Personal Finance

Counseling available for homeowners at risk of foreclosure

Sunday, February 17, 2013

NORTHAMPTON — The Valley Community Development Corporation is currently offering free, one-on-one counseling for homeowners in Hampshire County who feel that they are at risk of foreclosure or need help with financial management. The counseling, which is confidential, is designed to help homeowners understand the options available to them and set up action plans that are specific to their particular situation. “It’s tailored to each household’s needs,” said Donna Cabana, … 0

‘Economic root canal’ — personal bankruptcy primer

Sunday, February 3, 2013

NORTHAMPTON — Personal bankruptcy filings continued to decline statewide last year after peaking in 2010, a trend some say signals an improved economy. Other bankruptcy experts paint a more cautious picture and say many Valley residents face significant money problems fueled, in part, by the Great Recession. In Massachusetts, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, … 0

A child at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion School participates in Savings Make Sense program, sponsored by Florence Savings Bank on January 25, 2013.

SARAH CROSBY

Saving Makes ‘Cents’ program instills values in youngsters

Sunday, February 3, 2013

HADLEY — In five years, when she plans to visit China as an eighth-grader, Aine Doherty says she will have enough money saved up to enjoy her visit to the Pacific Rim. Fellow third-grader Odin Moore says he is putting money he earns from allowance into his account for future purchases. “I know … 1