Archive for Education Blog

The Financial Realities After Losing a Spouse: Preparing ahead of time can help with the process

By Melissa Geiser, CCCSOK.org Research Specialist Download this Financial Checklist. The death of a spouse is one of the most devastating events of a person’s life. Not only are you dealing with a crushing loss, there are financial tasks that need to be addressed right away. The stress can be particularly staggering if the surviving

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The Money Talk with Your Parents: The Five Step Process

by Randy L. Thurman, CFP™, CPA/PFS, CCCSOK.org Board of Directors and Melissa Geiser, CCCSOK.org Research Specialist   More adult children are concerned about Mom and Dad and their financial status, and they should be. Our parents are living longer than ever so, before something like dementia or a stroke makes a conversation about money next

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Oklahoma Families are Still Facing Foreclosure

By Melissa Geiser, CCCSOK.org Research Specialist For many Oklahomans, the American dream is unraveling. Too many Americans are losing or voluntarily forfeiting their property. The national foreclosure rate now stands at 1.2% for all homes with a mortgage, and 3.3% of all mortgages are either delinquent or in foreclosure. One in every 1,725 homes in

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Credit Card Debt on the Rise

After a several year decrease in credit card debt balances, consumer credit card usage is on the rise as customers regain confidence in borrowing since the 2008 financial crisis. According to The Wall Street Journal, “U.S. credit-card balances are on track to hit $1 trillion this year.” This is significant because consumer credit reached a peak of

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Your spring cleaning checklist for your finances from CCCSOK.org

We know you have loads you want to accomplish this spring, but we propose that these five items can make your financial year a big success! Review your credit report (with CCCSOK.org or by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com) Organize your websites and passwords (you can use a free or low cost service like LastPass or KeyPass) Review

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How do I find out if a loved one has left me life insurance or annuity benefits?

Special thanks to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for providing this information. Visit the Oklahoma Insurance Consumer Assistance Department online or by calling 800-522-0071.   The Life Policy Locator Service is a free tool from the Oklahoma Insurance Department to help people find life insurance or annuity benefits left to them by a deceased loved one. Individuals

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What to do if you are in an auto accident

Special thanks to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for providing this information. Visit the Oklahoma Insurance Consumer Assistance Department online or by calling 800-522-0071.   In case you are involved in an automobile accident, here are some helpful tips from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Step 1 – Call 911 if someone has a life threatening injury.

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