FALL 2012/13 - Issue 1

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Supported by

DFLI is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization

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In This Issue... Issue...
3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 26 In The Spotlight Mary Caraccioli Student Loan Repayment In The Spotlight Candace Bahr & Ginita Wahl Delaware State Housing Authority In The Spotlight Olivia Mellan A Clear Financial Future for Delaware Consumers Chasing The Dream Stand By Me In The Spotlight Lynette Khalfani - Cox Increase Your Buying Power 5 Things Every Woman Needs to know about SS Ben Shamburger In The Spotlight Jean C. Setzfand Westend Neighborhood House Most Popular Baby Names Erin Donahue Portfolios Conference Back To School ... Already? Karen Graham Meet The Staff
Hi Everyone!

2012/13 - Issue 1

October 27 is the date of the fifth From Purses to Portfolios Conference. This year the conference them is FAB...a conference For Purses Women, About Purses Women, and produced By Purses Women. The plans and details are coming together on the cornerstone event of DFLI. We have been working all year to join forces with womens organizations and organizations serving women to make this Purses Conference the best ever. Joining us in the day are women from Citis Womens Leadership Team, Delaware Libraries, wife.org, AAUW Delaware, Delaware Commission for Women, Girl Scout Troop 300, DCRAC, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, DSH Authority, Milford Housing Development Corporation, United Way Delaware, DSU Center for Enterprise Development, Money School instructors Gail Chickersky and Paul Baumbach, United Way of Delaware and the list goes on! I am so excited that Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall (of wife.org) and Olivia Mellan will be with us again this year. New this year is Lynette Khalfani-Cox who will speak about handling credit and achieving Zero Debt Our friends at AARP have invited Jean Setzfand who will talk about planning for retirementits never too early - or too late to plan. ( I look back at how fast my 30 years in the classroom went by and cannot stress how important it is to start planning NOW, whatever age you are.) Rashmi will once again open the Credit Clinic with help from Wells Fargo. Delaware Libraries will bring financial resources you can borrow. Behind all this is an incredible cast of womenand one young man. My staff works so hard to make this conference meaningful and successful. This day would not be possible without my right and left hands and the brains and hearts of my staff: Karen, Tami, Christine, Nancy, and Shaquilla; and our assistants and interns: Kiersten, Kirell, Sharonliz, and the first man on our team, Antoine (from Delaware Futures). Thanks to Terri, Sharon Ann, and Christina from Citi who round out the Purses Conference team. Looking forward to seeing you on October 27th! (Dont miss it Purses to Portfolios Conference will not be back until 2014!) Warm regards,

Ronni
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In the Spotlight
Meet Mary Caraccioli at 2012 From Purses to Portfolios Conference

From Purses To Portfolio's

Mcee
Mary Caraccioli, MBA, is an EMMYaward winning financial journalist who is the host of the national money reality show We Owe What produced by 6ABC WPVI-TV, airing on the Live Well Network and weekends on ABC owned and operated stations in the nation's top television markets. She is also host of the money magazine program Mary Talks Money. Mary has a track record for creating award-winning programs for broadcast, cable and digital mediums. Mary's financial journalism career started at CNBC, financial TV's industry leader. She later helped renowned business broadcaster Lou Dobbs, launch his nationally syndicated radio show The Lou Dobbs Financial Report and worked for several years as its lead content producer. Mary also created EMMY award winning live shows Good Day Philadelphia on FOX-TV and Money Matters Today for Comcast. She is the founder and lead contributor of the respected personal financial website MaryandMoney.com. Mary enjoys writing and her articles have been published in several magazines and prestigious newsletters. She has also served as keynote speaker, panelist and moderator for many national and regional conferences. Her commitment to the community runs just as deep. Mary is a member of the Board of Directors Executive Committee of the Global Interdependence Center, an international finance think-tank and the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, one of the nations most comprehensive financial literacy non-profits. Mary has earned an MLA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Drexel University's LeBow College of Business and BA from the University of Pittsburgh.
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Helping people help themselves through Education, Financial Counseling and Debt Repayment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2012 Contact Information: NANCY STARK 410.357.0614 (phone) 410.357.0613 (fax) nstark@cccs-inc.org

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT: An Investment in Your Future

Given the rising cost of tuition, few students can afford to pay for college without some form of educational assistance. If you have just taken on a student loan, have just graduated, or still owe on loans from years ago, heres some timely advice: Know Your Loans and Lenders For each loan, list the lender website and who to contact, your loan balance, and repayment status. Many grads owe on a mix of public and private loans. If you arent sure who holds each of yours, find out. For information on federal loans, log onto the National Student Loan Data System for Students website (www.nslds.ed.gov). For private loans, look at your most recent billing statement or locate a copy of the original paperwork you signed. If this doesnt work, contact the Financial Assistance Department at your school. Keep Track of When Grace Periods End The grace period is the time before you must begin making payments on the principal and interest on student loans. This deadline varies from loan-to-loan. For example, the grace period on Stafford Loans (most common federal loan) ends six months after graduation. Mark the grace period end date for each of your loans on a calendar. This will help you avoid missing your first payment. Study Repayment Options If youre having trouble making student loan payments on time and in full, call your lenders and also do some research. Repayment options, such as income-sensitive and income-based repayment plans, may help you meet your obligation. You also may be

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CCCS can help you get out of debt.

We've been a trusted community member for over 40 years. Help is available in-person or by phone. No set up fees or hidden costs.

Call now, and FINALLY become DEBT FREE! 1- 877 - 246 - 2026 1-800-642-2227
www.cccs-inc.org
5

MD License #14-01

In the Spotlight
Meet Candice Bahr & Ginita Wall at 2012 From Purses to Portfolios Conference Back By Popular Demand!

$ecrets to Attracting Money

Candace Bahr, CEA, CDFA and Ginita Wall, CPA, CFP are nationally-recognized experts on money and co-founders of the non-profit Womens Institute for Financial Education (WIFE.org). Ginita has authored eight books and three booklets on personal finance, and along with Candace wrote Its More Than MoneyIts Your Life! (John Wiley, 2004). As owner of her own investment management firm, Candace has been named one of the top ten financial advisors in the country by a respected national financial planning magazine. Ginita was named to Worth Magazines Top Financial Advisors for eight years in a row. Both Candace and Ginita have been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Business Week, Newsweek, Money, and other national financial and womens publications publications, and have appeared on the NBC Nightly News, CNN, MSNBC, CNNfn, National Public Radio, CBS This Morning and numerous other radio and television broadcasts. Together they originated Money Clubs (MoneyClubs.com), a free and incredibly successful way for women to get together to achieve their money dreams and support each other on their journey to prosperity.

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TO

REGISTER , PLEASE VISIT WWW.D E S TATE H OUSING . COM

Please join Governor Jack Markell, DSHA and our partners on Thursday, October 11th for this oneday event. Speakers from across Delaware and the regionincluding Keynote Speaker Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovanwill share the latest trends, best prac ces and informa on that impact the aordable housing industry. Topics will cover homeownership, rental, special needs popula ons and hot topics.

S PONSORSHIP AND

EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE !

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Gold

Silver

Delaware State Housing Authority (888) 363-8808 www.DeStateHousing.com

In the Spotlight
Meet Olivia Mellan at 2012 From Purses to Portfolios Conference Back By Popular Demand!
Money Harmony: Finding a Balance in Your Life

Olivia Mellan is a speaker, author, money coach and psychotherapist specializing in money conflict resolution since 1983. Author of five books, and a monthly column in Investment Advisor magazine, she's appeared frequently on the TODAY Show, Oprah, ABC's 20-20 and on national radio and TV.
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A CLEAR FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR DELAWARE CONSUMERS Clarifi, the non-profit credit counseling agency, opens two locations in Wilmington and promotes Lifelong Financial Literacy. Shawn Needham, Clarifi Money is not the most important thing in life, but its closely tied to just about everything else that iswhether its our home, family or education. Today, consumers continue to face financial challenges, so its more important than ever that they have a trusted resource that can offer solutions. Consumers have been relying on Clarifi as a resource for nearly 50 years. Formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley, Clarifi is a non-profit organization with a mission to help consumers identify and secure their most important assets. Now, Clarifi will be offering their services in Delaware for the first time at two new Wilmington offices. Clarifi helps consumers to: Create a realistic budget and spending plan Better manage their debt Comprehend the information on their credit reports and how it impacts other areas of their financial lives Understand the total costs of buying and maintaining a home Review Delaware foreclosure prevention programs for those behind on their mortgage Earlier in the year, Delaware Senator Chris Coons voiced his congratulations and support for Clarifis expansion into The First State. Were grateful for the critical services [Clarifi] provides, noted Coons. At the heart of Clarifi is their goal to support consumers through every stage of their life, with what theyre calling Lifelong Financial Literacy. Lifelong Financial Literacy is not a one-time visit to our office, says Patty Hasson, President and Executive Director of Clarifi. Its a commitment to help consumers achieve their financial goals for the short and long-term, whether its paying down debt, navigating the challenges of homeownership or saving money for the future. Both local Wilmington offices are now open; visit clarifi.org/locations for more information. To make an appointment, you can call Clarifi at 800-989-2227.
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Meet The Young Entrepreneurs of

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The Delaware Financial Empowerment Partnership

by

$tand By MeTM... Supporting your efforts to build a better nancial future. Governor Jack Markell

Take control of your nancial future today.

Free one-on-one coaching.

Whether you want to reduce your debt, increase your savings or just pay your bills on time, we understand that its not always easy. Our goal is to help you to get more peace of mind when it comes to your money. We offer free one-on-one Financial Coaching to help you lower your nancial stress and take control of your future.

Get the right nancial services.

Its important you have the right nancial products to achieve your goals. From CDs and consumer loans to debit cards and savings accounts, we have a variety of user-friendly options.

Navigate the System.

We work with a variety of community partners that offer services specic to your needs. Whatever your goals may be, we will connect you with experts to help you to achieve them. No hidden fees or sales pitches. Our coaches are committed to your success and well-being. We are here to help you make it happen.

A Financial Plan that works.

We can help you build a budget to manage your monthly expenses. Well review your credit report with you and nd ways to get it where you want it to be. Well help you build a personal nancial plan that works.

College can be a reality.

If youre planning for yourself or your family, we can help you plan both short and long term goals, nd nancial aid and assist you throughout the application process.

Free one-on-one coaching is waiting. Call 211 or 302.283.5562 today, or visit StandByMeDE.org.

A coalition of community partners, led by the State of Delaware and United Way of Delaware.

In the Spotlight
Meet Lynnette Khalfani Cox at 2012 From Purses to Portfolios Conference

Zero Debt

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, is a personal finance expert, television and radio personality, and the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller Zero Debt and her latest book, Perfect Credit: 7 Steps To A Great Credit Rating. p g Lynnette is an award-winning financial news journalist and former Wall Street Journal reporter and CNBC correspondent. She has been featured in top newspapers including the Washington Post, USA Today, and the New York Times, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Health and Smart Money. She can frequently be seen as a guest commentator on CNN, MSNBC and $ FOX. $ Pocket Change Issue 4 12 $

OUR ASE Y CRE IN WER G PO UYIN B

Stretch your budget with the Food Supplement Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps). Nutritious foods are affordable with SNAP!
For more information visit, https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov

Need help signing up? Contact the Food Bank of Delawares SNAP Outreach team! New Castle County: Scott Schuster sschuster@fbd.org (302) 292-1305 ext 252 Kent & Sussex Counties: Brenda Palomo bpalomo@fbd.org (302) 424-3301 ext 107

www.fbd.org/SNAPOutreach
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Social Security

by Ben Shamburger

fter speaking with thousands of women over the years Im reminded of why Social Security benefits are more important for them than men. For example, women statistically live longer than men in every demographic group. Women also on average make less than men. They also more often stay home to raise children or experience career breaks to take care of family. Social Security has published an excellent publication entitled What Every Woman Should Know that is available free of charge from your local office or you can request a copy from their web site at www.socialsecurity.gov. Here are the 5 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS I think every woman needs to know.

1.) If you change your name for any reason it is important to update your Social Security record. To report a name change, fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). You can get the form online or call the toll free number 1-800-772-1213. You must show a recent issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents may include: marriage document; divorce decree; certificate of naturalization showing a new name; or court order for name change. 2.) If you are a victim of domestic violence Social Security may be able to issue you a new Social Security number. Sometimes the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Part of this process may also include a new Social Security number. Keep in mind, getting a new Social Security number is a big decision and you will need evidence to prove the abuse. For more information, contact Social Security and request their Fact Sheet New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims (Publication No. 05-10093). 3.) If you operate a business with your spouse and you file a joint tax return, you need to file a separate self-employment report. This is because all of the earnings are automatically reported under your husbands record.

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4.) If you are divorced you may be entitled to divorced spouse benefits. Many women get a higher benefit based on their ex-husbands work, especially if he is deceased. (But I dont suggest you go out and kill him!) The great news is that divorced spouse benefits DO NOT affect your ex-husbands benefit and he has no control over whether you receive them or not. The basic requirements are: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer; You are unmarried; You are 62 or older; The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefits you would receive on your husbands work; and Your ex-husband is entitled (he doesnt have to be collecting) to Social Security or disability benefits. 5. If you are a caregiver for someone on Social Security, you need to know about Social Securitys Representative Payee Program. Social Security will not accept a power of attorney so if you need information regarding their Social Security benefits you may be unable to get it. For more information about the Representative Program visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payee or call 1-800-772-1213, and ask for A Guide for Representative Payees) Publication No. 05-10026.

In the Spotlight

Meet Jean C. Setzfand at 2012 From Purses to Portfolios Conference

Planning for Retirement at Any Age
ITS NEVER TOO EARLY ! ITS NEVER TOO LATE !

Jean C. Setzfand is the Vice President of Financial Security at AARP. She leads AARPs educational and outreach efforts aimed at helping Americans have financial peace of mind in retirement. Her work focuses on providing consumer-friendly information on money matters, retirement decisions and protecting 50+ consumers from investment fraud. Ms. Setzfand has been with AARP since 2002. Prior to joining AARP, she worked as a strategic management consultant serving domestic and international financial services institutions. She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Chicagos Graduate School of Business.

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Supported by AARP Delaware

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Consider a Loans Plus or Security Deposit Loan to build your credit, stretch your moving dollars, or provide you with cash for that unexpected expense!
Low interest rates - 9.99% (Loans Plus) 4% (Security Deposits) Great alternative to high interest payday loans! Build positive name-brand credit! Affordable repayment terms

Budget review and case management assistance Call 302-658-4171 to apply and ask for Jessica Leventry or Sheila McLaurin
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WHAT ARE AMERICAS MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES?

By Erin Donahue Social Security Manager in Wilmington, DE

ach year, Social Security announces the top baby names for boys and girls, based on Social Security card applications for babies born in the previous year. If you have children or youre friends or relatives with those who do, chances are you might know a few babies with the in names. This year, the most popular babies in the playpen are Jacob and Sophia, followed by Mason and Isabella. You can visit them in their online crib at www.socialsecurity.gov/ babynames. At the website, you also can see other lists of popular baby names. For example, you can search for the 1,000 most popular names of a decade, the five most popular names of the past century, or search for the most popular names in your state. You can even get popular baby names for twins. Plug in any name including your own to see where it comes in on the list. But Jacob and Sophias page isnt just about baby names. Find out about getting a Social Security number for your baby and what every parent should know about Social Security. Learn about benefits for children and grandchildren, and plan your familys financial future. You also can link to information about having a healthy pregnancy, taking care of your newborn, and childproofing your home. Need to read up on childhood immunizations, food stamps, or other nutrition assistance programs for families with children? The links are there, along with more information than there are gifts at a baby shower. When people think about Social Security, they often think of the retirement years. But Social Security is there throughout your life from the day a child is named. Social Securitys popular Baby Names page has a lot to offer. See for yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames today

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October 27, 2012

Chase Center on the Riverfront

FREE !!!
Registration Required
REGISTER NOW AT DFLI.org or toll free at 1.866.224.2323
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BACK TO SCHOOL ... ALREADY?

By Karen Graham

here did the summer go? I will be happy for cooler weather but I am not so sure I am ready for school to start - bus traffic, schedules, PTA meetings and homework. I know for a fact that my daughter is dreading it even more than I am. The one thing we both look forward to is my annual back-to-school bars. I dont remember exactly when I started this tradition because I have had kids in school for the past 21 years! It all blends together at this point. The best thing about these bars is that they are easy to make. Give them a try and start your own tradition. You, too, will have the neighborhood kids knocking on your door the first day of school for a handout, and your college students expecting them in the mail. Moms Back-To-School Bars from Nestle Toll House (Formerly known as Chocolate Peanut Buddy Bars) Prep: 15 min.; Cooking: 25 min.; Level: Easy; Cooling: 20 min. Yields: 36 bars Ingredients: 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels, divided Directions: PREHEAT oven to 350 F.

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BEAT peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until smooth. Beat in sugar, eggs and vanilla extract. Beat in flour and salt. Stir in 3/4 cup morsels. Spread into ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Sprinkle with remaining morsels. Let stand for 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny; spread evenly. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

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Bills getting you down?

Dont know who to ask?

CALL TOLL FREE

1-877-246-2026
Speak to a credit counselor Schedule an appointment Ask credit questions
Hassle FREE! No Cost! No Obligation! JUST HELP!

Get your own FREE nancial coach. Call 302.283.5562 to schedule a meeting
A DFLI~Money School program with funding from the Delaware Financial Literacy Education Fund and in partnership with CCCS of MD and DE and the Claymont Community Center.
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Got A Bright Idea?

Send Us Your Suggestions
Useful money saving tips Ideas for upcoming issues Financial questions Delicious recipes

Send your ideas to ...

info@dfli.org
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Meet DFLIs staff . . .

Back row: (From L to R) Shaquilla Holmes, Program Assistant; Karen Graham, Senior Associate Director; Tami Schoenfeld, Associate Director; Nancy Dotsicas, Office Manager; Kiersten Joseph, Project Coordinator; Christine Paski, Program Specialist. Front row: (left to right) Virginia Russell, Citibank, N.A. & DFLI Executive on Loan & Ronni Cohen, Executive Director

QUICK QUIZ
1. What program are two staff member now taking to DAPI across the state? 2. Whose cat fell down the return vent? 3. Which three employees started as juniors at Howard High School? 4. What was the very unusual change in staff this summer? 5. Whose ballerina daughter lives in France? 6. Who was recently honored with a Fresh Start Scholarship to return to college?
1. Shaquilla & Christine 2. Ronni 3. Shaquilla, SharonLiz & Kiersten 4. We had a male

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intern 5. Nancy 6. Shaquilla

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