Headlines from the Year: 2024 in Review

Imagine concluding your year with the best financial advice from one of our most trusted experts in the industry. This is precisely what Dion Williams, the President & CEO of PACU, offers in his latest episode of "Headlines and Fine Print."

In this December episode, Dion revisits topics many of us discussed. From avoiding holiday scams to mastering end-of-year budgeting, there is something here for everyone.

And the best part? This podcast will be broadcast bi-monthly in 2025. That means more insights, engaging guests, and more reasons to tune in to “Headlines and Fine Print” on Spotify and YouTube.

Here’s a sneak peek of what Dion has been covering:

Scammers, Beware!

‘Tis the season for scams. Dion discusses how fraudsters exploit holiday generosity through fake charities and phishing schemes. He advises researching before donating and thoroughly investigating organizations to ensure your contributions benefit the community.

Debt: Conquer It Before It Conquers You

The holidays can make wallets feel lighter and credit card bills heavier. Dion outlines three strategies for addressing debt:

• Debt Consolidation: Consolidate your debts with a single loan that simplifies your payments and reduces your interest rates. Be sure not to run the balances up on the items you just consolidated.
• Debt Management: A third party is negotiating for reduced rates and improved terms. Accounts included in the plan are closed so that credit may have a short-term impact; however, accounts do not have to go into past-due status to qualify.
• Debt Settlement: A third party discusses a lower payment than you owe, but be cautious. This option can negatively impact your credit as the consumer stops making payments while settlement terms are negotiated.

Great news! Our Debt-Simplified Loan will be available in January 2025, designed to help you take control of your finances. You won’t have to navigate this process alone. Our certified financial counselors are here to guide you through your options and assist you in creating a personalized plan to regain control of your financial future.

Pay Yourself First

If you have been a member of PACU for some time, you might be familiar with the phrase we often use: “Pay Yourself First.” In the budgeting episode, Dion discusses how setting aside a percentage of your monthly income helps prepare you for emergencies and unexpected expenses.

Couples and Money: Communication is Key

In this episode, Dion says that it’s okay to have different money values and priorities as long as you have open lines of communication that get you to a place that works for both parties in a relationship.

Estate Planning is for Everyone

Estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of financial status. Important documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives help ensure your wishes are respected in the event of injury or death.

Don’t Let Bad Actors Freeze You Out, Freeze Your Credit!

A data breach earlier this year affected millions. Dion discussed how credit freezes can help protect your identity. A credit freeze stops access to your credit report, preventing unauthorized use of your information. However, lift the freeze when you need your credit report, like when changing jobs.

End-of-Year Budgeting

Last month's podcast episode focused on budgeting for the holiday season. You can use several strategies to achieve financial success during this time, such as creating a budget plan, utilizing club accounts, or volunteering your time and skills instead of purchasing gifts with cash.

Interested in learning more about the topics discussed this year? All our episodes are available to listen to or watch on Spotify and YouTube. If you have questions about this episode's topic or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, please get in touch with Dion at [email protected].