The Power of Knowledge

You've heard it before: Knowledge is power. And that's certainly true
when it comes to managing your finances and other important
personal issues. But as with so many things in life, the key to living well
is knowing how to
keep it simple and in perspective.

The following are helpful online resources for more information about
finances, bankruptcy and living the simple life.



48 Days

Interested in finding purpose in your work? Want to land your dream job
or start a business? This website is the place to start!

The brainchild of Dan Miller, president of The Business Source, 48
Days conveys Dan’s belief in getting ahead through the many
opportunities that exist today in the business world. He also believes
that God gives special talents (gifts) to everyone. And once you
recognize them, you can make the most of what He has called you to
be in life.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) is a nonprofit,
community service agency whose services are open to all members of
the community. CCCS provides free, confidential budget counseling,
community-wide education programs in money management, debt
management programs for consumers who are overextended, and
comprehensive housing counseling.

Crown Financial Ministries

This remarkable website is a treasure trove of useful financial tools
and information, from a "Budgetometer" to analyze your spending, to a
credit card minimum payment calculator. The mission of Crown
Financial Ministries is "To see every follower of Christ in every nation
faithfully living by God’s financial principles in every area of their lives."

C.A.R.E.  (Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program)

C.A.R.E. is a national program founded by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court,
WDNY and the Bankruptcy Committee of the Monroe County Bar
Association.

FAMIS

FAMIS is Virginia's program that helps families provide health
insurance for their children. The cost for this insurance depends on
household income.  

IMPORTANT!  The Family and Income Calculator on the FAMIS Web
site may incorrectly show that some families are ineligible for the
program. Since everyone’s situation is different, be sure to call FAMIS
at
1-866-873-2647 to see if your family can participate.

Virginia Consumer News & Information

If a deal sounds just a little too good to be true, the Virginia Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services says you might be right. This
news and information page features frequently asked questions
(FAQs) concerning landlord/tenant issues, plus consumer alerts and
warnings that can save you time, money and headaches.

Clark Howard

Clark Howard and his team are here to help you be a better consumer,
save money and avoid rip-offs.



Making Home Affordable

The federal government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program gives
millions of homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie
Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable
monthly payments.

HUD

The mission of HUD (the United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development) is to increase home ownership, support
community development and boost access to affordable,
discrimination-free housing.  

NeighborWorks® Resource Group

The NeighborWorks® Resource Group is a private, non-profit
organization that creates opportunities for low and moderate income
families in central Virginia to buy affordable homes and strengthen
their communities.

Market-Rate Home Ownership

Want to buy a house but think there’s no way you can ever afford one?
Through grants and financial assistance with down payments and
closing costs, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority
(RRHA) helps make new homes affordable for low- and middle-
income families.

VHDA Quick Start

The Virginia Housing Development Authority’s (VHDA) Quick Start web
page is designed to help you determine which home loan best meets
your situation. Borrowers must meet all requirements related to
income, net worth and other important factors.

Housing Counseling

Whether you want to rent an apartment or buy a home, you have a right
to fair treatment and protection against discrimination. Housing
Opportunities Made Equal, Inc. (HOME) offers counseling and a wide
array of related no-charge services to help clients find and keep the
most suitable housing.



Alternatives for Simple Living

Life doesn't have to be so complicated...




National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA)

NACBA is the only national organization dedicated to serving the needs
of consumer bankruptcy attorneys and protecting the rights of
consumer debtors in bankruptcy.

NACBA has also played a critical role in many important court cases
affecting the rights of consumer bankruptcy debtors by filing amicus
briefs in U.S. Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court, with many of
those case decisions influenced by NACBA's participation. In addition,
NACBA provides the most comprehensive educational programs in the
country for consumer bankruptcy attorneys with its annual convention
seminars.

United States Bankruptcy Court
Eastern District of Virginia
Richmond Division

United States Trustee Program

The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department
of Justice that seeks to promote the efficiency and protect the integrity
of the Federal bankruptcy system. To further the public interest in the
just, speedy and economical resolution of cases filed under the
Bankruptcy Code, the Program monitors the conduct of bankruptcy
parties and private estate trustees, oversees related administrative
functions, and acts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and
procedures. It also identifies and helps investigate bankruptcy fraud
and abuse in coordination with United States Attorneys, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies.
© 2010 North & Associates, P.C.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
HOME OWNERSHIP
Links
SIMPLIFIED LIVING
LEGAL RESOURCES
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys