About Us

February 15, 2011 – 1:40 pm

Federated Financial was established in 1997. Our goal is to teach consumers everywhere how to understand and manage debt so that they can achieve and maintain financial security. We understand the important monetary issues and challenges life can send your way and we are here to help. Our free community outreach programs, which include public seminars, walk-in clinics, newsletters, and on-line materials, give all of our visitors the ability to understand how credit works; how to overcome financial obstacles; and how to achieve important economic goals.

We provide comprehensive financial education to everyone, regardless of need. Federated Financial has worked hard to ensure that local and on-line communities receive the very best possible level of care and support possible. Our counselors, customer service representatives, and creditor relations specialists are certified as credit counselors by the independent National Institute for Financial Education.

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Hollywood Video Debt Collection Scam

February 12, 2011 – 9:25 am

During these tough economic times it is not uncommon for debt collection scam artists to hit the phones and attempt to collect money on expired or non existent debts. The latest debt collection scam seems to be spreading across the US referring to Hollywood Video, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2010. The debt collection scam begins with a phone call from a collection agency, telling the consumer that they have a unpaid debt in regards to their previous account with Hollywood Video.

More often than not the consumer will be persuaded to pay the bill at a “reduced” rate in order to avoid the debt going on their credit report. This is the heart of the debt collection scam, you may not be responsible for this debt and the collection agency isn’t legally in possession of your debt, if it even exists.

Knowing your consumer rights is the best defense against debt collection scams, if you are unsure of your rights your best bet is to contact a fair debt lawyer and examine your rights. As co

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Tags: Collection Scam, Debt Collection, Debt Collection Scam, Scam

Debt Counseling- Debt Settlement

February 7, 2011 – 2:41 pm

Debt Counseling, debt settlement has become a growing professional service in recent years as more and more Americans find themselves facing seemingly insurmountable levels of debt. Debt settlement counselors are trained to understand the complexities of debt settlement issues and are employed to help people find a way out of their personal debt crisis. And there is a way out! Even better, the way out can often be painless. It is not necessary to sacrifice everything to get out of debt. Usually all it takes is debt re-negotiation. If this is done with your creditor, it will usually be done on their terms. If it is handled by a debt settlement professional, it will be done on your terms, not your creditor’s.

Counseling debt settlement takes several forms. On the extreme end of the scale is counseling when one is at risk of foreclosure or bankruptcy. These two words strike such fear in the hearts of homeowners and small business owners, sometimes they just cave in and let ‘fate’ take its course. Other

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Tags: Debt Counseling, Debt Settlement, Settlement

Debt and health care: Uninsured, underinsured struggling with medical bills

February 4, 2011 – 11:07 pm

The problem with not having health insurance is that you don’t miss it until you need it. PBS reports that 44 million Americans are uninsured, and another 38 million are underinsured, which means they can face thousands of dollars in medical bills if they become ill. Any one of these circumstances can contribute to ruining your credit, your budget and your qualify of life. High deductibles and co-payments cause financial problems for families who cannot afford quality health coverage;  about one third of the uninsured have problems meeting their bills, and this financial pressure causes many without adequate health coverage to put off seeing their doctors and other health care providers until they become seriously ill.

One hospital visit away from bankruptcy: Avoiding crushing medical debt

 It’s important to get the care you need when you need it. Here are some tips for reducing and settling medical bills.

  • Advise your care providers that you have no insurance, and ask about financial assistance programs. Hospital

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Tags: Uninsured, Uninsured Underinsured

Debt Reduction and Settlement: How can Debt Counseling be of Good Help?

February 2, 2011 – 4:23 am

Solving debt problems all by your self can be very stressful and can affect all aspects of your life. In order to become aware of your options, you can try going for debt counseling. Seeking the advice of professionals can enlighten you about the possible solutions to your debt problems. It is critical however that you approach only credible and legitimate debt management firms. These companies have debt specialists who can view the structure of your debt in order to make well calculated plans of solving it.

Debt counseling can offer you well-experienced debt specialists who can work with your creditors on your behalf for possible debt reduction. Do not be ashamed to disclose your current financial situation as there are many others out there who are facing the same problem. That is why it is important that you are comfortable with the debt management firm that you are dealing with. Your trust and confidence to them are critical elements of the entire process.

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Tags: Counseling, Debt Counseling