Advantage Advisor
Monthly Newsletter
December / 2017
How To Be Frugal During The Holidays!
As the holiday season approaches, people are starting to draft their budget plans for the upcoming festivities. This year the average holiday shopper is expected to spend more than $750 for gifts. About half of those people will also spend an average of $150 on items for themselves.

It’s possible to get through the holidays without breaking your budget or going into debt. It takes a little bit of effort and some planning. Find out how to be frugal during the holidays!

Click below for more information:
In This Issue:


Frugal During Holidays
Year-End Planning
Build Your Credit Rating
Debt Terminology Index
Clients Speak Out
Company News & Events
Employee Spotlight
The end of a year brings a lot of good things with it. The holiday season is a time for warmth and joy, to share food and presents with your family. However, the end of the year also brings the need to begin your year-end financial planning. With the New Year fast approaching, it’s time for .... Read more
Are you in the market for a new home? Perhaps a new car? Are you trying to get the best rates on insurance? Maybe you’re hoping to get a home improvement loan? If you are considering any of these, you may want to check your credit rating first. Keep reading to learn what you can ....   Read more
There are many terms used when it comes to credit counseling, debt, debt collections, and  debt relief . Knowing what the various terms mean can help when you’re trying to get your finances back on track. We’ve decided to create a debt terminology glossary for you to take the guesswork ....   Read more
CLIENTS SPEAK OUT - 
" Staff was always very encouraging and nonjudgmental! I’m so grateful for the tips and support and feel empowered to take on my finances in a smarter, more sustainable way. Thank you!!! ! "  ~  Allison M .
"I can't say enough, Advantage has helped not only pay my debts in full but also their newsletters explaining everything from budgeting and saving and investing. I just want to thank Advantage for giving me a fresh start. Thank you! "  ~ Edward G .
" Very happy with being able to get out of some debt faster than I would have not doing it. I am looking forward to doing it again with some other debt in the very near future. Thank you."  ~ George B .
COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS - 
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Open Enrollment is Here! Are You Covered?

This year the Open Enrollment Period is shorter and will run from November 1st, 2017, through December 15th, 2017. If you currently do not have health care through your employer and you’re not going through a life-changing event such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, a new baby, or the loss of a job, this is your time to enroll! Advantage CCS is here to help you. If you’re from northeastern PA, give us a call today! You can contact our Certified Healthcare Navigator at 1-888-511-2227 ext. 114 or email Terri Stocki at tstocki@advantageccs.org. But what if you’re not from northeastern PA? Help is still available! You can call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 and enroll over the phone. 

Why is Advantage CCS involved in health care? What's the main reason people give for not having health insurance? They can’t afford it. Advantage CCS can help you create a budget and help people manage their debt with our Debt Management Program (DMP). By getting the assistance you need to help better manage your finances, you can find out exactly where all of your hard earned money is going! 

Some people feel they would rather pay the penalty (which increases every year) then get health insurance. But you’re not getting anything for paying that penalty! You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable health care can be and we can show you the cost.

If you’re already enrolled in health care through the Marketplace, you still need to either call them or schedule an appointment with us to review the plans and make sure you have a plan that still fits your needs. Every year the plans change and the pricing could change. Don’t wait because time is running out! Call us and let us help you with your health insurance needs!
ADVANTAGE 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 one of our Certified Credit Counselors , Noelle Irving !

How long have you worked for Advantage CCS? – " This is going on my 9th year with the company. "

What are your primary job duties? – "I’m a Housing and Credit Counseling counselor."

What was the most unusual and/or interesting job you've ever had? –   "I once worked as a temp for Disney on Ice’s office for a week." 

Would you say you are messy or organized? – "I'm organized."

What's your favorite food? – "It's spaghetti."

What's your least favorite food? – " Beets."

Do you have any hobbies? – "I like baking in my spare time."

What is the one thing you couldn’t live without? – "Music."

What is your favorite movie or book? A Streetcar Named Desire ."

What is your favorite color? – "Blue."

What is your favorite vacation spot? - "Anywhere with a beach!"