Advantage Advisor

Monthly Newsletter: August - 2025

savings tips
 

Back-to-School on a Budget: Smart Money-Saving Tips for Families

As summer winds down, the excitement (and expense) of back-to-school season begins. From notebooks and new clothes to tech upgrades and activity fees, the average family spends hundreds of dollars preparing for a new academic year. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend more than $850 on average for back-to-school shopping.

 
 

In This Issue:

1. Why A Debt Management Program Is A Smart And Safe Choice For Debt Relief

2. How A Housing Counselor Can Help First-Time Homebuyers Succeed

3. How Consumers Can Use AI To Save Money And Get Out Of Debt

4. Clients Speak Out (Reviews)

5. Company News & Events

 
 

Recent Blog Posts

 
 

Why A Debt Management Program Is A Smart And Safe Choice For Debt Relief

When you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, it’s easy to get discouraged or confused by the number of debt relief options available. Debt settlement ads promise to slash what you owe. Debt consolidation loans offer a single payment. Bankruptcy sounds like a clean slate. However, not all solutions...

 

How A Housing Counselor Can Help First-Time Homebuyers Succeed

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it can feel overwhelming. Between confusing mortgage terms, fluctuating interest rates, credit score requirements, and closing costs, many first-time homebuyers don’t know where to start. That is where a...

 

How Consumers Can Use AI To Save Money And Get Out Of Debt

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword for techies and large corporations. It’s rapidly becoming part of everyday life—from helping you write emails to powering your smart home devices. However, did you know AI can also help you take control of your personal...

Get A Free Debt Analysis

Get a free analysis of your debt, a budget breakdown, and a personalized 20+ page Action Plan for becoming debt free. It's all online, 100% secure, no obligations, and it only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

 

The Store Pickup Hack

Next time you shop at a big-box retailer like Target, Walmart, or even your local grocery store, try this: fill your cart online and choose in-store or curbside pickup instead of shopping in person. Why? Studies show that people spend up to 20% more when shopping in-store due to impulse buys. Shopping online with a list helps you stay focused and stick to your budget!

 
 

Clients Speak Out

“It was great to have all of my debts together in one monthly payment. Thank you!"

~ Julie A.

 

“Very easy to talk to, very nice. Enjoyed the conversation. Very helpful. Thank you so much!"

~ Kimberly M.

 

“Any employee that I ever spoke with at Advantage was always so kind, understanding, and helpful. They were fast to communicate with e-mail and have helped me tremendously to get organized and pay off my credit cards. Being debt-free feels amazing!"

~ Jolee Y.

 

Company News & Events

Neighborhood Allies, in partnership with National Disability Institute (NDI), has launched a new initiative to expand access to free, specialized financial counseling for people with disabilities and their families across Allegheny County. The collaboration equips financial counselors with training tailored to the unique financial challenges experienced by individuals with disabilities.


To date, 23 counselors have completed the training, led by the Allegheny County Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) and other local partners. These professionals are now prepared to deliver high-quality, no-cost financial counseling designed to support financial stability and informed decision-making for residents with disabilities. Some of our Pittsburgh-area counselors, Anita, John, Mariya, and Robin, participated in the financial counseling training provided by the National Disability Institute.


“This effort helps ensure that financial counseling is not just available, but accessible and relevant to those who need it most,” said Sarah Dieleman Perry, Vice President of Economic Mobility at Neighborhood Allies. “We’re proud to work with National Disability Institute and our partners to bring meaningful financial empowerment to our community.”


Neighborhood Allies, which operates the Allegheny County FEC in partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, serves as the anchor organization for this effort.


Additional partners involved in the training and implementation include: Advantage Credit Counseling Services, Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, Mon Valley Initiative, and NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania.


To learn more about financial counseling services, visit myfinancialpower.org. For more information about NDI’s Inclusive Financial Counseling Initiative, visit nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/inclusive-financial-counseling.

 
 


Email: info@advantageccs.org

Phone: (866) 699-2227

Fax: (412) 390-1336

 
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only. The materials are general in nature, and are not offered as advice or guarantee, and should not be relied upon without advice from an attorney or a financial advisor. Reading the information does not constitute a legal contract, consulting, or any other relationship with Advantage Credit Counseling Service.