Advantage Advisor
Monthly Newsletter
February - 2022
Valentine’s Day while budgeting doesn’t have to be tricky and unfulfilling. The day is truly for showing love to loved ones, and money doesn’t have to be a major factor in showing affection. Most romantic activities that involve spending a significant amount of money can have cost-effective alternatives.

Click below to read more:
In This Issue:

Budget-Friendly Valentine's Day
Unemployment Insurance Fraud
A Minimalistic Lifestyle
America Saves Week 2022
Clients Speak Out (Reviews)
Company News & Events
RECENT BLOG POSTS - 
If you are a victim of unemployment insurance fraud, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your finances. Unfortunately, this type of crime is on the rise, and it can be difficult to get your money back if you fall victim. In this blog post.... Read more here!
When many people think about minimalism, they associate it with not having a lot of things. However, it can go a lot deeper than that and can even affect how you spend money. Many times, a minimalistic lifestyle can improve your relationship.... Read more here!
Since 2007 America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Through the support of thousands of participating organizations, together we encourage individuals to do a financial check-in that allows them to get a clear view of their finances.... Read more here!
CLIENTS SPEAK OUT - 
"Making the initial call was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. The second call, where we went over all my expenses and debt, was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. However, I am incredibly grateful and impressed with how polite, respectful, and calming my advisor was. I appreciated the monthly statements, as well as the acknowledgements that the statements I submitted were received. If I had known the experience was going to be so wonderful, I would have done it sooner." ~ Mary M.
"Everyone was always eager to assist with any questions that I had during my process. The process was very easy. I would highly recommend.”  ~ Kimberly P.
"The payment amount and schedule date made it manageable for me to get out of debt in a reasonable amount of time. I was able to keep my good credit rating, and also improved my rating, through the program provided by ACCS. It helped me to never feel hopeless, and to always see progress, every month. Thank you so much!"  ~ Johnna W.
Company News & Events - 
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund Now Open For Applications!

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded $350 million in COVID-19 relief funds for homeowners from U.S. Treasury for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF). PAHAF applications are now open to all eligible Pennsylvania homeowners!

The fund supports Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) who are struggling with financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHAF will use these funds to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with much-needed assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement, and utility disconnection.

Applicants who are eligible will meet the following criteria:
  • Household income is equal to or less than 150% area median income (AMI), which varies by locality. Note: PAHAF Program priority will be given to households at or below 100% AMI.
  • Homeowner owns and occupies the property as their primary residence.
  • Property is in Pennsylvania.
  • Homeowner experienced a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before January 21, 2020 and continued after that date).
  • Homeowner cannot receive the same assistance for mortgage payment, mortgage reinstatement, property charges, and/or utility payment from another federal, state, local, nonprofit, or tribal source.
  • Homeowner’s first mortgage is a conforming loan and meets the federal limits for the year in which the loan was taken.

To learn more about eligibility, how applications are being prioritized, and the assistance available, and to review the documents required to apply, visit https://pahaf.org/.

How to Apply:
First, you will need to register at http://register.pahaf.org/. You can complete your application entirely online through the PHFA portal at https://apply-pa.pahaf.org/.

If you need telephone or in-person assistance with your application, housing counseling agencies like Advantage Credit Counseling Service are available to help. For application assistance, give us a call at 1-866-699-2227 and ask about applying for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF). We're here to help you through this process!