Neighborhood Works
You may have heard about NeighborWorks, also know as HOPE. They are one of the non-profit organizations that received Federal funding to help people who are either in what's called pre-foreclosure or into full foreclosure. There are HOPE centers in fifty States. Although they do not provide actual cash they can serve as a wealth of knowledge and assistance. Start your search for a location in your area at http://www.nw.org/network/home.asp then look on the left hand side of the page for the subject that best fits your needs.
Debt Collectors Have Rules to Follow
From About.com
They may not act like it when they call you, but debt collectors have rules that must be followed when they contact you about a debt. For example, the collector can't call you before 8:00 am. Debt collectors' guidelines are outlined in the federal law known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, aka the FDCPA. When your rights under the FDCPA have been violated, you can file a lawsuit against the collector in state or federal court. Before you file suit, make sure you have solid proof of the violation. For more information on the FDPCA and the rules that collectors must follow read Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Overview.
HUD Launches Comprehensive Website to Increase Financial Literacy, Promote Healthy Homeownership
One of the most unique features of this website is the Self-Assessment Tool. The Self-Assessment Tool provides an extensive guide to help users learn more about personalized options for purchasing and/or refinancing their home. Users will be prompted to answer a few questions. Based on the answers given, the Self-Assessment Tool lists numerous links to visit on-line to learn more about the necessary and correct steps to own a home, refinance a home, enhance their financial skills, and much more. Some of the other links on My Money, My Home, My Future give detailed information about: 9 Steps to Buying a Home, Housing Counselors and Lenders, Banking, Credit and Building Wealth, Foreclosure Process and Alternatives, Refinancing Loans and FHA Insured Loans. This new site is also located on www.HUD.gov and www.FHA.gov both in easy to find locations on the main web pages.
Don't be put off by a bit too much emphasis on the stock market. In my humble opinion CNN does one of the best jobs of digging down into economic issues and finding Lou Dobb's "little guy" and how things effect him or her. For instance scroll down and click on the box labled "Jobs."