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HomeCOVID-19

Just 39% of Americans could cover $1K emergency expense, report finds

11 days ago by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Just 39% of Americans could cover $1K emergency expense, report finds

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...

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Millions of Americans risk losing power and water as massive, unpaid utility bills pile up

October 1, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Millions 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...

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COVID-19 Stakeholder Interview: Liz Coyle, Georgia Watch

September 29, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
COVID-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...

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Better Call Harry: Deadline nears for end of $600 federal unemployment supplement

July 24, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Better 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...

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Georgia Power Shut-Off Freeze Ends As Summer Heats Up And Pandemic Drags On

July 24, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Georgia 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...

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Better Call Harry: Stay away from debt relief firms

July 23, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Better 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...

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ASK ASA: Title loans trap consumers in long cycles of debt, consumer advocacy group warns

July 16, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
ASK 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...

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Ga. Power disconnections to resume

July 15, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Ga. 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...

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Georgia Power customers could get billed for COVID-19 safety costs

July 9, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Georgia 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...

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CFPB Eliminates Consumer Protections from Payday and Car Title Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic

July 8, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0

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...

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At last, legislation to curb surprise billing headed to governor’s desk

June 22, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
At 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...

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Cash-strapped businesses hit with new infection-control costs

June 17, 2020 by Berneta Haynes 0 0 0
Cash-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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