By JoAnn Merrigan – WSAV (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The physical health of many has been ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s also affecting financial health. According to a new report from Bankrate, only 39 percent of...
More infoMillions of Americans risk losing power and water as massive, unpaid utility bills pile up
By Tony Romm – Washington Post This Tuesday marked 67 days of darkness for Kenneth Parson. He fell behind on his utility bills in the spring — and his lights went off, and stayed off, starting at the end of July. No power meant no refrigerator, so...
More infoCOVID-19 Stakeholder Interview: Liz Coyle, Georgia Watch
In a COVID-19 Stakeholder Interview, Liz Coyle discusses the numerous challenges consumers are facing in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising bills, unemployment and utility disconnections. Coyle provides suggestions about how electricity...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Deadline nears for end of $600 federal unemployment supplement
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. — Fred Stein is a furloughed construction coordinator. He and forty of his colleagues have been waiting for benefits since April. That would be state unemployment plus the $600 weekly supplement...
More infoGeorgia Power Shut-Off Freeze Ends As Summer Heats Up And Pandemic Drags On
By Molly Samuel – WABE (Listen Now) Wykeisha Howe said she knows how to be thrifty. “I try my best to manage and ration out things as best as possible,” she said. During Atlanta’s sweltering summers, the mom of eight doesn’t turn the AC down too much...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Stay away from debt relief firms
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) — With the $600 federal supplement payments scheduled to end this weekend, unemployed Georgians may be looking for more help to pay their bills. Better Call Harry and the consumer...
More infoASK ASA: Title loans trap consumers in long cycles of debt, consumer advocacy group warns
By Asa Aarons Smith – WJCL (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) —Millions of Americans have experienced job or income loss because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re among them and thinking of taking out a car pawn title loan to help with expenses...
More infoGa. Power disconnections to resume
By Mary Landers – Savannah Morning News A pandemic-related moratorium on power shutoffs expires Wednesday, Georgia Power reminded its customers in a press release issued Tuesday. For customers who accumulated a past-due balance during the COVID-19...
More infoGeorgia Power customers could get billed for COVID-19 safety costs
By Stanley Dunlap – Georgia Recorder Georgia Power can recover $7.7 million it spent on COVID-19 safety expenses, but drew criticism over the message that it sends when it sticks customers with the tab. This week’s 3-2 vote by the Georgia Public...
More infoCFPB Eliminates Consumer Protections from Payday and Car Title Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic
Crucial Georgia Usury Cap Should Be Expanded to Protect Consumers from the Debt Trap ATLANTA, GA – Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) eliminated consumer protections against predatory payday and car title lenders...
More infoAt last, legislation to curb surprise billing headed to governor’s desk
By Stanley Dunlap – Georgia Recorder After several years of false starts, state lawmakers Wednesday sent legislation to the governor designed to rein in the unexpected medical bills that Georgians sometimes get after a hospital visit. Gov. Brian Kemp...
More infoCash-strapped businesses hit with new infection-control costs
By Yamil Berard – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Some pass along costs to consumers while others turn to insurers, government for help Having a family history of glaucoma, Liz Coyle was quick to schedule a visit to her eye doctor once coronavirus...
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