An invitation

I am excited to launch this new blog, Financial Serenity Today. I work as a Financial Coach in the in the nonprofit sector. I bring the unique experience of 30-years in the field of finance with an MSW (Masters of Social Work). The goal in my work, the goal of this blog, is to help people become more at peace in their relationship to money, and thereby find greater peace, hope, well-being in their lives. This blog is not about how to build a road to riches, for wealth is not best measured in terms of net worth or income. Wealth is most truly achieved in living a life that is true to your spirit and within which you can achieve financial serenity. My hope is that this blog contributes in some small way to you on your journey.
I welcome your questions, comments, feedback on any matters financial. I will respond to the best of my ability and welcome comments and input from others to enhance our collective wisdom. As is always true in matters financial, this is an interactive tool based on less than complete information about your specific circumstances, do use this blog to supplement your understanding of your financial situation, and do consult with appropriate financial and legal experts as appropriate. Stu

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Housing counselors can and do help

If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment, do contact a non-profit housing counselor. You can locate such counselors on HUD's web site by following the attached link: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm
I share the following story from my work as a housing counselor. I received a call  from a client who had been ill for the past 2 years and during this time, her homeowners insurance (HOI) lapsed due to her failure to pay her insurer a required $30 membership fee (most insurers do not have this requirement). The client's lender, when they became aware of issue, force placed insurance. This means they purchased a HOI policy to protect their interest in the home. Her home payment went from $487 to $854 monthly! The force placed insurance only protects the lender, not the client (this is always true as many learned when tornadoes struck Alabama in April). My client had tried with no success to obtain help from her lender. We called the client's lender via conference call and were able to cure this problem. Her reduced payment was restored within 5 business days as soon as her insurer called the insurance department of the lender affirming that coverage was restored. If you feel wronged by your mortgage servicer seek professional help.    

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