LSS Financial Counseling in the News
Job scams
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | October 24, 2024
Shannon Doyle, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute to discuss job scams and ways to protect yourself.
Spotting scams
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | October 10, 2024
Shannon Doyle, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute to discuss scams being on the rise and ways to spot them.
Financial literacy workshop
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | October 8, 2024
A recent survey from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that 80% of us feel like we could use some financial advice from a professional. Shannon Doyle, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute to talk about a free financial education workshop series, starting October 9.
Student loans
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | September 26, 2024
Nearly 30% of federal student loan payments are past due, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report released last month. Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute, to talk about student loan repayment options, now that the temporary grace period has ended.
How to manage the financial anxieties behind 'money dysmorphia'
MPR | September 11, 2024
A survey earlier this year found 43 percent of Gen Z respondents and 41 percent of millennial respondents said they experienced money dysmorphia. Kim Miller, senior program manager for LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on MPR Now with Cathy Wurzer to discuss what it is, where it comes from, and ways to reduce financial anxiety.
Building an emergency fund
KARE-TV | Your Money | August 26, 2024
Bankrate reports that 56% of Americans don't have enough money to cover a $1,000 emergency. Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling shared how individuals can build emergency savings with Gordon Severson on KARE 11's Your Money program.
Buy now, pay later
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | July 18, 2024
There is a new trend to help you buy things quickly without cash called buy now, pay later. While it might work for some people, it can be a slippery slope for others. Learn what some of the pitfalls are from Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling.
How to build an emergency fund
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | July 11, 2024
The latest survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that it takes more than $5,000 per month for the average American household to pay monthly expenses. It’s recommended that you have three months of savings for emergencies — but how can you save that much? Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling offers guidance on how to build emergency savings.
When you fall behind on credit card payments
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | June 27, 2024
If you've fallen behind on your credit card payments, the best thing you can do is to take action and "call your credit card company today to see what they can do for you," said Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling, who appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. Taking action will help you get back on track and avoid collection calls, which can affect your credit score.
"Snowballing" can help you pay off your credit card debt
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | June 20, 2024
If you're looking for a way to pay off your credit card debt, check out the method called snowballing. Learn how it works from Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling.
Free homeownership counseling service available to prospective homebuyers
KTIS-FM | June 15, 2024
Nichole Szczesniak, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KTIS-FM's Community Spotlight program to highlight a free service called Homeownership Counseling that is available to help prospective homebuyers make informed decisions about a home purchase. LSS Financial Counseling offers a complete financial assessment to help prospective homebuyers determine what they can truly afford, help them improve their credit for a better loan term, and learn about financial programs for home purchases that may be available and could benefit them.
Pay off your credit card debt with a Debt Management Plan
KSTP-TV | Money Minute | June 6, 2024
Did you know that the average American carries $8,000 in credit card debt? While credit card debt may seem insurmountable, there's an effective way to pay it all off and spend significantly less on the interest — through a Debt Management Plan. Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute to share how it works.
Credit card debt is on the rise nationwide
MPR News | June 5, 2024
Kim Miller talks with Nina Moini at MPR about rising credit card debt and services that LSS Financial Counseling provides to help Minnesotans.
Tackling the burden of medical debt
MPR News Rebroadcast | April 8, 2024
Legislation called the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act is being considered and would ban medical providers from denying non-emergency care to patients with large overdue bills, lower the interest rate on medical debt to zero, and keep medical debt from showing up on credit reports. Listen to a rebroadcast from 2022 as MPR News host Angela Davis talks about medical debt with experts including Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling.
Financial health and identity theft protection
KTIS Radio | March 30, 2024
Shannon Doyle, financial education program manager with LSS Financial Counseling, talked with Pam Lundell on KTIS Radio's Community Spotlight program about the wide range of services available, including Debt Management Plans — an effective way to tackle credit card debt — as well as identity theft prevention strategies.
How to keep retail therapy from ruining your budget
MPR News | March 18, 2024
Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling appeared on MPR News with Angela Davis with Chris Farrell, nationally-acclaimed personal finance expert and MPR Senior economics contributor, to talk about emotional spending: why we do it and how to take control of it.
Strategies to avoid the high cost of credit
WATW Radio | March 12, 2024
About half of all credit card users are not sure what the interest rates are on their credit cards, according to CreditCards.com. Shannon Doyle, financial educator with LSS Financial Counseling, shared that the Annual Percentage Rate on your credit card is an important number to know because it can significantly impact your financial wellbeing, especially over time. She appeared on WATW Radio in Ashland, Wisconsin to inform listeners on strategies to avoid the high cost of credit.
With credit card interest at all-time highs, here’s what you need to know
March 11, 2024
Currently, the average interest on a bank credit card rate is 21.5 percent, according to the Federal Reserve — the highest interest rate ever recorded by this organization. That means, if you are carrying a $6,000 balance on a credit card from month to month, you are paying about $107 in interest each month, which totals about $1,284 per year, depending how your credit card company handles compound interest. Learn how you can avoid the high cost of credit.
Despite COVID pause, Minnesotans are again living with debt
Star Tribune | February 23, 2024
In the February 23 online story on increasing consumer debt, Dan Park with LSS Financial Counseling said that fewer people were making appointments for financial counseling during the pandemic due to the pause in federal student loan payments, banks implementing temporary forbearance plans and stimulus checks. Now that those programs have ended, LSS financial counselors are busy. "Something's got to give when there is more money being spent than is coming in. And that's usually when debt comes into play," Park said.
Love your money for Valentine's Day
KARE-TV | Your Money | January 29, 2024
Kim Miller, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KARE 11's Your Money show to share tips for couples on how to have conversations about money.
Holiday shoppers are opting for "buy now, pay later" in record numbers, but is it a good idea?
KARE-TV | December 4, 2023
If you're wondering about trying out the "buy now, pay later" option during the holidays, check out the pros and cons offered by Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling in a KARE-TV report.
Holiday budgeting tips
KARE-TV | Your Money | November 20, 2023
Shannon Doyle, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KARE TV's Your Money show to share holiday budgeting tips.
As federal student loan debt payments resume, what does it mean for Minnesotans?
Jazz88.FM | October 30, 2023
Payments on federal student loans resumed in October after a 3-year pause. More than 800,000 people in the state of Minnesota have federal student loan debt. That debt, combined with state and private loans, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, has made the median loan for student borrowers in Minnesota nearly $24,000. Jazz88’s Peter Solomon spoke with Kim Miller, financial counselor at LSS Financial Counseling, about what borrowers can do to become informed about loan servicers, repayment options, getting out of default, and where to obtain free financial counseling.
How to survive student loan payments, resuming, from a Minnesota financial counselor.
MPR | October 2, 2023
If you're among the more than 800,000 Minnesotans who are starting to pay back your federal student loans as of October 1 when student loan payments resumed, check out Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer at MPR who talked with Kim Miller at LSS Financial Counseling this week to help answer questions from listeners. They included questions like: "Where do I start?" and "Should I prioritize credit card debt or student loans?"
Student loan payments resume in October. Here's how Minnesotans can prepare.
Star Tribune | September 25, 2023
The Star Tribune reported that 800,000 Minnesotans have student loan debt totaling more than $27 million. Now that student loan payments will resume in October, emotions are running high. Kim Miller, with LSS Financial Counseling, said that LSS has seen an increase in the number of Minnesotans seeking guidance through LSS' student loan repayment counseling, which offers free guidance to help Minnesotans consider the best path forward for their unique circumstances.
Budgeting student loan payments back into your budget.
KARE-TV | September 25, 2023
Are you wondering how you will work student loan payments into your budget when they resume in October? On KARE-TV, Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling, offered some ideas and guidance on getting back on track with student loan payments.
Student loan payments resume soon: Here's what you need to know.
WCCO-TV | September 18, 2023
Kim Miller, a certified financial counselor with LSS Financial Counseling, offered guidance to borrowers in a recent interview with WCCO.
New help for student loan borrowers.
KARE-TV | Your Money | September 4, 2023
Kim Miller, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KARE-TV’s Your Money show to share the ins and outs of the SAVE Plan, a new option that allows student loan borrowers to base their payment on income and family size, which can significantly reduce monthly payments, and sometimes reduce them to zero.
Minnesotans worry as student loan interest resumes, payments due in October.
MPR News | September 1, 2023
As student loan payments resume in October, Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling, offers guidance to borrowers on options available. She also advises borrowers to prepare by reviewing the federal student loan website, studentaid.gov — a “one-stop shop” of information on managing student loans. “It also provides all of their loan history." Miller said. "It has a dashboard that shows their loan balances, individual loans, who their loan servicer is, the payment plan they may or may not be enrolled in."
Minneapolis' Sezzle in healthy spot as Buy Now, Pay Later options grow.
Star Tribune | August 9, 2023
In a recent story, Shannon Doyle, program manager for Financial Education with LSS Financial Counseling, offered guidance to consumers on Buy Now, Pay Later options that more retailers are using.
New payment plan for student loan borrowers could save time and money.
KARE-TV | July 31, 2023
Check out KARE-TV's report with LSS Financial Counseling's Kim Miller who discusses this new student loan repayment option.
PROP Food partners with LSS Financial for financial workshop.
Sun Sailor | July 17, 2023
Through a new partnership, PROP Food and LSS Financial Counseling are hosting no-cost support sessions at the Eden Prairie Library to offer practical financial guidance.
PROP Food partners with LSS Financial Counseling to provide no-cost financial workshops for the community
Eden Prairie News | July 14, 2023
LSS Financial Counseling is teaming up with PROP Food to offer no-cost financial workshops for the community. The next financial workshop, “Building and Improving Your Credit”.
MPR News with Angela Davis: What's next for borrowers burdened by student loans?
Minnesota Public Radio | July 10, 2023
Millions of Americans are trying to figure out what’s next with their student loan debt, and that includes tens of thousands of Minnesotans. MPR News Host Angela Davis talked with Kim Miller, LSS Financial Counseling, about student loans and first steps to consider as student loan payments resume in October.
June is Homeownership Month.
KRJB Radio | June 19, 2023
June is National Home Ownership Month. Buying a home is often the largest financial decision one will make in their lifetime. Listen to the KRJB radio interview with Nichole Szczesniak, housing counseling program director, to hear insights about becoming a homeowner.
Job loss and layoffs are scary, but take these steps to stabilize your situation.
Star Tribune | May 22, 2023
With news of layoffs at major Minnesota companies recently, the Star Tribune connected with Kim Miller in LSS Financial Counseling to seek guidance for Minnesotans who have experienced a job loss.
LSS Financial Counseling offers free services to help you improve your credit.
Tri-County News | March 9, 2023
Your credit score can affect your employment, ability to secure loans and gain favorable interest rates. LSS Financial Counseling offers FREE credit report improvement services to help individuals improve their credit. Check out the story in the Tri-County News to learn more about what you can do to boost your credit.
Rising credit card debt leaves experts concerned.
KARE-TV | March 9, 2023
Inflation is rising faster than wages, which means that people are turning to credit cards. According to WalletHub, credit card debt is up significantly. Check out KARE-TV's report with LSS Financial Counseling's Shannon Doyle who offers recommendations for consumers who are facing rising personal debt.
March is national credit education month; LSS Financial Counseling offers free credit improvement services.
KRJB Radio | March 7, 2023
An estimated 11% of Americans have poor credit, according to FICO, the largest and best-known company that provides credit scores. Listen to KRJB radio interview with Kim Miller, certified LSS financial counselor, to learn more about credit, how it can affect you, and steps to take to improve it.
TopLine Financial Credit Union Receives National Recognition for Adult Financial Education Efforts.
StreetInsider | February 15, 2023
TopLine Financial Credit Union, an LSS Financial Choice Partner, received national recognition for taking home a 2022 Desjardins Financial Education Award. Their honorable mention was in partnership with LSS Financial Counseling.
MPR News with Angela Davis: Checking in on Your Relationship with Money.
Minnesota Public Radio | January 30, 2023
MPR News guest host Chris Farrell, a senior economics contributor with MPR and American Public Media's Marketplace programs, discussed emotional spending, and how to build a healthy relationship between you and your money. Expert Shannon Doyle at LSS Financial Counseling offered her advice and guidance.
LSS Ready to Help with Money Woes
WJON Radio | January 10, 2023
If the holiday spending is giving you New Year’s headaches, LSS Financial Counseling reminds you that options are available.
How to Help the Holiday Debt Blues.
KTOE Radio | January 9, 2023
If holiday spending is causing you financial stress, LSS Financial Counseling can assist you in getting back on track.
Award-winning Minnesota Credit Counselor Helps Clients Struggling with Debt.
Star Tribune | December 30, 2022
Dan Park, financial counseling supervisor for LSS Financial Counseling, recently won the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Credit Counselor of the Year award, honoring outstanding accomplishments and excellence in promoting consumer financial health. Read the Star Tribune story about how he supported Julie with free financial counseling that put her on a path toward financial health and homeownership.
Managing Holiday Spending.
KTIS-FM | December 17, 2022
The average American household spends between $1,000 and $1,500 on the holidays — which includes gifts, food, outfits, events, and dining out. With higher inflation this year, it’s good to start thinking about holiday spending decisions to avoid stress caused from overspending. Check out the radio interview on ways to plan and prepare for holiday spending with Shannon Doyle, LSS financial education program manager.
Staying Safe Online.
KTIS-FM | November 15, 2022
"We are all susceptible to scams and fraud," said Shannon Doyle, LSS Financial Counseling financial educator. What warning signs should you look for when someone is seeking to access your personal or financial information online? Listen to Shannon's interview to learn more about how to keep yourself safe from scams.
High Inflation and the Holidays: How to Navigate the Most Expensive Time of Year.
KARE-TV | October 14, 2022
Tune in to a KARE-TV report on navigating holiday spending with helpful guidance from LSS Financial Counseling Educator Shannon Doyle.
MPR News with Angela Davis: Managing Your Money During Inflation, Rising Interest Rates and Uncertainty.
Minnesota Public Radio | October 10, 2022
MPR News Host Angela Davis highlighted smart money management strategies during challenging financial times with personal finance experts Kim Miller at LSS Financial Counseling and Chris Farrell, a senior economics contributor with MPR and American Public Media's Marketplace programs.
Lutheran Social Service Offers Guidance to Student Loan Borrowers.
New Ulm Journal | September 5, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government put a pause on federal student loan payments — also known as a forbearance — beginning with the passage of the federal CARES Act in March 2020. Forbearance has since been extended through December 31, 2022. With student loan payments resuming in 2023, LSS Financial Counseling can assist student loan borrowers with understanding their repayment options — at no cost to them.
Lutheran Social Service Offers Guidance to Student Loan Borrowers.
Owatonna People's Press | September 2, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government put a pause on federal student loan payments — also known as a forbearance — beginning with the passage of the federal CARES Act in March 2020. Forbearance has since been extended through December 31, 2022. With student loan payments resuming in 2023, LSS Financial Counseling can assist student loan borrowers with understanding their repayment options — at no cost to them.
MPR News With Angela Davis: Tackling Medical Debt.
Minnesota Public Radio | July 25, 2022
One hundred million Americans, or about 41 percent of U.S. adults, live with medical debt, according to a survey by Kaiser Family Foundation. Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling shared how medical debt affects individuals and resources that can help them tackle that debt.
LSS Offers Free Credit Report Reviews to Help You Improve Your Credit.
KTIS-FM | May 7, 2022
A 2021 study by Consumer Reports shared that more than one-third of consumers found mistakes on their credit reports. Shannon Doyle, financial educator with LSS Financial Counseling, provides additional information about credit reports and credit scores.
April is National Financial Literacy Month.
KTIS-FM | April 9, 2022
Shannon Doyle, financial educator with LSS Financial Counseling, shares what financial literacy is, why it's so important to our financial health, and what we can all do to improve our financial literacy.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota: A One-Stop Shop for Financial Counseling.
Sunrisebanks.com | March 15, 2022
Viva Yang, Senior Program and Communications Manager for LSS Financial Counseling, details Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota’s financial counseling, employment and Financial Choice services. Sunrise Bank is a Financial Choice partner.
LSS Financial Counseling Recommends People Review Their Free Credit Reports.
Tri-County News | March 2, 2022
National Credit Education Month is a good time for individuals to get copies of their free credit reports, look for errors in those reports and dispute any errors they find.
March is National Credit Education Month: Check Your Credit Report.
Merrill Foto News | March 1, 2022
National Credit Education Month is a good time for individuals to get copies of their free credit reports, look for errors in those reports and dispute any errors they find.
As Pandemic Wanes, Inflation Changes the Lives of Minnesotans.
Star Tribune | February 19, 2022
LSS Financial Counselor Kim Miller shares how emotions can play a role in spending in this story about the adjustments households are making to address the challenges of rising prices.
St. Paul Launches Foreclosure Prevention Program
Star Tribune | February 18, 2022
St. Paul established a new program to support homeowners who face foreclosure because of financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. LSS Financial Counseling is one of the partner agencies providing foreclosure prevention services.
MPR News with Angela Davis: How to Spend Less When Everything Costs More.
Minnesota Public Radio | January 24, 2022
LSS Financial Counselor Kim Miller appeared as a guest on the MPR News with Angela Davis Show to offer insight and creative saving strategies during these inflationary times.
How Last-Minute Shoppers Can Avoid Holiday Debt.
KARE-TV | December 22, 2021
Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling offered suggestions for avoiding holiday debt, including having a "battle plan" and considering homemade gifts.
Millions Will Soon Have to Restart Student Loan Payments.
KARE-TV | December 18, 2021
LSS Financial Counselor Dan Park discusses options for student loan borrowers once payments on federal student loans restart.
Daily Living with LSS: Applying Financial Lessons During the Pandemic.
KBEM-FM | March 29, 2021
Daily Living with LSS: Student Loans.
KBEM-FM | February 22, 2021
Finances Unscathed by the Pandemic? Seize the Moment and Tackle Debt.
Daily Journal | January 21, 2021
Is Moving Now Your Best Financial Move?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch | September 9, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Loaning Money to Loved Ones.
KBEM-FM | September 14, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Building Good Credit.
KBEM-FM | August 17, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Financial Scams During the Pandemic.
KBEM-FM | July 20, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Tax Advice.
KBEM-FM | July 20, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Buying a Home.
KBEM-FM | June 8, 2020
LSS Expands Student Loan Counseling Service.
Redwood Falls Gazette | April 15, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Managing Student Loan Debt.
KBEM-FM | April 13, 2020
Student loan help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
KARE-TV | April 9, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Managing Finances in Uncertain Times.
KBEM-FM | March 30, 2020
LSS helped Minnesotans pay off $17.8M in debt last year.
Faribault Daily News | March 3, 2020
Daily Living with LSS: Paying Off Credit Card Debt.
KBEM-FM | March 2, 2020
Changes are coming to FICO score ratings.
KBJR-TV 6 Duluth | February 7, 2020
Minneapolis planner Tonia Brinston found a path out of debt and now aims to lift a community.
Star Tribune | March 31, 2019
Advice, support offered during government shutdown.
Aitkin Independent Age | January 23, 2019
LSS Financial Counseling featured for Eviction Prevention and Top Women in Finance.
NFCC Notables | December 18, 2018
Understand How Much You're Spending on Credit During Holidays.
CBS | December 10, 2018
Evictions lead to lingering challenges.
Post Bulletin | October 2, 2018
New Law Makes It Easier & Free To Freeze Your Credit.
CBS-TV | September 26, 2018
Eviction Prevention Project receives $50k grant.
Post Bulletin | September 7, 2018
LSS Financial Counseling at Rondo Days.
KFAI Radio | August 18, 2018
Banking program aims to provide lower-cost alternative to payday lenders.
Star Tribune | June 20, 2018
What Happens To Credit Accounts When Stores Like Herberger’s Close?
CBS-TV | April 18, 2018
The 6 Best Books to Help You Get out of Debt, According to Experts.
Time.com | April 4, 2018
National Consumer Protection Week Gets Brainerd Talking About Local Scams.
Lakeland PBS | March 6, 2018
How I Ditched Debt: Setting Pride Aside and Asking for Help.
NerdWallet.com | January 20, 2018
Bad credit? You still have tools to whittle down debt.
NerdWallet.com | January 4, 2018
New LSS office in Rochester.
Post Bulletin | November 08, 2017
Your 'money personality' is first step to financial health.
USA Today | September 13, 2017
Expert Guidance Helps You Pay Off Credit Card Debt Through Individualized, Cost-Efficient Repayment Plans.
BadCredit.org | September 05, 2017
LSS Financial Counseling: Helping Americans Overcome Debt through Actionable Solutions & Personalized Counseling for Multiple Debt Types.
BadCredit.org Blog | July 27, 2017
How To Boost Your Credit Score With Your Credit Card.
CBS-TV | February 18, 2017
Credit, Mortgages and Your Ability to Buy a Home.
U.S. News and World Report | November 4, 2015
Medical flex accounts: Use it or lose it.
Duluth News Tribune | December 02, 2014
6 Ways to Help an Adult Child Without Going Broke.
Next Avenue Blog, PBS | May 16, 2014
Take Control of Your Holiday Spending.
West Central Tribune | November 24, 2013
We asked kids, tell us what makes you rich?
Sense and Centsibility Blog | July 31, 2013
Pre-foreclosure notices on the rise in the Twin Cities
Star Tribune | May 27, 2013
Hit a Home Run for Financial Literacy Month.
Minnesota Department of Commerce | April 14, 2013
Forced insurance policies cripple Minnesota homeowners.
Star Tribune | October 08, 2012
USDA Is a Tough Collector When Mortgages Go Bad.
The Wall Street Journal | May 24, 2012