profiles, and meet financial goals. If misused, they have the potential to create an overwhelmingly stressful financial life.

No matter how you may feel, credit cards are a necessary part of one’s life in the 21st century. It is unrealistic (and arguably unwise) to think one can avoid using credit in a credit-based economy. Therefore, it is essential to know how to use credit prudently.

Stay Mindful Of The Fact That Temptations Are Everywhere.

Marketing is designed to entice consumers to open their wallets, even for things they cannot afford and purchases they do not need.

You Are Not Alone.

According to a recently released Harris Poll, nearly 50% of those polled carry credit card debt. About 40% carry debt from month to month. Approximately 25% of the respondents who carried debt had more than $100,000 in debt.

Debt also tends to amplify inflation’s impact. Other relevant stats from Harris Poll’s 2021 Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey include the following–

• 26% of the responding general population is more worried this year about meeting basic expenses related to the household than 12 months ago.
• 24% of the responding general population is more worried about making timely debt payments this year.

Spend Within Your Means

With temptation everywhere, this may be easier said than done – but not impossible! It can be tempting (and convenient) to use a credit card to meet this cash flow issue when facing a monthly shortfall. Focus on spending less than your income, so it is more unlikely there will be a shortfall to manage.

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

While you’re working diligently on your debt-relief program, don’t forget about tax relief. The joke that the IRS is actually the “Eternal Revenue Service” isn’t too far off the mark, and you’ll not want to complicate your financial life further by getting out of step with the world’s most powerful and relentless collection agency—the IRS.

As we get older, it seems that time passes more quickly with each passing year. So, now between January 1 and the April 15 (April 18 for 2022) deadline for filing your income tax return, those 105 days can fly by quickly. If you’ve done nothing much to get your return prepared, you could be facing monetary penalties for late or inaccurate filing.

Or, worse, you could be missing out on tax breaks, legal deductions, and new 2021 tax credits.

By way of a general planning roadmap, and while there is still time, there are things to remember when filing your income tax return in 2022:

Collect and organize your 2021 tax documents.

Your W2s, 1099s, and other interest and earnings statements should begin arriving in the mail or online after the new year. Gather those documents in a file folder and keep a checklist of everything you’ll need to begin preparing your return.

Decide how you are going to file

Your choices range from hiring a tax accountant to preparing your own return. Tax preparers earn their keep by doing all your paperwork and finding all your legal tax deductions. Remember, however, that they have a busy season, so your best bet is to make an appointment early in the year. 

Do your own taxes and save money

If, however, you are among the middle-income earners and not interested in paying a CPA around $500 to prepare your federal and income taxes, you can do your own taxes using tax software or online e-file services.

The tie-breaker is whether or not you should itemize your deductions. If you can come up with deductions above the standard $12,950 for single filers–$25,900 if you’re filing jointly–then you’re getting into the realm of complicated forms and IRS audit triggers. If not, your filing task is simpler, and you should go the do-it-yourself route.

Look at income tax preparation software

Even if your return is one or two steps beyond simple, tax preparation software—costing about one-tenth the price of a CPA—can get you over the hump. There are some free versions, but pay the freight for the full-featured products and you’ll get some fringe benefits of built-in auditing and accuracy checks, online advice from experts, and, in the case of H&R Block’s product, an assurance that you won’t get dinged by an IRS audit.

Also, you might be able to log into a free income tax filing session with your home state. Although not listed in this IRS newsroom piece, Colorado is one state that has a user-friendly income tax filing site. You’ll need to file your federal return first and know your adjusted gross income, among other things.

Educate yourself about tax changes this tax year

The COVID-19 pandemic saw significant tax changes in the areas of child credit and tax relief bonuses in 2021. You need to get familiar with those and other tax changes. See this C/NET online piece on 10 tax changes that could impact the size of your tax return. Or you can go straight to the source and review this IRS news item highlighting 2021 tax changes.

Plan on an extension if you need it

You can receive an automatic filing extension to mid-October (or longer if you reside outside the U.S.). The catch is that you must estimate your tax liability and pay it up front. So, the IRS will wait for the paperwork, but not for a payment you owe.

Need Help with Your Taxes? Community Tax Can Help!

Community Tax has extensive experience assisting taxpayers with significant IRS tax burdens. Their dedicated team is ready to provide you with a free consultation to help determine the best plan of action for your specific situation.

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

As March National Credit Education Month nears; this presents an excellent opportunity not only to further your own awareness about credit —but to spread some of this valuable knowledge onto your own children and other youth in your life.

Teaching kids about credit early will help them build a foundation for responsible budgeting and spending, and help them learn about the financial burdens that can come with misusing credit. Read on to discover simple tips for teaching kids about credit.

Lesson 1: Credit Basics

Without a solid understanding of how financial decisions can affect credit, it’s very easy to make mistakes that can ultimately tarnish your credit and have a long-lasting impact on your life. You may already know this all-too-well, so by spreading awareness of credit education, you may be able to protect a child or another loved one from falling into a similar situation.

Unfortunately, according to the U.S. News & World Report, only 19 states across the country currently require students to take financial education classes. When teaching your kids about credit, it’s best to start with the basics. Get the conversation started by explaining how credit cards are borrowed money you can use to make purchases. Adults use them if they don’t have the exact amount when buying something; credit cards are also used to make large purchases and build overall creditworthiness.

There are also several terms that are associated with credit cards that you should teach your kids. Be sure to go over the following terms to ensure they understand the basics of credit, loans and debt:

 

• Credit limit
• Credit card balance
• Interest
• Credit card payments
• Credit report
• Credit score

Lesson 2: Credit Cards are not free money

Help your kids understand that when a money lender (bank) gives you a credit card, they tell you how much you’re allowed to borrow, which is called a credit limit. The more responsible you are with your credit card, the more they will lend you. If you do not pay back the borrowed money on time, you may have to pay a late fee on top of paying back what you’ve borrowed.
These late fees are called interest and will increase until you completely pay back the borrowed money

Lesson 3: Wants Vs Needs

Help kids understand that credit cards are not free money and should only be used for needs or emergencies, instead of for things they want, so they can better maintain their financial health and creditworthiness in the long term.

When teaching your children about credit limits, simply explain that there is a certain amount that the bank or lender is willing to let a user borrow. The more responsible a customer is with their credit card and payments, the more credit the lender will be willing to offer in the future.
Make sure your child understands that even if you have a lot of credit to spend, racking up big balances is risky because you may run out of credit and not have any more to spend before you pay all of your borrowed money back.

Lesson 4: Form Good Habits Early

Make sure you emphasize the importance of credit scores with your children and help them picture what types of hardships come with bad credit. It’s also a good time to check and review your own credit report while encouraging others in your life to do the same. Remember that you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the major reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) each year.

When your teen has a job or is otherwise ready to have their own spending power, consider starting them off with their own credit card account or a joint account where they are an authorized user. This way you can monitor their activity and make sure repayments are made every month, until they’re ready for full financial independence and responsibility. It’s a good idea to check in with them or check their credit scores every now and then to make sure they’re on track for good creditworthiness.

Teaching your children early on to be careful with their money, save for things that they want and pay back loans or debts right away will help them establish good financial habits for the future.

Observe National Credit Education Month this March, make an effort to speak with your children or other youth about the importance of credit literacy. Sharing your own experience and struggles can be helpful here (if that’s something you’re comfortable with) and may serve as a cautionary tale of sorts.

Many young people are falling into the same cycle of debt that previous generations have. They’re carrying high credit card debt balances, struggling to afford their monthly expenses, and suffering from low credit scores. Even those who have managed to remain reasonably responsible with their finances may not understand how to check their credit reports or dispute errors/mistakes on their reports.

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

When Claire lost her job due to Covid layoffs in 2020, she never thought she would get so far behind on bills. She had a small emergency fund saved up, but without a steady income, she fell further behind with every passing month.

Little did Claire know how much worse it was going to get.

Three months later, she missed more bills. Her own guilt for not paying regularly was bad enough, but now the creditors were calling at all hours of the day on past due bills.

Then her daughter got sick and she tried to help her out with her medical expenses. “Things kept going downhill and the creditor calls got worse, the interest and fees kept racking up, the stress was almost unbearable; and I had no idea how I was going to get out from under it.”

That’s when she found Century Support Services. After talking to a debt specialist, and understanding how theprogram worked, she decided this was the best solution for her. "…Everyone was so helpful and walked me through every step. They answer all my questions and the portal is so helpful too." Claire said. "Thank you Century for helpingme on my journey."

Congratulations on your program success, Claire!

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

November is a month that reminds us to pause and reflect on all the things for which we are thankful. At Century, our team has much to be thankful for and PEOPLE are at the top of our list. 

We are truly grateful to each one of you, our clients, who have trusted us to resolve your debt so that you may enjoy the quality of life, which you so deserve. We recognize and understand the financial distress you are faced with and the importance of helping you achieve your goal of better financial health. When our clients complete their programs successfully, we are proud to have been part of such an important journey. With all of the unknowns in the world today, you can count on the support of our team and the defined strategies of your program. 

Our Commitment Together = Your Success

This journey takes time and we thank you for your commitment to your program and your ongoing communication with us. Whether you are logging into your portal, chatting with us online, emailing or calling us, your efforts to stay in communication with us are critical to your program’s success.  

Thank you to all those who have shared their stories of how we have helped them along the way. Reading testimonials sent in by our clients is a humbling experience. We are committed to doing what’s right and our team takes feedback seriously, as they provide opportunities for us to continually improve the customer experience we provide. At Century, we are blessed to be surrounded by an incredible team. We value our diversity and recognize that our wide array of perspectives and life experiences are the strong foundation of our organization. Our team members support and encourage one another to learn and grow and to think big and make changes, all with the goal of delivering excellence to our clients. The passion and commitment of the Century team allows us to provide you with the best program experience possible, while we work on your behalf to negotiate the best settlement on every enrolled account. 

The Century team wishes you, your family and loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving full of blessings. Gratitude is a major focus this time of year, and while it may seem harder to find things to appreciate, there is still plenty to be thankful for. It can be something as broad as your health, or something as specific as your favorite song playing on the radio the last time you got in the car. Change is hard, but it isn’t always bad. There are still ways to celebrate the season with your loved ones, even if you must give up some of your favorite traditions. Find creative ways to adapt. Or start new traditions – they may even add more meaning to your holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

As leaves change to the colors of fall and nature readies itself for the winter season, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving – a holiday dedicated to being grateful for the current harvest and other blessings received during the year.  

Thanksgiving traditions include feasting on seasonal dishes with friends and family, highlighted by collective gratitude for the goodness present in each life. However, in this season of giving, many families and individuals do not have the means to celebrate Thanksgiving. So, those facing food insecurities often wonder (and worry) about their next meal, let alone a celebratory Thanksgiving dinner.  

• According to Feeding America, approximately 1 in 6 children may face hunger in 2021, demonstrating hunger knows no age.
• In addition, 42 million people (1 in 8) may experience food insecurity in 2021.
• In 2020, approximately 60 million people visited a food bank or pantry.

As the need for food assistance has become more significant (since Covid), there are numerous opportunities to give back in gratitude.

Volunteering is the Gift That Gives Back Something Amazing

Have you ever watched another person give to someone else? The giver is positively affected and visibly shows a “giver’s glow.” Whether it’s offering a smile or simply bringing a cup of coffee to a friend. Even the smallest act of generosity can offer great benefits to both the giver and receiver.  

According to Stony Brook researchers, generosity releases the feel-good brain chemicals of dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, which generates the following benefits –

• An improved mood, and a sense of well-being
• Improved physical health & longevity

Additionally, scientific research offers insightful data that demonstrates that the act of giving offers a viable path to personal growth, and ultimately, lasting happiness. Through fMRI technology, it has been shown that altruism – the moral practice of concern, is hardwired into the brain—and its impact is both beneficial and pleasurable.

So, it is more beneficial to give than to receive

The Best Way to Be Thankful is to Volunteer

There’s nothing like Thanksgiving to bring people together to offer thanks for the goodness provided. Volunteering in your local community’s food bank or food pantry offers dual benefits – to the giver and receiver.  

Consider these ways to give during the Thanksgiving season –

• Host a Food Drive.
• Sort & pack food donated food for the Thanksgiving holiday.
• Deliver thanksgiving meals to those with disabilities/health conditions or to senior citizens.
• Assist families when they are visiting the local community’s food pantry or food bank.
• Cook or serve thanksgiving meals at the local soup kitchen.

During the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers can safely help by holding a virtual Thanksgiving food drive – a coordinated effort that provides funds rather than food to those in need during the season of giving thanks.  

Focusing on Others, Helps Us to Better Understand Ourselves

Thanksgiving should be the time of year for people to celebrate the good things life has to offer – not a time to worry about where the next meal may come from. Whether you choose to organize a food drive or sort food at the local pantry, volunteering to help others in need enables each of us to feel good about others and ourselves, which builds strong, connected communities. 

And while you are working on improving your own life, helping others may just be the hidden secret to living a better, more productive & meaningful life. 

Giving renews one’s faith in what is possible while helping to connect each of us to the amazing people we call our neighbors, friends and family.
 

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

Even if you are in a debt relief program and watching your budget, you can still enjoy the holidays. It is early enough so that you can start getting ready little by little now, instead of spending a lot of money at one time closer to the holidays. Additionally, in years when inflation causes higher prices, it’s more important to adjust when and where you purchase items, so you do not get overextended during the holiday period.  

Shop the Early Grocery Sales

Everyone loves to have big holiday dinners, but they can get expensive, especially if you provide most or all of the food. You can still have a big dinner on a budget: 

• Scale down to immediate relatives.
• Ask your relatives to bring something. Each person could bring a side dish or a dessert.
• Start food shopping now. If you have the freezer space, look for sales for the items you need to prepare holiday dinners. Purchasing the ingredients on sale and freezing them could save you quite a bit. Of course, canned goods are fine on the shelf from now until the holidays.

Know Your Budget and Stick to It

Being in a debt relief program, you already know the importance of watching your budget. However, you can still enjoy the holidays. Look at your monthly budget for November and December. Determine how much money you need for dinners, gifts, and holiday decorations. Each week, set aside the amount that fits into your budget for the next two months. This allows you to shop sales as they come up instead of trying to finagle a lump sum out of your budget later in the season.  

Reuse Holiday Decorations

Some people like to buy new holiday decorations every year. Save that money for gifts or holiday dinners. Use last year’s decorations. You can even have your kids make some decorations. It’s a fun activity that kids of all ages – even the grown ones – can enjoy. If your kids are young and you save their handmade decorations, you can see how they have progressed over the years. 

Pick Up a Side Job

Whether you have a skill you can sell or pick up a part-time job, you could spend all of the money you earn at the job for the holidays since that money is not in your current budget. If you need ideas, ask local social media groups if anyone has work for hours that you are available. If you don’t plan on keeping the job after the holidays, always let potential employers know. Many of them hire only for the holidays.  

Create Handmade Gifts

You can work on handmade gifts now. Often handmade gifts go over very well. Crocheted or knitted blankets, pyrography, table fountains, soaps, or anything that you can make yourself show a person that you cared enough to spend the time to make something just for that person.  

Early Sales

Shop the sales for holiday gifts. That means starting holiday gift shopping early. In fact, some people start their gift shopping the week after the holidays end the previous years. Shopping sales can save hundreds of dollars, even if you are just starting.  

Get Rid of Unneeded Expenses

Cut off extra cable channels for the season. If you have a huge package with all of the movie channels, get rid of all of the movie channels – or at least most of them. You can always turn them back on after the holidays. Check cell phone bills to make sure the plan you have is not too big. If you have data left over every month, scale down to a plan with less data.  

Century has a value added service with Billcutterz to help clients save on household expenses. Learn more about how Billcutterz can help you save money.

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

Most adults are busy in their everyday lives! Add to that financial stress and it’s enough to set some people over the edge. The holidays can make this problem even worse. 

It’s important to find ways to manage stress in your everyday life. In this article, we’ll talk about the effects of financial stress upon your health, and discuss practical things you can do to manage your financial stress.  

How Financial Stress Impacts Health

There are many conditions that are worsened by financial stress. Every person handles financial stress differently. Below are some of the most common problems that people experience due to financial stress.  

• Insomnia. Nothing keeps you awake quite like wondering how you’ll pay the bills. Insomnia is a common problem that people with financial difficulty experience.
• Depression. Studies show that people who struggle with debt are far more likely to experience depression than people without debt.
• Social withdrawal. Financial trouble can prevent people from participating in social gatherings that require money. This leads to feelings of social isolation.
• Weight gain or weight loss. Some people with financial stress find eating difficult, while others overeat to manage their feelings.
• Difficulty in personal relationships. Couples with financial stress often experience relationship troubles.
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms. People with financial troubles sometimes drink too much, experience drug addiction, and even engage in self-harm.

How to Control Financial Stress and Live an Enjoyable Life

Financial stress can have damaging emotional and psychological effects. However, people who learn to manage their stress can live a fulfilling and enjoyable life. 

Managing stress can even make it easier to solve financial problems, as this makes it easier to think clearly and with more focus. There are many things you can do to control your financial stress.  

Get Help From a Professional

Professional financial counselors help people with debt find solutions that can improve quality of life. If you live with debt, get help from a financial counselor who can introduce you to a debt relief counselor that can help.  

Talk to Someone You Trust

Financial stress can be isolating, leaving people feeling as if they are alone with their problems. Find someone who you can talk to about your concerns. They may not be able to fix your problems, but they should be able to listen to your concerns without judgement. Use this person as a sounding board for your ideas.  

Make Time For Low-Cost Family Fun

Don’t let your financial troubles take away from time with your family. Find low-cost things to do with those you love. Play board games, go to a park, take a walk or go for a bike ride. These low-cost activities will help reduce your stress, strengthen your relationships with your family, and fill your time with low-cost activities.  

Budget and Plan

You’ll feel better about your finances when you have a plan for living within your means. Make a weekly budget that allows you to live without overspending. Stick to your budget. Have a plan in place for emergencies and for special occasions that might require extra spending, like holidays. 

Avoid Spending Triggers

Most people have spending triggers. If going to the mall or spending time with a certain friend makes you more likely to spend money, find ways to avoid these triggers and stick to your budget. You’ll feel less stress if you’re able to manage triggers and live according to your budget.  

Forgive Yourself For Financial Mistakes

Forgive yourself for any financial mistakes that you’ve made in the past. Practice mindful breathing and forgiveness techniques to ease the mental and emotional burden you feel. If you’re not familiar with mindful breathing, engage in guided forgiveness meditation.  

Stress Awareness Day is coming on November 3rd! Staying aware of your stress and also practicing self-care during this time can help make your holidays more enjoyable.  

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

Occurring on the third Thursday each October, the National Get Smart About Credit Day is the annual reminder of the importance of good credit and why it should be highly sought after. While you have already taken steps towards getting your debt under control and your credit back in good standing, this day presents an opportunity to further contemplate what other factors can culminate to negatively impact your credit. Knowing this can keep you from making your situation worse while you continue to take positive steps towards debt repayment.

What Can Affect Your Credit Score?

The following are all factors that can affect your credit score to some extent:

• The Amount of Debt You Carry: You are already on your way to reducing the amount of debt you carry and this will continue to improve your credit score as you pay down what you owe through the repayment plan. 

• Age of Credit History: In most cases, the older your credit history, the more reliable you are deemed in the financial industry. Of course, having a good repayment history is of paramount importance as well. 

• Reports to Collections Agencies: If you feel that anything on your credit report is inaccurate, you should report this immediately. Obviously, the sooner you can get any issue resolved, the quicker your credit report will once again reflect your true payment nature. 

• Late Payments: Anytime you make a late payment, it will be reflected within your credit history on your credit report. When it’s possible, make sure to pay early and pay on time. Obviously, you have taken the steps necessary to begin making payments on time once again. For future reference, one helpful way to reduce your chances of making late payments is to use your banking system to make payments.

• The Number of Hard Inquiries for Credit: In many instances, it’s necessary to have your credit checked— like if you are trying to buy a house or a car— and when your credit is in good standing, it’s not usually a problem. However, it’s important to remember that each time your credit is processed for a purchase, it will be registered on your credit report. 

• The Number of Accounts: Opening and closing accounts can have an impact on your overall credit score. In fact, in some cases, it can have a significant impact, so pay attention to how many accounts you have going at any given time and be mindful of opening and closing them. 

More Information About Your Credit Score

The following are some interesting facts about your credit score. Knowing these could help you continue to improve your overall credit:

• Getting rid of a bad credit score won’t happen overnight. Though you are on the right path in debt repayment, the process of building back your credit takes time and demands patience. 

• While it is a factor in determining whether you qualify for a loan, your credit score is not the only deciding factor used by lenders.

• In some cases, you can lower your credit score if you get rid of old credit cards. As mentioned above, opening and closing any accounts should be carefully considered. 

• There are several platforms that allow you to check your credit score for free. 

 

How to Observe Get Smart About Credit Day

Other than contemplating what factors could negatively impact your overall credit and learning some interesting facts about your credit score, there are other ways to observe or celebrate this annual focus on your credit. Most importantly, it’s a good reminder to be smart about your credit overall. Access resources and take steps to improve your credit score. Make sure you regularly check your credit score, though not excessively as we just talked about. Get Smart About Credit Day is your invitation to evaluate your credit and begin working towards building it up if you haven’t already gotten started. If you have, then keep up the good work! 

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

Janice joined the Century program after her life circumstances spiraled out of control. Following the unexpected death of her husband 5 years ago, she thought she could manage her finances with one income. After several years of trying to solve her financial situation herself, she contacted Century for help.

Before her husband’s passing, they underwent a few unexpected home repairs. A new furnace and water heater set them back a bit, but their shared income was enough to keep up with their credit card monthly payments. However, when Janice was left without a second income and forced to make the payments herself, she was struggling to stay afloat financially and resorted to using her credit cards even more to supplement her income.

Joining Century’s program has gotten Janice back on track. “They (Century) have given me great support both financially and mentally.” Janice said. “I told them I was very nervous about this and they were just so reassuring and calm. I have even gotten voicemails from them (Century) just to check on me!”

Janice has been dedicated to her program’s success and after just 5 short months on the Century debt settlement program, her largest debt has already been settled. This moves her closer toward enjoying her well-deserved better financial health.

Congratulations on your program success, Janice!

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!

 

In the past, the topic of mental health was plagued by stigma that made it difficult to discuss. Fortunately, this stigma is now disappearing, and open discussions of mental health are becoming much more frequent. 

Some people are naturally at a higher risk of getting a mental health disorder. For example, if you are under a significant amount of stress due to financial problems, your risk of mental health disorders will increase. Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of these conditions. If you have a mental disorder, being aware of your condition so you can get the proper treatment is essential. Some of the possible signs of mental health disorders include:

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Changes in appetite
• Mood changes
• Anxiety

The most common mental health disorders are anxiety disorders. However, it is also possible to experience depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders. Thanks to advances in science, there are now effective treatments for mental health disorders. The most common treatments recommended to people with these disorders include psychotherapy and medication. In more severe cases, hospitalization or residential treatment programs may be necessary. 

Whether or not you have a mental disorder, it is still important to have an understanding of mental health and the impact it has on your life. On October 10, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. The purpose of this event is to bring more awareness of the topic of mental health in general, as well as to highlight the steps people can take to improve their own mental health. 

About World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was established by the World Federation for Mental Health, an organization that is active in many countries around the world. This event was observed for the first time in 1992. Beginning in 1994, the World Federation for Mental Health began choosing themes for this annual event. The organization offers planning kits each year in a variety of languages so that multiple countries can participate. 

Observing World Mental Health Day

Mental health affects everyone, regardless of whether they deal with mental health issues. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to open the lines of communication about mental health with friends and family members. 

On this day, multiple events are held around the globe to bring awareness to mental health issues. Examples of events you may have access to include public service announcements, conferences, marathons, free mental health screenings, and educational sessions. 

In addition to participating in the events listed above, you can also observe World Mental Health Day by reaching out to the people in your life who struggle with mental health disorders. For people who don’t have anyone to talk to about their disorders, reaching out can make all the difference. Many people choose to donate to mental health organizations on this day as well. 

World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of good mental health. If you think you may be struggling in this area, consider making an appointment with a mental health professional. 

 

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Contact Century to Learn About Debt Settlement

If debt settlement sounds like it might be the right debt reduction strategy for you, contact Century Support Services. Century has helped hundreds of thousands of people settle debts that they otherwise couldn’t pay, and has saved clients a lot of time, aggravation and money in the process. To date, Century has settled more than $1.3 billion in debt and maintains a 94% satisfaction rating.

To get started, you’ll receive our free assessment and our Certified Debt Specialists will create a personalized program plan for you.

To learn more about the debt settlement process or if you have any general questions relating to how long does debt settlement take or how long will it take to recover from debt settlement, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Contact us today!