Money Management
Student Loan Forgiveness
Qualified borrowers may be eligible for student loan forgiveness, meaning they would no longer be obligated to repay part or all of their remaining federal loan balance. Private student loans are not eligible for forgiveness. Borrowers may qualify for forgiveness through public service or by following an income-driven repayment plan. Option 1: Public Service Loan Read more Student Loan Forgiveness
Emergency Budget
Survival. That’s the simple goal for anyone experiencing an emergency or personal crisis. Emergencies, including financial ones, push people into survival mode. But how can we survive emergencies when we are emotionally and financially strained? One survival strategy is to implement an emergency budget (or a “bare-bones budget”) that includes only essentials and cuts out Read more Emergency Budget
COVID-19 Scams to Avoid
IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE FOR CURRENT PARTICIPANTS Before we dive into COVID-19 scams, here is an update for program participants. In light of the continued COVID-19 pandemic, we are again offering you the option to defer your May payments. Contact Anna, our program coordinator, by May 11, 2020, to defer your May payment, if needed and Read more COVID-19 Scams to Avoid
COVID-19 Update and Resources
IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE FOR CURRENT PARTICIPANTS Before we dive into helpful resources, here is an important message for our current program participants. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that many Minnesotans may be facing financial uncertainty. For this reason, we are offering you the option to defer your April and May payments. Read more COVID-19 Update and Resources
50/30/20 Budget
The 50/30/20 budget breaks down all your expenses into three broad categories: needs, wants, and savings. For budgeting beginners or those looking to avoid tracking every single transaction, this method can simplify personal money management in the present while still preparing for future needs and wants through savings. First, allocate 50% of your income to Read more 50/30/20 Budget
How to Improve Your Credit
While limited credit access is a systemic issue, it is still important that individuals take small steps whenever possible to improve their credit. Here are four steps you can take to start this process. Step 1: Read Your Report Once you understand the difference between credit scores and credit reports, request your credit report from Read more How to Improve Your Credit
Talking with Family and Friends about Money
At Exodus Lending, we believe in the power of story-telling. Sharing your story is compelling – even if it’s a little scary. But talking about money? Downright terrifying. Money is one of the most challenging topics of conversation. But there is power in speaking up, and these strategies can help you begin talking about money Read more Talking with Family and Friends about Money
Supporting your Loved Ones Financially
For many families, winter holidays bring opportunities to celebrate with family. This time of year may also be emotionally draining, especially if the subject of money is brought up and your are expected to begin or continue supporting relatives financially. If a family member is experiencing a financial crisis and turns to you for help, Read more Supporting your Loved Ones Financially
Financial Resources in Minnesota
Payday loans are often only a sliver of someone’s financial reality. Regardless of what hardship you may be facing, you are not alone, and someone can help. Before your next emergency occurs, identify where you can go and who you can talk to when you need additional support or guidance. Before your next emergency occurs, Read more Financial Resources in Minnesota
Medical Expenses
For far too many people, receiving medical care leads to a financial nightmare↗ (opens in a new tab). Medical debt is a pervasive challenge for families in the United States, and our current healthcare system is inaccessible and unaffordable for thousands of low-income earners↗ (opens in a new tab). Yes, this crisis is daunting, but there are Read more Medical Expenses