Check Your Credit
Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent
One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by The Federal Trade Commission. When was the last time you checked your free credit report?
Credit reports affect many aspects of your life including your ability to get a loan, rates for loans and insurance and more.
Check your credit from once a year to once a week until April 2021. You can access your credit report from each credit reporting agency – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union by going to the website https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action. Be sure to check your credit and keep errors off your account. Especially if you are postponing bills, using more credit than usual, or applying for loans.
Economic Impact Payment Frequently Asked Questions
Most of you should have received your Economic Impact Payment by now. Here are some frequently asked questions about those payments.
How can I return an Economic Impact Payment that I received in error?
If you received a payment in error go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic- impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions on how to send the payment back.
Does someone who died qualify for an Economic Impact Payment?
No. A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the Payment should be returned to the IRS. Go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions.
Does someone who is incarcerated qualify for an Economic Impact Payment?
No. A payment made to someone who is incarcerated should be returned to the IRS. Go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions.
My loved one is in a nursing home and received an Economic Impact Payment. What do I need to do?
Economic Impact Payment Funds are not considered income by Medicaid. After 12 months any remaining funds will count as a resource for continued qualifying for Medicaid, including those in care homes.
Does my Economic Impact Payment affect federal programs I am applying for?
No. A payment will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
Making Ends Meet
Here are some steps you can take, called the 5 C’s, for if or when your income drops. The 5 C’s are a great starting point to assist people who are struggling to balance income and expenses in economic good times or bad such as trying to reduce debt, establishing an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or reaching a personal financial goal.
· Control as much of the situation as you can
· Claim benefits due to you
· Communicate with family members
· Confer with creditors
· Change your lifestyle
Summer is here, the weather is warm, and it’s time to head outside. Summer activities can hit
you in the pocketbook and start adding up before you know it. Start preparing your summer budget (spending plan) by taking a few minutes to plan for upcoming extra expenses.
Here are some reminders of things to include in your summer budget. Father’s Day is right around the corner. Plan to budget for a gift, grilling for dad or going out to eat at his favorite restaurant. Weddings and graduation season are here, budget for a gift for all the invites. Farmers Markets will soon be opening. Set some money aside for some fresh fruits and vegetables and support the farmers markets. Be sure to set aside some money for lawn care, extra watering for the lawn and garden. As the summer heats up, the air conditioner will be running in full force. Be sure to budget for higher electric and water bills. If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, either one is going to cost you some dollars. Be prepared for the costs associated with travel, or the “to do” list around the house if you opt for a staycation. Whether you are taking the kids to the local pool, or the backyard pool, budget for sunscreen. Keep the kids and yourself safe from the sun by applying sunscreen. Also consider seasonal clothing for the family, and back to school clothing and school supplies. And let’s not forget those backyard barbeques and family gatherings. Be sure to budget for additional summer food costs. Have a great summer!
One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by The Federal Trade Commission. When was the last time you checked your free credit report?
Check your credit from once a year to once a week until April 2021. You can access your credit report from each credit reporting agency – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union by going to the website https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action. Be sure to check your credit and keep errors off your account. Especially if you are postponing bills, using more credit than usual, or applying for loans.
Most of you should have received your Economic Impact Payment by now. Here are some frequently asked questions about those payments.
How can I return an Economic Impact Payment that I received in error?
If you received a payment in error go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic- impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions on how to send the payment back.
Does someone who died qualify for an Economic Impact Payment?
No. A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the Payment should be returned to the IRS. Go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions.
Does someone who is incarcerated qualify for an Economic Impact Payment?
No. A payment made to someone who is incarcerated should be returned to the IRS. Go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center and scroll down to Q54 for instructions.
My loved one is in a nursing home and received an Economic Impact Payment. What do I need to do?
Economic Impact Payment Funds are not considered income by Medicaid. After 12 months any remaining funds will count as a resource for continued qualifying for Medicaid, including those in care homes.
Does my Economic Impact Payment affect federal programs I am applying for?
No. A payment will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
Making Ends Meet
Here are some steps you can take, called the 5 C’s, for if or when your income drops. The 5 C’s are a great starting point to assist people who are struggling to balance income and expenses in economic good times or bad such as trying to reduce debt, establishing an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or reaching a personal financial goal.
· Claim benefits due to you
· Communicate with family members
· Confer with creditors
· Change your lifestyle
Planning your summer budget 
Summer is here, the weather is warm, and it’s time to head outside. Summer activities can hit
you in the pocketbook and start adding up before you know it. Start preparing your summer budget (spending plan) by taking a few minutes to plan for upcoming extra expenses.
Here are some reminders of things to include in your summer budget. Father’s Day is right around the corner. Plan to budget for a gift, grilling for dad or going out to eat at his favorite restaurant. Weddings and graduation season are here, budget for a gift for all the invites. Farmers Markets will soon be opening. Set some money aside for some fresh fruits and vegetables and support the farmers markets. Be sure to set aside some money for lawn care, extra watering for the lawn and garden. As the summer heats up, the air conditioner will be running in full force. Be sure to budget for higher electric and water bills. If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, either one is going to cost you some dollars. Be prepared for the costs associated with travel, or the “to do” list around the house if you opt for a staycation. Whether you are taking the kids to the local pool, or the backyard pool, budget for sunscreen. Keep the kids and yourself safe from the sun by applying sunscreen. Also consider seasonal clothing for the family, and back to school clothing and school supplies. And let’s not forget those backyard barbeques and family gatherings. Be sure to budget for additional summer food costs. Have a great summer!
