December 8, 2003
Cambridge Credit was used as a source in an article
focusing on how to avoid overspending during the holidays
and offered tips to consumers such do not raise your
credit limit, do not spend more to get free or bonus
gifts and avoid last-minute shopping.
November 28, 2003
In an article highlighting the rise in health care
costs, Cambridge Credit was cited for offering consumers
advice on how to manage their medical expenses as part
of an overall financial budget.
October 13, 2003
In an article addressing recent workplace rules imposed
by the Department of Labor and Industries, Cambridge
Credit offered tips to consumers on planning for health
costs by knowing and understanding your office’s
medical insurance coverage. Such things as researching
the cost of long-term care facilities, keeping a contingency
fund for emergencies and becoming an expert on your
current insurance coverage will help you save money
in the long run.
October 7, 2003
Chris Viale, Chief Operating Officer of Cambridge Credit,
was included as a source throughout an article focusing
on different ways consumers take on additional debt
in an effort to ease existing credit problems, such
as debt consolidation loans, zero-percent credit cards
and home equity loans. Mr. Viale cautioned consumers
to fully research and understand both the advantages
and disadvantages of every situation. He, along with
other experts, also advised consumers to consider credit
counseling as a cost and time effective method of managing
debt.
October 7, 2003
In an article focusing on medical coverage, Cambridge
Credit offered tips on how consumers can prepare themselves
for unexpected health care expenses such as knowing
the details of your insurance coverage, maintaining
a contingency fund for emergencies and reducing controllable
expenses.
September
21, 2003
According to a recent survey by the Cambridge Consumer
Credit Index, more than two-thirds of college graduates
said that student loans would prevent them from buying
a car or saving towards a house. Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, stated that an increase
in consumers paying back their student loans would
help break the cycle of debt that is negatively impacting
Americans today.
September 19, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on FICO
ratings and their impact on consumers trying to buy
a home. Mr. Viale offered consumers tips to improve
their scores such as checking your current score for
errors and consolidating accounts where possible.
September
2, 2003
In an article discussing ways to save money while grocery
shopping, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, explained that saving $100 every month at the
grocery store and using that money to pay down debt
could save the average consumer up to $200 -$300 in
interest payments.
August
20, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on budgeting
tips and proper money management skills for college
bound teenagers. Mr. Viale discussed how easily accessible
credit is for college students and ways to select a
credit card.
August
19, 2003
As consumers prepared to take the last of their vacations
during the summer season, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, offered tips for vacationing without
incurring large credit card bills. Options included
flying discount airlines, limiting expensive dinners
and taking local day trips.
August 18, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on budgeting
tips and proper money management skills for college
bound teenagers. Mr. Viale discussed how easily accessible
credit is for college students and ways to select a
credit card.
August 17, 2003
In an article highlighting ways consumers can improve
their FICO credit rating scores, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, was used as source to
discuss how credit cards can impact your score. He
advised consumers to negotiate a lower interest rate
instead of transferring balances to a new card.
August
9, 2003
In a poll conducted by The Augusta Chronicle asking
Americans how they planned on spending their $400 childcare
tax rebates, a majority claimed that they would use
the money to pay down debts. Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit confirmed this, citing that although
the rebates were given in an effort to stimulate spending,
many Cambridge clients were using them to pay off bills.
July 14, 2003
In an article highlighting the rising number of Americans
looking to own a home, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, advised consumers to consider
all the costs associated with homeownership before
buying a home and to incorporate them in an overall
spending budget.
“Money
Tips for Summer Vacation”
July 1, 2003
As a guest on “The Money Gang,” Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered cost saving
tips for consumers planning vacations. Chris emphasized
the importance of consumers taking the time to create
a budget in an effort to avoid any financial anxiety
that could arise from increasing debt loads.
“Getting
Personal: Fed Rate Cut Helps Borrowers, Not
Savers”
June 30, 2003
In an article regarding the Federal Reserve’s
latest interest rate cut, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, discussed how previous rate
cuts have negatively impacted consumers financial
health. Chris added that, despite rising household
debt before the rate cuts started, the average household
debt has risen 75% over the past five years.
June 30, 2003
In a question and answer column, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, advised one particular
consumer to concentrate on repairing his credit rating
before seeking to refinance his mortgage. Chris explained
how a stronger credit rating could trim mortgage
interest rates from one to three percent and ultimately
save consumers money.
“Fed
Action Won't Ignite Economy, Experts Say”
June 26, 2003
In response to the Federal Reserve’s latest
interest rate cut, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, warned that consumers may fall
deeper into debt as they take advantage of low-interest
rate deals and spend above their means.
“Stretching
Your Summer Holiday Dollar”
June 20, 2003
With schools getting out for the summer and many
parents planning summer vacations, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered money saving
alternatives to expensive trips that may force consumers
deeper into debt. Chris suggested enjoying local
concerts, festivals and day trips as a cost effective
way to enjoy the summer.
“Budget
Before You Go”
June 20, 2003
In an article about incurring debt while on vacations,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered various cost saving recommendations for consumers
to keep in mind while planning and on a vacation.
“ Market Wrap”
June 19, 2003
In a radio interview, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, offered tips to keep consumers
from falling into debt while planning summer vacations.
Chris suggested that consumers begin planning as
early as possible and set a reasonable budget to
enjoy their summer vacations without incurring debt.
June 16, 2003
In a question and answer column, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, was used as an industry
expert to respond to one consumer’s particular
financial dilemma. Chris advised the consumer about
how to prioritize and manage debt in an effort to
start a new business.
“Are
You A Refi Junkie?”
May 23, 2003
In an article discussing the positive and negative
implications of mortgage refinancing, Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed the
growing trend of consumers who pull equity out of
their home and end up having the same amount of debt
as they had before they consolidated.
“Your
Money's Worth: That Low Credit Score Is Going
To Cost You”
May 18, 2003
While consumers understand the negative affects a
poor credit history can have on home mortgage and
credit card interest rates, many are beginning to
realize that their credit history may also impact
the amount they might pay for insurance. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed the
dilemma many consumers with damaged credit may find
themselves in with the rising costs of insurance.
“Getting
Personal: Combating Rising Teen Debt Levels”
May 13, 2003
In an article highlighting the rising debt levels
among teens, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, discussed the importance of debt management
education at an early age in an effort to secure
a stable future. Mr. Viale also offered tips to parents
on how to teach their children strong money management
habits.
“Expenses
on Rise, Homeowner Burdens Get Heavier”
May 5, 2003
As debt continues to consume American households,
consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to
maintain the costs associated with homeownership
while paying down their credit cards. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, suggested that
consumers use tax refunds to help pay off their credit
card debt so that they are better prepared for additional
expenses such as real estate taxes and homeowners
insurance.
“You,
Me and Your Debt Make a Troublesome Three”
April 30, 2003
In an article discussing how high debt can put stress
on a relationship, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, urged couples to be honest with
each other about their financial situations.
“With
RushCard, Firm Hoping To Give Credit to the
Unbanked”
April 28, 2003
In an article about pre-paid debit cards for “unbanked” consumers,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
discusses how this option is a great way for consumers
to learn financial responsibility without going into
debt.
“So
You Got A Tax Refund? Now What?”
April 18, 2003
Highlighting financially responsible ways to use
your tax refunds, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, advised consumers to first pay
down credit card debt and then to set aside an emergency
fund for unexpected expenses in the future.
“5
Ways To Turn Your Refund Into Gold”
April 16, 2003
As consumers are waiting to spend their tax refunds,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
suggests paying down high interest credit card debt
as a good place to put your money.
“SAVING:
How To Be More Frugal”
April 14, 2003
In an article focusing on ways for consumers to save
money during times of low consumer confidence, Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered
ten ways to stretch your dollar and increase savings.
“Are
You Blowing Your Home Equity?”
March
31, 2003
Focusing on the concern that too many consumers are
using their home equity lines of credit to consolidate
high debt levels, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, warned of the danger that many
consumers will eventually fall back into the same
debt amounts they had before attempting to consolidate.
Chris offered tips on how to avoid this problem.
“Getting
Personal: Beware Of Higher Credit Card Fees”
March 26, 2003
In an article discussing credit card debt and interest
rates, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, pointed out the negative impact high credit
card interest rates can have on consumers in debt
and offered advice on how to control their credit
card debt.
“No
Money Down' Might Leave You With No Money”
March 23, 2003
With so many credit cards making low interest rates
increasingly tempting to consumers, Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, explained the
dangerous impact low or no interest rate credit cards
can have on consumers who have trouble keeping up
with their payments.
“Focus
On Your Goals, Develop Your Game Plan”
March 17, 2003
Focusing on the growing problem of financial insecurity
in retirement, this article offered tips on what
people could do to start saving for retirement now.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered consumers in their 20s and 40s tips on how
to successfully plan for retirement.
“Integrating
the Call Center and Web Site”
March 14, 2003
In an article discussing the increased use of the
Internet in business practices, Cambridge Credit
was cited for its partnership with IOTA Solutions.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
explained how IOTA solutions enabled Cambridge to
meet new ISO standards and provided them with essential
tools to gather information about customer experiences.
Through the partnership Cambridge Credit will be
able to continuously improve the level of service
it provides its customers.
“Group
Encourages Consumers to Pay Down Debt” March
5, 2003
Cambridge
Credit offered tips and
advice to consumers receiving
a rebate following their
tax fillings this year.
Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge
Credit, stressed the
importance of consumers
using their tax rebates
to pay off large debt
loads.
“The
Perfect Match” February
14, 2003
Cambridge Credit was featured on WLVI-TV’s
nightly news broadcast in a story focusing on consumer
debt and credit counseling in the Massachusetts area.
Jordan Goodman, a Cambridge Credit spokesman, discussed
the importance of good money management skills.
“Experts
caution love can be costly” February 14, 2003
With its proximity to Valentine’s Day, this
article focused on the financial issues surrounding
marriage and dating and offered tips on how couples
could test their financial compatibility. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was cited on
the importance of good money management skills in
relationships.
February
10, 2003
Cambridge Credit was featured on WLVI-TV’s
nightly news broadcast in a story focusing on consumer
debt and credit counseling in the Massachusetts area.
Jordan Goodman, a Cambridge Credit spokesman, was
quoted on the importance of good money management.
“Strategies
to Deal with those Holiday Credit Card Hangovers” January 23, 2003
As credit card bills start to arrive from the holidays,
this article offers strategies to avoid holiday debt
hangovers now and in the future. Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered tips to consumers
trying to manage their post-holiday finances with
a limited budget. The Cambridge “Holiday Hotline” was
cited for consumers who are seeking assistance with
budgeting after the holiday season.
“The
Basics of Bankruptcy” January 9, 2003
Helping consumers decipher the issues surrounding
bankruptcy, this article outlines facts, definitions
and reasons why some consumers should consider bankruptcy
as a viable option when faced with high debt loads.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered guidance to consumers concerned with how
lenders would view their credit rating after filing
for bankruptcy.
“Personal
Finance Column” January 6, 2003
In an article advising consumers how to avoid post-holiday
debt, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered tips to help consumers regain their financial
stability.
“Resolving
to Save in 2003” January 1, 2003
Chris Viale offered tips to consumers for budgeting
in 2003 and managing their post holiday debt in an
article about saving during the New Year. The Cambridge
Credit “Holiday Debt Hotline” number
(1-800-313-8686) was listed as a way for consumers
to obtain free advice on managing their finances.