| >> Press
Coverage for 2003 |
December 8, 2003
Cambridge Credit was used as a source in an article
focusing on how to avoid overspending during the holidays
and offered tips to consumers such do not raise your
credit limit, do not spend more to get free or bonus
gifts and avoid last-minute shopping.
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November 28, 2003
In an article highlighting the rise in health care
costs, Cambridge Credit was cited for offering consumers
advice on how to manage their medical expenses as part
of an overall financial budget.
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October 13, 2003
In an article addressing recent workplace rules imposed
by the Department of Labor and Industries, Cambridge
Credit offered tips to consumers on planning for health
costs by knowing and understanding your office’s
medical insurance coverage. Such things as researching
the cost of long-term care facilities, keeping a contingency
fund for emergencies and becoming an expert on your
current insurance coverage will help you save money
in the long run.
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October 7, 2003
Chris Viale, Chief Operating Officer of Cambridge Credit,
was included as a source throughout an article focusing
on different ways consumers take on additional debt
in an effort to ease existing credit problems, such
as debt consolidation loans, zero-percent credit cards
and home equity loans. Mr. Viale cautioned consumers
to fully research and understand both the advantages
and disadvantages of every situation. He, along with
other experts, also advised consumers to consider credit
counseling as a cost and time effective method of managing
debt.
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October 7, 2003
In an article focusing on medical coverage, Cambridge
Credit offered tips on how consumers can prepare themselves
for unexpected health care expenses such as knowing
the details of your insurance coverage, maintaining
a contingency fund for emergencies and reducing controllable
expenses.
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September
21, 2003
According to a recent survey by the Cambridge Consumer
Credit Index, more than two-thirds of college graduates
said that student loans would prevent them from buying
a car or saving towards a house. Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, stated that an increase
in consumers paying back their student loans would
help break the cycle of debt that is negatively impacting
Americans today.
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September 19, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on FICO
ratings and their impact on consumers trying to buy
a home. Mr. Viale offered consumers tips to improve
their scores such as checking your current score for
errors and consolidating accounts where possible.
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September
2, 2003
In an article discussing ways to save money while grocery
shopping, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, explained that saving $100 every month at the
grocery store and using that money to pay down debt
could save the average consumer up to $200 -$300 in
interest payments.
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August
20, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on budgeting
tips and proper money management skills for college
bound teenagers. Mr. Viale discussed how easily accessible
credit is for college students and ways to select a
credit card.
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August
19, 2003
As consumers prepared to take the last of their vacations
during the summer season, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, offered tips for vacationing without
incurring large credit card bills. Options included
flying discount airlines, limiting expensive dinners
and taking local day trips.
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August 18, 2003
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was
included as a source in an article focusing on budgeting
tips and proper money management skills for college
bound teenagers. Mr. Viale discussed how easily accessible
credit is for college students and ways to select a
credit card.
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August 17, 2003
In an article highlighting ways consumers can improve
their FICO credit rating scores, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, was used as source to
discuss how credit cards can impact your score. He
advised consumers to negotiate a lower interest rate
instead of transferring balances to a new card.
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August
9, 2003
In a poll conducted by The Augusta Chronicle asking
Americans how they planned on spending their $400 childcare
tax rebates, a majority claimed that they would use
the money to pay down debts. Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit confirmed this, citing that although
the rebates were given in an effort to stimulate spending,
many Cambridge clients were using them to pay off bills.
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July 14, 2003
In an article highlighting the rising number of Americans
looking to own a home, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, advised consumers to consider
all the costs associated with homeownership before
buying a home and to incorporate them in an overall
spending budget.
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“Money
Tips for Summer Vacation”
July 1, 2003
As a guest on “The Money Gang,” Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered cost saving
tips for consumers planning vacations. Chris emphasized
the importance of consumers taking the time to create
a budget in an effort to avoid any financial anxiety
that could arise from increasing debt loads.
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“Getting
Personal: Fed Rate Cut Helps Borrowers, Not
Savers”
June 30, 2003
In an article regarding the Federal Reserve’s
latest interest rate cut, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, discussed how previous rate
cuts have negatively impacted consumers financial
health. Chris added that, despite rising household
debt before the rate cuts started, the average household
debt has risen 75% over the past five years.
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June 30, 2003
In a question and answer column, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, advised one particular
consumer to concentrate on repairing his credit rating
before seeking to refinance his mortgage. Chris explained
how a stronger credit rating could trim mortgage
interest rates from one to three percent and ultimately
save consumers money.
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“Fed
Action Won't Ignite Economy, Experts Say”
June 26, 2003
In response to the Federal Reserve’s latest
interest rate cut, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, warned that consumers may fall
deeper into debt as they take advantage of low-interest
rate deals and spend above their means.
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“Stretching
Your Summer Holiday Dollar”
June 20, 2003
With schools getting out for the summer and many
parents planning summer vacations, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered money saving
alternatives to expensive trips that may force consumers
deeper into debt. Chris suggested enjoying local
concerts, festivals and day trips as a cost effective
way to enjoy the summer.
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“Budget
Before You Go”
June 20, 2003
In an article about incurring debt while on vacations,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered various cost saving recommendations for consumers
to keep in mind while planning and on a vacation.
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“ Market Wrap”
June 19, 2003
In a radio interview, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, offered tips to keep consumers
from falling into debt while planning summer vacations.
Chris suggested that consumers begin planning as
early as possible and set a reasonable budget to
enjoy their summer vacations without incurring debt.
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June 16, 2003
In a question and answer column, Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, was used as an industry
expert to respond to one consumer’s particular
financial dilemma. Chris advised the consumer about
how to prioritize and manage debt in an effort to
start a new business.
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“Are
You A Refi Junkie?”
May 23, 2003
In an article discussing the positive and negative
implications of mortgage refinancing, Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed the
growing trend of consumers who pull equity out of
their home and end up having the same amount of debt
as they had before they consolidated.
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“Your
Money's Worth: That Low Credit Score Is Going
To Cost You”
May 18, 2003
While consumers understand the negative affects a
poor credit history can have on home mortgage and
credit card interest rates, many are beginning to
realize that their credit history may also impact
the amount they might pay for insurance. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed the
dilemma many consumers with damaged credit may find
themselves in with the rising costs of insurance.
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“Getting
Personal: Combating Rising Teen Debt Levels”
May 13, 2003
In an article highlighting the rising debt levels
among teens, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, discussed the importance of debt management
education at an early age in an effort to secure
a stable future. Mr. Viale also offered tips to parents
on how to teach their children strong money management
habits.
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“Expenses
on Rise, Homeowner Burdens Get Heavier”
May 5, 2003
As debt continues to consume American households,
consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to
maintain the costs associated with homeownership
while paying down their credit cards. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, suggested that
consumers use tax refunds to help pay off their credit
card debt so that they are better prepared for additional
expenses such as real estate taxes and homeowners
insurance.
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“You,
Me and Your Debt Make a Troublesome Three”
April 30, 2003
In an article discussing how high debt can put stress
on a relationship, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, urged couples to be honest with
each other about their financial situations.
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“With
RushCard, Firm Hoping To Give Credit to the
Unbanked”
April 28, 2003
In an article about pre-paid debit cards for “unbanked” consumers,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
discusses how this option is a great way for consumers
to learn financial responsibility without going into
debt.
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“So
You Got A Tax Refund? Now What?”
April 18, 2003
Highlighting financially responsible ways to use
your tax refunds, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, advised consumers to first pay
down credit card debt and then to set aside an emergency
fund for unexpected expenses in the future.
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“5
Ways To Turn Your Refund Into Gold”
April 16, 2003
As consumers are waiting to spend their tax refunds,
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
suggests paying down high interest credit card debt
as a good place to put your money.
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“SAVING:
How To Be More Frugal”
April 14, 2003
In an article focusing on ways for consumers to save
money during times of low consumer confidence, Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered
ten ways to stretch your dollar and increase savings.
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“Are
You Blowing Your Home Equity?”
March
31, 2003
Focusing on the concern that too many consumers are
using their home equity lines of credit to consolidate
high debt levels, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, warned of the danger that many
consumers will eventually fall back into the same
debt amounts they had before attempting to consolidate.
Chris offered tips on how to avoid this problem.
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“Getting
Personal: Beware Of Higher Credit Card Fees”
March 26, 2003
In an article discussing credit card debt and interest
rates, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, pointed out the negative impact high credit
card interest rates can have on consumers in debt
and offered advice on how to control their credit
card debt.
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“No
Money Down' Might Leave You With No Money”
March 23, 2003
With so many credit cards making low interest rates
increasingly tempting to consumers, Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, explained the
dangerous impact low or no interest rate credit cards
can have on consumers who have trouble keeping up
with their payments.
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“Focus
On Your Goals, Develop Your Game Plan”
March 17, 2003
Focusing on the growing problem of financial insecurity
in retirement, this article offered tips on what
people could do to start saving for retirement now.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered consumers in their 20s and 40s tips on how
to successfully plan for retirement.
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“Integrating
the Call Center and Web Site”
March 14, 2003
In an article discussing the increased use of the
Internet in business practices, Cambridge Credit
was cited for its partnership with IOTA Solutions.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
explained how IOTA solutions enabled Cambridge to
meet new ISO standards and provided them with essential
tools to gather information about customer experiences.
Through the partnership Cambridge Credit will be
able to continuously improve the level of service
it provides its customers.
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“Group
Encourages Consumers to Pay Down Debt”
March
5, 2003
Cambridge
Credit offered tips and
advice to consumers receiving
a rebate following their
tax fillings this year.
Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge
Credit, stressed the
importance of consumers
using their tax rebates
to pay off large debt
loads.
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“The
Perfect Match”
February
14, 2003
Cambridge Credit was featured on WLVI-TV’s
nightly news broadcast in a story focusing on consumer
debt and credit counseling in the Massachusetts area.
Jordan Goodman, a Cambridge Credit spokesman, discussed
the importance of good money management skills.
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“Experts
caution love can be costly”
February 14, 2003
With its proximity to Valentine’s Day, this
article focused on the financial issues surrounding
marriage and dating and offered tips on how couples
could test their financial compatibility. Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, was cited on
the importance of good money management skills in
relationships.
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February
10, 2003
Cambridge Credit was featured on WLVI-TV’s
nightly news broadcast in a story focusing on consumer
debt and credit counseling in the Massachusetts area.
Jordan Goodman, a Cambridge Credit spokesman, was
quoted on the importance of good money management.
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“Strategies
to Deal with those Holiday Credit Card Hangovers”
January 23, 2003
As credit card bills start to arrive from the holidays,
this article offers strategies to avoid holiday debt
hangovers now and in the future. Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered tips to consumers
trying to manage their post-holiday finances with
a limited budget. The Cambridge “Holiday Hotline” was
cited for consumers who are seeking assistance with
budgeting after the holiday season.
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“The
Basics of Bankruptcy”
January 9, 2003
Helping consumers decipher the issues surrounding
bankruptcy, this article outlines facts, definitions
and reasons why some consumers should consider bankruptcy
as a viable option when faced with high debt loads.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered guidance to consumers concerned with how
lenders would view their credit rating after filing
for bankruptcy.
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“Personal
Finance Column”
January 6, 2003
In an article advising consumers how to avoid post-holiday
debt, Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered tips to help consumers regain their financial
stability.
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“Resolving
to Save in 2003”
January 1, 2003
Chris Viale offered tips to consumers for budgeting
in 2003 and managing their post holiday debt in an
article about saving during the New Year. The Cambridge
Credit “Holiday Debt Hotline” number
(1-800-313-8686) was listed as a way for consumers
to obtain free advice on managing their finances.
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“In
Too Deep? What to Do About Debts”
December 29, 2002
In an article advising consumers on how to minimize
their debt levels, the credit counseling industry
was featured for its preparation in dealing with
a new onslaught of clients. Chris Viale, General
Manager of Cambridge Credit, was quoted as saying
that this year was the worst yet for holiday debt
blues.
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“Credit
Help Could Be Costly: Before You Sign Up
For Counseling,
Be Sure The Firm Is Accredited”
December 27, 2002
This article focused on the credit counseling industry
and offered advice for consumers considering debt
management programs. An Economists, Inc. study,
sponsored by Cambridge Credit, was cited for its
findings relating to fee structures within the
credit counseling industry.
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December
26, 2002, 2:55 p.m.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
offered advice for consumers reluctant to open
their credit card bills after the holidays. Assessing
your financial situation and paying your bills
on time were two Cambridge Credit tips that were
highlighted.
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December
26, 2002, 11:50 a.m.
On the topic of consumer credit following the holiday
shopping season, Chris Viale, General Manager of
Cambridge Credit, advised consumers to assess their
financial situations and begin paying off their
credit cards. Pinpointing cards with high interest
rates that may have been overextended is one of
the first steps to regaining financial stability.
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“Till
Debt Do Us Part: Payment Coming Due on Flood
of Low-Cost Interest”
December 18,
2002
In an article focusing on the various types of
low interest rates available for consumers, Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed
how ‘easy credit’ and low-cost interest
may actually be a danger to consumers who spend
above their means.
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“Pressured
To Spend Beyond Our Means: Ten Tips To Avoid
The Urge To Buy Gifts You Can't Afford”
December 13, 2002
Cambridge Credit outlined tips for consumers on how
to avoid overspending during the holidays. Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed
the importance of creating a budget and consumers
keeping within their financial means to avoid debt.
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“Tips
On Avoiding the Holiday Credit Card Debt
Trap”
December 10, 2002
A guest of CNNfn’s Money Morning, Chris Viale,
General Manager of Cambridge Credit, offered advice
on how consumers can avoid overspending during the
holidays.
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“How
To Avoid Credit Card Debt This Holiday Season”
December 9, 2002
Jordan Goodman, a Cambridge Credit spokesman, offered
tips to consumers on how to avoid credit card debt
during the holiday shopping season.
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“The
Watercooler Column”
December 3, 2002
Cambridge Credit’s tips to avoid excessive
debt during the holiday season were cited as ways
for consumers to curb impulsive or extravagant purchases.
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“Avoid
the Holiday Shopping Hangover”
December 1, 2002
In an article listing ways for consumers to avoid
debt during the holidays, Cambridge Credit offered
holiday shopping tips to consumers.
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“Budget
Helps Keep our Gift Lists in Check”
December 1, 2002
In an article focusing on ways to avoid holiday debt,
the Cambridge Credit “Holiday Shopping Tips” and “Holiday
Hotline” were cited to assist consumers. Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, emphasized
the importance of a holiday spending budget.
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“Plan
Budget for Holidays; Check it Twice”
November 30, 2002
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
discussed the importance of making a budget for holiday
spending.
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“All
Things Considered. Commentary: Holiday Shopping
with Budgetary Constraints”
November 29, 2002
Personal finance host, Charles Jaffe, mentioned Cambridge
Credit as a credit counseling agency offering consumers
advice to avoid overextending themselves and falling
into debt.
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“Less
Spending, More Enjoyment”
November 28,
2002
In an article advising consumers to be mindful
of not overspending during the holidays, Cambridge
Credit offered tips on how to avoid excessive debt.
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“Lure
of Low Interest Drags Unwary Consumers Into
Deeper Debt”
November 27, 2002
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
discussed the link between debt and low interest
rate deals. Viale offered various reasons why consumers
overextend themselves and ways to avoid debt.
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“Online
Shopping: Internet Saves Time, Makes it Easy
to Compare”
November 10, 2002
In an article observing the trend to shop online
during the holidays, Chris Viale, General Manager
of Cambridge Credit, offered advice to consumers
on how to avoid overspending while making holiday
purchases on the Internet.
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“Cut
in Interest Rates Not a Signal to Increase
Debt”
November 10, 2002
Following the Federal Reserve’s decision to
lower interest rates, this article warned consumers
to resist the temptation to buy into rate deals.
Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit,
explained how lower rates could harm consumers already
in debt.
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“The
Watercooler Column”
November 5, 2002
Cambridge Credit’s “Holiday Travel Tips
were included as ways to minimize consumer holiday
spending. Chris Viale, General Manager of Cambridge
Credit, advised consumers on how to minimize spending
and suggested that they also include travel expenses
in their holiday budgets.
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“Shaky
Crutches for the Elderly: Use of Credit Cards
Growing Among Seniors”
October 30, 2002
On the topic of the rising number of senior citizens
in debt, Cambridge Credit was cited for its increased
number of clients over the age of 55 in 2001. Chris
Viale, General Manager of Cambridge Credit, discussed
various reasons why elderly consumers seek financial
help too late.
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“Debt
Problems Hit Even the Wealthy”
October 9, 2002
In this article highlighting how the largest borrowing
surges are coming from the wealthy, Cambridge Credit
was used as a source to prove that debt is affecting
more and more Americans each year. Cambridge Credit’s
call volume has doubled between 2000 and 2001.
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“Credit
Counseling Firms Pinched: Success Leads to
Kickbacks from Creditors”
October 7, 2002
Cambridge Credit’s “Good Payer Program” was
highlighted in an article discussing the state of
the credit counseling industry. Cambridge Credit
gives back half of its fair-share allotments to its
consumer.
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“How
to Avoid Credit-Fix Scams, Correct Report”
September 26, 2002
Included in an article on ways to avoid credit counseling
scams, Cambridge Credit was highlighted as a legitimate
credit help service that can assist consumers in
dealing with creditors, lowering finance charges
and establishing consolidated repayment plans.
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“To
End Credit Card Debt, Quit Charging, Pay More”
September 19, 2002
Cambridge Credit was listed as a company worth seeking
as a way out in an article advising consumers how to
successfully get out of debt. Cambridge Credit’s
offering of free consultations and “Good Payer
Program,” which rebates half of Cambridge Credit’s
fair-share monies to consumers, were both highlighted. |
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