Advantage Advisor
Monthly Newsletter
June / 2019
Couples getting married this year know there are a lot of details in planning a wedding. Along with the cake and gift registry, their first tax return as a married couple should be on their checklist . The IRS has tips and tools to help newlyweds consider how marriage may affect their taxes. Here are 5 simple steps that can make filing their first tax return as newlyweds less stressful !

Click below for more information:
In This Issue:

Newlyweds and Taxes
Summer Fun On A Budget
Buying In Bulk
Family Money Management
Clients Speak Out
Company News & Events
Employee Spotlight
RECENT BLOG POSTS - 
When the weather starts to heat up, and more people head outside, that’s when budgets start to go downhill. While all family members look forward to summer, parents and children typically have different viewpoints on what constitutes as a “fun” summer activity. Of course, when the cost is a factor .... Read more!
As you search for ways to reduce spending, your food budget understandably is a focal point. You may have heard that buying in bulk is a great way to reduce the regular cost of your groceries, but is this always the case? The reality is that bulk purchases can save money when ....  Read more!
A common complaint among consumers today is the lack of funds. Regardless of how much money a household might earn, there never seems to be enough of it. Making do with an average income is the goal of any household budget. In fact, the entire family should get involved in their financial ....  Read more!
CLIENTS SPEAK OUT - 
"I was happy to be able to reduce and in some cases eliminate interest rates, but still pay off all my debts and increase my credit score. I knew exactly how much I would be paying and for how long. Everyone was always very helpful whenever I needed to call for any reason."  ~ Teresa B.
" I would never have been able to get myself out of debt in 5 years. I would absolutely recommend anyone use this service if they need help paying off credit card debt. Thank you all! "  ~ Sarah S.
"I had a WONDERFUL experience with ACCS! I have restored my credit and have regained financial freedom. Working with ACCS was one of the best financial decisions I have made! Thank you!"  ~ Marlo T.
"This company and its employees were all easy to work with. Any problems or questions I emailed about were addressed timely. Thanks!"  ~ Kelly B.
COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS -   
Advantage CCS is proud to announce the launch of the Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)! 

The FEC initiative, implemented by Advantage CCS in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund , the City of Pittsburgh, and Neighborhood Allies , offers free, one-on-one financial counseling to Pittsburgh area residents looking to address their financial challenges and plan for their futures.

FEC clients have the option to meet with a certified financial counselor in 10 different locations across the city, including local libraries, social service organizations, and community spaces to get help with reducing debt , improving credit , and building savings .

The Pittsburgh FEC held its official grand opening event last month, which included remarks from City of Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto and Jonathan Mintz , CFE Fund President and CEO. Since opening its doors back in March, the program has helped nearly 100 Pittsburgh residents address their financial issues and work toward future goals.

The Pittsburgh FEC counselors are both NFCC Certified and certified by the Cities for Financial Empowerment . The Pittsburgh team trained for over two months on topics like budgeting, debt relief, improving credit, investing, and saving for retirement.  

The FEC model began six years ago in New York City , and has since grown to 25 cities across the U.S. , with more expected to open in the coming year. The CFE fund has seen great results with clients who participate in counseling sessions. Since the program’s inception in New York City, FEC clients nationwide have reduced debt by $100 million and saved more than $10 million Click here to learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center model, and to determine if there is an FEC operating in your area! 

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and would like to meet with an FEC counselor, please give us a call at 1-800-298-0237 or email us at fecinfo@advantageccs.org !
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT - 
In our “Employee Spotlight” series, we ask our employees about the role they play in our agency and a little bit about their family and personal life. We want to give you the ability to hear right from them about what gets them excited to come to work each day and how they personally help all of our clients succeed.
 
Let's meet our  HUD Certified Housing/Credit Counselor Anita B.
 
How long have you worked for the agency? –  "10 years and counting!"
 
What are your primary job duties? –  "Housing Counseling and also Credit Counseling."
 
What was the most unusual and/or interesting job you've ever had? –  "When I was 15, I traveled during the summer with the carnival. I know, that sounds bizarre, but I had a friend in high school whose family owned several carnival rides and concession stands. One summer, I assisted my friend and her mother in the concession stand that sold popcorn, candy apples, and cotton candy. We set up at various churches and fairs (usually on a weekly basis) throughout the Pittsburgh area during the summer. I believe as a young adult it helped me develop a good work ethic."
 
Would you say you're messy or organized? –  "Leaning more towards organized, but I would like to improve my organizational skills."
 
What's your favorite food? –  "Chocolate!!!"
 
What's your least favorite food? –  "I don’t think I have one. I love food!"
 
Do you have any hobbies? –  "Reading is my favorite past time, but in the warm weather, I love being outside walking or working in my yard. If the sun is shining I want to be outside!"
 
What is the one thing you couldn’t live without? –  "My family and friends."
 
What is your favorite book and/or movie? –  "Steel Magnolias."
 
What is your favorite color? –  "I cannot narrow it down to one. It depends on the situation."
 
What is your favorite vacation spot? -  "I have been lucky enough to travel to England and Paris, but as far as a favorite vacation spot, that is yet to be determined. I am planning a trip to Annapolis in June, but long term I am dreaming of a trip to Tuscany."