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stockfresh_6779024_person-hand-over-social-security-disability-claim-form_sizeS-300x200Many people get upset with government agencies. Whenever help is needed, there is some excuse not to give it. The delays and red tape make people give up on applying for government help.

That is not the best idea. There are services available from Social Security or the Veterans Administration that will make life easier. Family members who need special assistance, such as health aides or tutors, are worth going the extra mile for anybody. There are ways to work with government agencies that do not require elaborate strategies. Here are some thoughts. Continue reading

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stockfresh_7102501_college-debt_sizeS-300x300People with college debt are worried with good reason. They are dealing with a debt load that takes years to pay off. Life decisions such as buying a house or starting a family can be delayed for years. There does not seem to be an easy way out.

Dealing with Debt

Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services understands the frustration. College debt makes it tough to pay the rent and buying certain luxuries may be out of the question. People who have such obligations need help and not stern lectures. We have a financial wellness plan that is a significant employee benefit. It gives support to those who might be giving up hope. Continue reading

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stockfresh_7560715_multitasking-woman_sizeS-300x300We understand why folks get anxious about the cost of everything. America has not seen the recent inflation figures in decades. The cost of living affects everyone. Sadly, rising prices are hurting plans. It is easy to get depressed and be resigned to not being able to own a house, ever.

House Hopes Are Falling

While some experts anticipate that the price of houses will go down, the mortgage interest rates are going up. It is a squeeze that frustrates people. The thought that a home is unaffordable is sufficient to make anyone give up on being a house owner. However, we think that no one should lose hope. The house is still affordable without sacrificing financial wellness. Our self-study program, “Make Your Move,” gives many valuable home buying tips. Continue reading

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stockfresh_4514580_referrals-3d-words-connected-arrows-new-customers-word-of-mouth_sizeS-300x300Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services is proud of the assistance we give the employees of our client organizations. Our nationwide network of attorneys offers help in resolving common legal issues that people encounter, and these legal experts always show an elevated level of emotional intelligence and empathy. However, we do admit there are times when a plan member’s needs go beyond what we can do for them.

 

Some areas of the law, such as immigration, adoption, or personal injury, require specialized attention. Attorneys proficient in various legal niches spent considerable time learning the nuances of their specialties. As a result, they often charge higher fees. Countrywide will not hesitate to refer a plan member outside our network if the need arises. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6378534_financial-freedom-concept_sizeS-300x192Half of the year has gone by, and this is a time for evaluating progress. People set financial goals in January and take a moment now to assess how they are doing. Changes or modifications might be needed to clear any obstacles.

Facing a Challenge

Everyone is feeling the effects of inflation. The June figures were high, and food and gasoline prices are not decreasing. Money is tight, and the average consumer must stretch the dollars to cover the bills. This belt-tightening is coming at a tough time. Continue reading

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stockfresh_5987416_customer-relationship_sizeS-300x200We readily admit that legal services can be a fleet of paper sailing on an ocean of ink. There are so many written documents that it almost appears that every issue has its library. It is all important, but there is something more critical to high-quality legal services. That is communication.

It Moves Things Along

Group legal plans will promote their services and the Internet connections. It is great to have websites and important to have FAQ pages, but there is more to good pre-paid legal services. Many people are intimidated by the law. What makes sense to an attorney on a website can baffle an average employee. There must be more to communication than templates. Continue reading

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stockfresh_7251761_consultant-showing-document-to-couple_sizeS-300x200We did not get good news from the Consumer Price Index in May. Inflation went up 8.6% from last year, the highest rate in over 40 years. Washington has promised to do something about inflation, but we do not know when we will see positive results. In the meantime, consumers must deal with the rising cost of nearly everything.

It means that pay raises and promotions, which ordinarily provide more spending income, can barely cover the rising costs. That causes considerable stress and aggravation. Unfortunately, we do not have any magic spell or potion to cure inflation, but we will give you a few tips on how to do some due diligence on your budget. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1627257_estate-planning-word-cloud-concept_sizeS-300x300We understand why people hesitate to draft a final will. It is not easy to put it on the bucket list when there are bills to pay and kids to raise. Nevertheless, this is an essential document.

Lawyers Are Essential

A simple will does not have to be a chore. Six pages of text are sufficient for most people. We do not recommend the simple will as a DIY project, however. The legal language used in the document is very precise, and mistakes will lead to heartaches and headaches. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6779024_person-hand-over-social-security-disability-claim-form_sizeS-300x200Libertarians can say all they want, but the government is necessary for everyday life. There are services that public agencies provide, such as Medicare, transportation services, special tutors, and other forms of assistance to make life easier for many people. There is a high level of frustration with government agencies, however. Too many people are convinced that public employees are just bureaucrats in very comfortable jobs who do not care about anything. The stressful situations folks have with government agencies can be made easier with some outside help.

So, what is the Problem?

There are some common areas of anxiety when dealing with government. Continue reading

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stockfresh_4971788_student-loan-debt-installment-payment-check-money-paid-back_sizeS-300x300A lot of excitement has been generated by recent news. The US Department of Education canceled nearly $5.8 billion in outstanding student loans, affecting over 500,000 people in debt. It is a fantastic development but look again before you celebrate.

 

The cancellations affected former students of Corinthian Colleges. This was a large for-profit education company that filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in 2015 and was sued for false advertising and recruiting. Those students who attended Corinthian Colleges are the only ones who are thus far forgiven any debt. Continue reading