Summary:

ClearOne Advantage executives caution consumers against falling back into the credit-debt cycle—a potentially tempting option in light of positive economic reports.

Baltimore, MD, January 13, 2011- Executives at ClearOne Advantage, a Maryland-based debt resolution company, encourage cautious optimism in response to recently reported positive economic signs.

The jobless rate fell to 8.5 percent, the lowest rate in nearly two years (since February 2009) according to the U.S. Department of Labor:

“Both the number of unemployed persons (13.1 million) and the unemployment rate (8.5 percent) continued to trend down in December. The unemployment rate has declined by 0.6 percentage point (sic) since August,” according to the most recent report.

Furthermore: “The data surpassed economists’ expectations and mark a six-month stretch in which the economy generated 100,000 jobs or more in each month. That hasn’t happened since April 2006,” reported MSNCB’s Bottomline.

But millions continue to struggle. For example, the unemployment rate does not include the underemployed—those who have some, perhaps part-time work, but cannot afford to meet all of their financial obligations. Those consumers often rely on credit cards to make ends meet. But ClearOne Advantage executives recommend paying off or resolving unsecured debt over the continued credit-debt cycle for long-term financial success.

“Relying on credit keeps consumers dependent on—literally indebted to—credit card companies,” said ClearOne Advantage CEO Tomas Gordon. “Debt settlement can be an effective way out of the debt cycle for certain consumers.”

Debt settlement is a process in which debt professionals attempt to negotiate their clients’ unsecured debts (e.g., credit card debt, medical debt) down to a more affordable amount, until a mutually agreeable amount is reached between the creditor and the consumer.

“Simply put, debt settlement is a way for consumers to resolve their overburdening debt, even though—through no fault of their own—they cannot afford to repay their debts in full,” said Gordon.

Debt resolution options like debt settlement, including consumer credit counseling and bankruptcy, are especially helpful at this point in the economic recovery. While some economic figures offer hope that the country is heading in the right direction, experts agree that recovery is slow at best.

“This is not the time to start depending on credit, a mistake many were forced to make when unemployment rates began to soar at the beginning of the recession,” said Gordon. “Instead, this is a great time to break the debt cycle and learn how to get free from credit card debt completely.  For those who are able, we encourage them to pay off their debt in full and live within their means going forward. For consumers struggling with larger amounts of debt, we ask that they give us a call to see if we can help.”

To learn more, visit ClearOneAdvantage.com. To read more debt settlement articles click here

ABOUT US:

ClearOne Advantage is a full-service debt settlement company providing settlements of credit cards and other unsecured debts. Our executive leadership team is comprised of financial industry professionals with expertise in many of the industries that provide consumer lending services, making ClearOne Advantage the obvious choice when looking to settle debt. To learn more about the products and services that make ClearOne Advantage an easy choice in debt settlement call 1-888-785-5376 or visit ClearOneAdvantage.com.    

RESOURSES:

BLS.gov

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

MSNBC.com

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/06/10002777-hiring-gained-traction-in-december

CONTACT INFO:

ClearOne Advantage

1501 S. Clinton St. Ste. 320

Baltimore, MD 21224 

1-888-785-5376

CS@ClearOneAdvantage.com
www.ClearOneAdvantage.com

Summary:

Encouraged by a surge in the Consumer Confidence Index, ClearOne Advantage executives are cautiously optimistic for an improved economy in 2012, and are recommending that consumers begin 2012 with a financial budget in order to spend wisely and avoid additional credit card debt in the New Year.

Baltimore, MD, December 30, 2011- Executives at ClearOne Advantage, a Maryland-based debt resolution company, encouraged by an increase in the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), are urging consumers to start the New Year on the right financial foot.

“As we head into the New Year, we can already see some encouraging signs,” said ClearOne Advantage Chief Operating Officer John Wrinn referring to the CCI, which rose much more than expected in December. Wrinn and other ClearOne Advantage executives are encouraged by this news, as well as holiday retail reports that indicate better-than-expected sales.

The CCI is issued by The Conference Board, an independent economic research organization. Their monthly Consumer Confident Survey is “a monthly report detailing consumer attitudes and buying intentions.” Simply put, the more confident consumers feel about the economy, the more likely they are to make purchases. According to an article by CNBC, “the surge builds on another big increase in November, when the index rose almost 15 points from the month before.”

This news comes in the wake of a holiday shopping season that surpassed expectation, according to the National Retail Federation, and—with returns and gift cards pulling consumers back into stores—is not yet over.

“While these positive indicators are certainly welcome news, consumers should be ready to spend money wisely in the New Year,” said Wrinn. To help their debt settlement clients and all consumers in the New Year, ClearOne Advantage is offering a few financial tips for starting 2012 off right:

• Prioritize 2012 goals: Instead of casually declaring New Year’s resolutions, write down one specific and realistic goal.
• Plan now for next year: With the holidays still fresh in mind, consumers should record all of their holiday spending, save receipts in a “Holidays 2011” envelope, and plan to set aside cash next year.
• Use gift cards before they expire: Consumer should avoid throwing gift cards in a drawer or waiting until stores begin imposing fees or reducing the value of the card. But once in the store, consumers should stick as close as possible to the gift card’s value.
• Budget: Tracking expenses can reveal exactly where money goes each month, which can also help consumers find ways to save more money by cutting unnecessary spending. Consumers should learn a few options for creating a budget, choose the best method for their family, and stick to it year round.
• Commit to using coupons consistently: Shoppers can save $5 to $15 per grocery trip, and possibly more with the grocery store’s loyalty savings card.
• Start filing taxes: Start collecting records now, find necessary forms on the IRS website and consider e-filing. When taxpayers e-file, they received their refunds faster (especially when using direct deposit) and confirmation that their forms were received. Plus taxpayers who find out they owe this year will have more time to plan for that payment.

“There are many ways that individuals can start the New Year with realistic financial goals,” said Wrinn. “At ClearOne Advantage, we aim to help individuals struggling with overwhelming debt get the help they deserve in 2012.”

Wrinn explained that while some economic indicators give people hope about the country’s economic improvements, many individuals will continue to feel financial pressure while unemployment rates remain high. Companies like ClearOne Advantage help consumers settle their unsecured debts, such as credit card debt and medical bills, at the time they need professional assistance.

To learn more visit ClearOneAdvantage.com.

ABOUT US:

ClearOne Advantage is a full-service debt settlement company providing settlements of credit cards and other unsecured debts. Our executive leadership team is comprised of financial industry professionals with expertise in many of the industries that provide consumer lending services, making ClearOne Advantage the obvious choice when looking to settle debt. To learn more about the products and services that make ClearOne Advantage an easy choice in debt settlement call 1-888-785-5376 or visit ClearOneAdvantage.com.

RESOURSES:

CNBC.com

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45795931

The Conference Board

http://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm

Consumer Reports Poll

ConsumerReports.org

National Retail Federation

http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=News&op=viewlive&sp_id=1278

CONTACT INFO:

ClearOne Advantage

1501 S. Clinton St. Ste. 320

Baltimore, MD 21224

1-888-785-5376

CS@ClearOneAdvantage.com www.ClearOneAdvantage.com

Read More articles from ClearOne here