CareOne Debt Discussions

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Andrew Jensen

2012-04-26T12:25:00Z

We are talking to CareOne employees from across the organization about their personal experiences with debt. This week we are speaking with Andrew Jensen, one of our Solutions Coaches.

How have you been personally affected by debt?

I had been so used to being in credit card debt; I just accepted it as a way of life. I was mistaken badly, and I look back now and cringe when I think about how much I've spent on interest over the years. I had too much pride to get help, and I always convinced myself that eventually I would be able to pay everything off.

Month after month I would go online and pay all 15 credit cards on their respective due dates, then take a deep breath for a few days and the process started all over again. All I could afford were the minimum payments, but felt satisfied that I was able to make the payment. Meanwhile while I was paying the minimum of $40 towards a $1500 card, the interest made it so I was only paying about $10 towards the principle every month. It would have taken me over 12 years to pay off a $1500 card just doing the minimums!

How did you learn about CareOne and our debt relief plans?

At my previous employer, a co-worker and I were discussing credit cards and the topic of debt consolidation came up. He mentioned he used a company called CareOne and that it has made his life less stressful and made it so he knew the exact date he was going to be out of debt.

I didn't really think much of it at the time, but as the next month of paying the bills online showed up, I started to think about that conversation.

I googled "CareOne" and started to complete the process but my ego wouldn't let me finish it. A few CareOne "Financial Coaches" tried to reach me by phone offering their assistance to finishing the process. After ignoring the calls- (I got used to doing that with collection calls over the years!) I finally decided to call them back. After talking with a coach, I was assured I was making the right decision and that I wasn't alone.

How are you doing on the Debt Management Plan?

It has been one of the single best decisions I have ever made. I have been on the Debt Management Plan for about 14 months now, and have seen my debt decrease drastically. Cards that once had over 20% APR were reduced significantly and I have seen the balances drop quickly. In fact just this past month, one of my smaller cards has just been paid off, which never would have happened that fast had I not joined the Debt Management Plan.

I can see the exact date on my CareOne Account website of when I will be debt free. I can see how much debt I started with compared to where I am now. Also, I don't have to worry about paying everything every month, as CareOne deducts it from my account automatically every month. I now only have a little over 2 years remaining until I am debt free- If I had let my pride stay in control, I would have easily 15+ years.

Would you recommend CareOne to friends and family?

Whenever I hear people talking about debt, I quickly jump in and suggest CareOne- Just as my co-worker did for me.

So when my previous position at a different employer was eliminated, I quickly jumped at the opportunity to apply at CareOne when I saw the job posting. Now I get to help other people accomplish what I did, and help people get that weight lifted. The same weight I was struggling with until I joined CareOne.

So tell us a little about yourself:

I am a full-time single dad of a 14 year old who is one of the best freshman basketball players in the area!

I also coach High School & AAU Basketball, when I'm not helping people get out of debt.

I live in San Diego, CA and am currently working on my Master's Degree in Sports Management.

To read more CareOne Employee Spotlights click here.

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Jan Cammiso

2012-04-16T12:10:00Z

We are talking to CareOne employees from across the organization about their personal experiences with debt. This week we are talking with Jan Cammiso, one of our Outbound Coaches.

How have you been personally affected by debt?

I was just on top of the world had a great position with all debt being paid on time. Due to a family emergency across the US in CA I elected to relocate to aide my family. With cost of moving and finding a new position I fell behind on my payments until I once again was employed. By this time being 2 and 3 months behind on everything.

How did you feel about yourself during this period?

I was over whelmed and did not know what to do. I wish I had been familiar with Care One and the solutions it provides for troubled Americans. Those solutions would have been better than the avenue I took.

How did you manage to get out of debt? I filed Bankruptcy. I filed a chapter 13 to pay back all my creditors which was a large cost factor I was obligated to pay $1300.00 per month for 6 years but I would be out of debt.

What do you do for CareOne and how long have you worked for CareOne?

I am outbound calling coach, I am the first point of contact to people that have visited out website. I have been with CareOne for almost one year. The first 6 months I was temporary and now full time.

How does working for CareOne provide you the opportunity to give back to others dealing with debt?

I love working for CareOne it is so rewarding. The solutions that we provide would have lifted a burden off of me. Today I have walked in your shoes and recognize whether its $2000.00 in debt or $100,000.00 in debt, the feelings are the same, the pressure is the same. But the solutions that CareOne brings to the table are relief, piece of mind and contentment. I look forward to being a part of your success story.

Tell us about your world:

I am single.
I have dog named Teddy and he is truly a joy in my life.
I live in a house build in the 30's it has so much charm and is really different.
I am studying now for my bachelors degree.

What is something about you that people would not know:

My passion is painting although to date I have only painted 5 pictures.
I love American Idol, and the Voice.
I have lived in many cities across the United States.
My favorite color is red.
I want to visit Italy and Hawaii someday.

To read more employee spotlights click here!

Motivated to Make a Difference

2012-04-06T12:19:00Z

What motivates you?

I am sure you can come up with a thousand and one answers for this question. I have asked many people this question and I received several answers including: Money, Career, Music, Freedom, Kids, Family, Faith and the list goes on.

As I pondered the subject of motivation it occurred to me that we are motivated by many things; but the bigger question is how you and I can motivate someone else or their situation?

When our founder Bernie Dancel, found himself in debt and having to file bankruptcy which changed his life. He was motivated to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. As a result of his motivation, CareOne and a community of people motivated to make a difference were also created.

We have a fantastic community here on the CareOne website. One of our greatest assets here in the community is peer to peer motivation. When someone joins a plan or goes through a financial hardship, we all are on the same level playing field.

What makes this a level playing field? Everyone here has said, "I need help" and by being here, they have found help. In this community CareOne employees and customers alike have a story to share to help motivate each other. In here we can all say, "We have been in your shoes," and "We are glad you are here, because you deserve a second chance."

No matter what caused you to seek help, be proud of your choice and remember every time you post in the community, every time you read a blog or share your story that you are sharing the motivation to make a difference.

So I end this blog with a great big THANK YOU!

Keep up the great work and share with me - What are some of the ways you make a difference for others in your everyday life?

Read more of Coach Tammy's blogs by clicking here.

Visit Coach Tammy in our Ask the Expert Forum where she will answer your questions about your plan, staying on track and life after debt!

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Christine Hartge

2012-04-03T12:40:00Z

We are talking to CareOne employees from across the organization about their personal experiences with debt. This week we are talking with Christine Hartge, a Business Analyst for our Project Management Team.

How have you been personally affected by debt?

We have struggled for sure and still do from time to time. Unexpected expenses always seem to get us into trouble.

How did you manage to get out of debt?

We've learned to manage a budget better, plan ahead for the unknowns and known, and discuss expenses.

What do you do for CareOne and how long have you worked for CareOne?

I have held a several positions in the years I have worked for CareOne (This years is my 15th year with CareOne!) My current position is a Business Analyst. Previous positions were in Creditor Services, Creditor Advocate & Relations and Quality Assurance.

Does working for CareOne give you the opportunity to give back to others dealing with debt?

YES! Not only can I help our customers, I help friends and family. Working here gives me access to valuable tips, advice and education about our services. I am always answering questions about what debt relief plans can do, what to look out for, and how they can help find reputable providers.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am married to my wonderful husband Richard and we are blessed with an awesome daughter Julia, who is 15!

I have a dog named Frankie who is the greatest little buddy you could ever ask for.

I live in the same community that I grew up in, which is also where my mom's family grew up. Obviously no one leaves, and if you do people always seem to come back.

What do you do for fun?

I love to cook and wish I could cook like an executive chef!

My guilty pleasure is Days of our Lives (seriously I have watched forever!)

Give me snow in the winter and hot sunny days on a beach and I will not complain!!!

I spend a lot of time volunteering in any way I can for activities and programs that my daughter is involved in.

To read more employee spotlights click here!

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Naomi Wilson

2012-03-29T13:01:00Z

We are talking to CareOne employees from across the organization about their personal experiences with debt.

How have you been personally affected by debt?

From 2007-2009 we were really in a jam with the loss of more than $105,000 of lost income. Unemployment aided to the beginning of my debt issues. My husband and I didn't have one single credit card, so we depended heavily on our income from our employers. As well, with being unemployed, our health benefits were gone so that added to our now building debt.

How did you feel about yourself during this period?

I really felt ashamed. I had always paid my mortgages and car notes on time; and consistently in fact! I felt ignored by the agencies I was so loyal to. I felt I was the only one this was happening to. It was just a tough time for my family.

How did you manage to get out of debt?

Well it was a difficult choice but ultimately we had to choose Bankruptcy. We tried credit consolidation agencies for our medical bills, federal programs for our home, but it was all a gimmick. It appeared to be the best choice for my family. We just didn't have much knowledge of other trustworthy options. We are in such a better place now!

What do you do for CareOne and how long have you worked for CareOne?

I have been with the CareOne -Settlement Services family for 9 months. I am allowed to be transparent with our clients and offer account management services daily.

How does working for CareOne provide you the opportunity to give back to others dealing with debt?

CareOne gave me the knowledge and tools to coach; not only our clients, but my friends and family about their options and opportunities afforded through CareOne. I have my Credit Counseling Certification, so my friend and family really looked to me as a trusted source.

Tell us about your world:

I am married with four beautiful kids!

I have been a licensed MD State Cosmetologist for 11 years and was selected in December 2011 to represent a major hair manufacturer at the 2011 Golden Scissors Awards. That was a huge honor and a very proud day for me and my craft.

My favorite pastime is giving makeovers! I am obsessed with the artistry of makeup! I love to watch YouTube tutorials and I am actually enrolled to receive my licensure in the District of Columbia.

What is something about you that people would not know:

I love word search puzzles!!!

To Check out More CareOne Employee Debt Stories, Click Here!

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Rob Taylor

2012-03-15T06:37:00Z

How have you been personally affected by debt?

I had a lot of debt problems after college. I built up credit card debt and then fell behind on payments. I did the worst thing, which was to ignore the problem.

How did you feel about yourself during this period?

I was always worried about answering the phone because I knew it was either a credit card company or a collection agency looking for money. I was disappointed that I put myself in that position and was embarrassed about the collection calls and messages on the machine when my roommates heard them.

How did you manage to get out of debt?

I started with a credit counseling agency and then worked with the creditors directly to get better terms and focused on making my payment on time each and every month. The first credit counseling company I used was not very good. I had to send a money order every month because they did not do automatic debits like CareOne.

What do you do for CareOne and how long have you worked for CareOne?

I have been here for eight years and spent some time as a Solutions Coach, and the past five as a product manager in Product Management and Development. Much of my day is spent managing the DSP product for both Persels & Associates and CareOne.

Does working for CareOne give you the opportunity to give back to others dealing with debt?

Absolutely! I used to be an "Expert" in the community and spent a lot of time talking to people about their debt issues and working towards getting the debt paid off. I have enjoyed working at CareOne immensely. In many instances people do not understand their options when it comes to debt and a frank five to ten minute conversation can really clear things up.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am married to Kylie who is a wonderful woman and works in Health Care Consulting
We do not have kids, however we have a "fur kid" named Berger
We have lived in Elkridge for the past four years

What do you do for fun:

We both enjoy cooking and entertaining
We have both gotten into Cross Fit which is a lot of fun and helps offset the love for cooking and entertaining

To Check out More CareOne Employee Debt Stories, Click Here!

Avoid these 4 Budget Busters

2012-03-11T13:43:00Z

Taking the time to create a budget is one thing, sticking to it is another thing entirely!

There are many times when temptation creeps in and you have to make a choice to stick to the budget or splurge "Just this one time."

The only problem is that the one time never is just one time. Most of us will continue to splurge and find ourselves in debt or heading for disaster quicker than we realize. For the millions of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, there are many things you can do to avoid ruining the budget that you have worked so diligently to create and maintain.

Here are my four top budget busters and what you can do to avoid them:

1. Writing a list but not sticking to it - Shopping at the grocery store or the big box stores can ruin a perfectly planned budget. I recently read a friend's Facebook status and I thought, "I have got to write about this." It stated something like "I went to Wal-Mart to buy paper plates, bananas and a flower pot. I spent $102.00." How many times have you done this? Solution: Take the time to write a list before going to the store and stick to it! I have started a practice of not getting a shopping cart when I am only picking up a few items. The cart is an invitation for busting your budget wide open. Stay focused!

2. Eating out (All of the time) - I love to eat out as much as the next person but there comes a time where you have to say no more. The average price of a restaurant meal in the United States is roughly $10 per person. According to statistics, the general range of individual meals runs from $5.00 per person (e.g. a sandwich and a side for lunch) to $25.00 per person (e.g. a steak dinner.) If you do the math you understand how quickly eating out a few times a week can add up to disaster! Solution: Take the time to plan and prepare your meals for the week. Take your lunch and choose a day or two a month to enjoy a meal out with family and friends.

3. Not keeping track of you're spending (All of it) - The purpose of creating a budget is to allow you to track of your income and your expenses. Many times we are good at tracking the monthly bills but fall short in tracking the expenses. Most of us forget to include the little extras. These extras can include things like; gas, eating out, or your morning coffee run. Solution: There are hundreds of online, mobile and other gadgets to help you keep track of all of your spending. You will be surprised at how quickly the amount of money adds up. If you do not have a spending journal we have one to get you started! Review, print or save it to your computer: The CareOne Spending Journal

4. Getting the latest technology - I want the latest and greatest technology just as much as the next person, but reality and my budget reminds me that it is not required. My cell phone is not an android, or an "I" anything but it works. It is a touch screen and I can get online. I save $25 a month on my cell phone bill because it is not an android. I have a laptop and a desktop computer that work just fine. Do I want an iPad? Absolutely. Do I have to have it now? No. Solution: Allow yourself the chance to actually save money and pay off your debt. The costs of some of these gadgets are the same amount as some of our monthly bills. Instead of purchasing every new item, commit to make an extra payment toward your debt or place it in your emergency savings account!

You can avoid the pitfalls of busting your budget with a little hard work and a lot of discipline!

To Read More Posts from Coach Tammy Click Here!

Coach Tammy

Thomasene "Coach Tammy" Bradford joined the CareOne social media team as a Social Media Specialist in September 2009 and works to provide the highest level of customer service in the community. Tammy is passionate about helping people through the debt experience and having been through it personally, she knows what it is like! See Tammy in action in the Askt he CareOne Expert forum and throughout the community.

To follow CareOne click here!

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Jacqueline McCreary

2012-03-01T14:29:00Z

Have you been personally affected by debt?

Yes, I have been personally affected by debt and I am still in the process of reaching my goals.

How did you feel about yourself during this period?

OMG! I found myself in a deep depression due to my credit card debt. It seemed I'd experienced the entire gamut of emotions: FEAR, stress, rage, shame, abandonment, hopelessness, and worthlessness to name a few.

I was ashamed of the position I'd gotten myself, so I suffered in silence. There was no one I could blame but myself. Never before had I experienced the incessant calls and threatening letters.

Admittedly, I was not prepared to deal with the reality of the situation. I was sinking in the quicksand of denial. The stress adversely impacted my health, relationships and job performance. It was terrible! I would lay awake nights thinking of ways to generate more income or a quick solution to resolve this madness I created.

How did you manage to get out of debt?

I began to implement all of what I'd learned servicing our customer accounts. Can you believe it?

What do you do for CareOne and how long have you worked for CareOne?

I've been with CareOne six years this coming April. Initially, I began in Account Services and transferred to Creditor Services fifteen months later.

Does working for CareOne give you the opportunity to give back to others dealing with debt?

At times, it was rewarding to hear relief in clients' voices when you were able to offer clarity, understanding and assurance to them. Actively listening to their stories enabled me to empathize and show my compassionate side.

So tell us a little about yourself:

I am single with no dependents
An only child
I am a Veteran of the US Army
I plan to return to school this fall to pursue Mass / Corporate Communications
I am days from purchasing my first home!

What do you do for fun and how would your friends describe you?

I love cooking
I am considered a bit of prankster
I have a huge heart for people
I drive professionally
My laughter is infectious

To Check out More CareOne Employee Debt Stories, Click Here!

We've Been in Your Shoes - Employee Spotlight Bernie Dancel

2012-02-22T14:08:00Z

You may know him from our new commercials, his video on our home page, walking through the halls or grabbing lunch in the cafeteria, but today we get to know Bernie Dancel, founder of CareOne Debt Relief Services, a little better.

I thought it would be fun to get inside of Bernie's head and learn more about his hopes and dreams along with his passion to help people in debt. When I mentioned the idea of doing this interview, he said that there was only one rule, that there are no rules. I was cool with that rule and he was nice enough to sit down with me to answer my probing questions.

You channeled your debt experience into a professional mission to both innovate and improve the debt relief industry, how did you get started?

Many people don't realize that I actually started helping people first, the company and all that we do here came second. I just knew that there had to be a better way, better options. I did a lot of research after my own bankruptcy and learned about the debt relief options available at the time.

I realized that I could do better, that I could improve on the process and the services themselves. I literally started at my kitchen table in our townhome, making calls to creditors and negotiating better terms and interest rates for friends and acquaintances that I knew needed a hand.

You walked away from a financial services career to start the actual business, was that hard?

It was hard. I had a growing family to support, but I am lucky to have a very supportive wife. She believed with me, that bad financial things can happen to good people. What I went through, having to declare bankruptcy changed my life forever at a very young age. I did not feel that a single negative event should define me for the rest of my life; everyone deserves a second chance. With my wife's support and belief in my mission to change this industry, we made it happen.

Did you ever imagine that you would found a company that helped over 5 million people?

I never put any limitations on what we can achieve as an organization. I want to help as many people as we can and we will continue to innovate and change this industry to do so.

I will say that looking back and then looking forward, I am immensely proud of how we have grown as an organization. I can and do boast about the caliber of our employees. We have some of the most passionate and committed employees working here, bringing their best to their jobs every day. The passion I see from all of you fuels my own passion; to make what we do the standard for the industry, and to keep on raising that bar.

Well it is clear that you are passionate about your company and your employees, but what else are you passionate about?

My family...football.....

Wait, football...we all know that you are a die-hard Ravens fan, is there more?

Yes, I am a die-hard Ravens fan, but I have been coaching high school football for years. I love working with the kids. The discipline and solid life skills that kids learn by playing this game are invaluable. Watching these kids mature, improve as young adults, it's really inspiring to me.

It's clear you are passionate about the game, is there a career change in your future?

I could coach at the college level, but that is a full time job and I already have one of those (smiles).

I heard that you are Hawaiian, true?

Yes, absolutely true. I am part Hawaiian, Chinese and Italian. My Hawaiian family is Hawaiian and Chinese. I speak with my Hawaiian family members quite often and it's not a bad place to have relatives to visit.

That is a pretty cool background to have, any royalty?

Not royalty, but I was told by my Hawaiian family that we actually descended from a long line of "Kahuna's," which are the spiritual leaders or experts in Hawaiian culture.

I found that to be pretty cool given we work each day to change people's lives for the better. In fact, most of my Hawaiian family continues to serve as Kahuna's, dedicating their lives as spiritual leaders and helping others as we do here at CareOne.

What kind of music and T.V. shows are you into?

Well, I am a huge music fan and I like pretty much all genres of music. I have been on a Country music kick lately; I'm really into Rascal Flatts right now.

We watch a lot of T.V. My favorite shows right now are Modern Family and Parenthood.

You have five kids, what is life like around the Dancel home, what is new with all of you?

(Laughs) Crazy... I have one 17 year old left. My other 4 are in their twenties. There is a constant stream of kids in and out of our house. It's actually pretty fun, there is always something going on.

My wife recently discovered that she has gluten intolerance, so now we are are trying to find places to eat around town that can accommodate her dietary restrictions. If anyone knows of any places, around Baltimore let me know in the comments. It's become our new hobby, finding and trying these gluten free menu options.

I have some pretty cool news; we recently found out that my eldest daughter is pregnant with our first grandchild. (Grins) The Hawaiian name for grandfather is "Tutu Kahne."

To Check out More CareOne Employee Debt Stories, Click Here!

9 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

2012-02-21T14:24:00Z

A big question many people will ask between now and April 15^th is, "What to do with the big tax refund?" Hopefully you will be one of the millions of Americans receiving some money back from Uncle Sam.

The IRS sends out nearly 100 million income tax refunds each year. The federal refund average total is $3,036, an increase of $266 compared with the same period a year ago. Many users file electronically and use the help of a tax professional.

To read more statistics about tax returns click here: IRS 2010 Filing Statistics

There are several things to consider when determining how to leverage your refund. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pay Down Your Debt: Take this opportunity to pay off your debt if possible. If you cannot pay off your debt, make lump sum payments to pay down your debt or pay off one creditor and redistribute your monthly payment amount

2. Start an Emergency Savings Account: Do not put this off any longer! If you do not already have one, I would encourage you to dedicate a portion of your refund to start an emergency saving account. If you have an emergency fund established, fortify that account with a healthy cash infusion from that refund.

3. Pay off Holiday Purchases: Many spent more than they expected for the 2011 Holiday season. If you were not able to use cash, use the refund to pay back any purchases made on; credit cards, same as cash offers, or any no interest deals.

4. Pay Bills in Advance: Send a little extra to your utility, cable, cell phone and other companies for services used every month. This will provide a little cushion in case of an emergency, or buy you a little breathing room in your budget.

5. Pay Insurance Premiums: This is a good time to eliminate your quarterly or annual car and life insurance premiums. Pay them in full and you will have one less line item on the budget sheet.

6. Plan a Vacation: If you and your family take a vacation every year, use the funds to pay for the family vacation in cash. This will alleviate the stress of finding room in the budget or using credit cards to finance your 'vacay.'

7. Personal Debt: Pay back personal loans from family and friends. This is a gray area but one that can cause a lot of stress for both the lender and the recipient. If you owe family or friends - pay it back; you may need them again in the future.

8. Treat Yourself: Yes I said it...treat you! You work hard all year to provide for your family, pay the bills, pay off your debt and more. Now is your guilt free chance to plan to do something nice for yourself. You may want to take the kids to the big game, go to a fancy restaurant or the spa. Whatever you do, have fun!

To read more blogs from Coach Tammy, click here!

Coach Tammy

Thomasene "Coach Tammy" Bradford joined the CareOne social media team as a Social Media Specialist in September 2009 and works to provide the highest level of customer service in the community. Tammy is passionate about helping people through the debt experience and having been through it personally, she knows what it is like! See Tammy in action in the Ask the CareOne Expert forum and throughout the community.

To follow CareOne click here!