Consolidated Credit Finance Articles by April Lewis-Parks

Understanding the Latest Tax Law Changes for the 2025 Tax Year (Filed in 2026)

Posted on March 12, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minute read)

Learn the key 2025 tax changes affecting returns filed in 2026, including updated tax brackets, standard deductions, retirement contribution limits, and reporting rules.

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Credit Education Month: Understanding Your Credit Report

Posted on March 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (8-minute read)

March is Credit Education Month. Established in 1989 by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, March is a time to review your reports for mistakes and ensure your credit is optimal.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: March Is Where Confidence Becomes Momentum

Posted on March 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

March focuses on rebuilding financial habits. Learn how the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap helps strengthen systems and build lasting stability.

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The Grandparent Trap: When Love Turns Into Debt

Posted on February 26, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

When helping her grandchild led to maxed-out credit cards, Susan turned to a debt management plan for relief. A look at how generational debt quietly happens.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: February Is Where Awareness Turns into Smart Decisions

Posted on February 16, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minute read)

February marks the Financial Review phase of the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap, helping readers assess cash flow, debt, credit, and money systems.

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How To Create a Realistic Budget You’ll Actually Stick To

Posted on February 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minute read)

A realistic budget can help you stick to and meet your financial goals in the new year. Here are five easy ways to get started.

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2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: January Reset

Posted on January 14, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minute read)

Kick off 2026 with clarity. Learn why money goals fade and how the January Reset builds confidence, reduces stress, and creates simple systems that last.

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Set the Right Plan to Pay Off Holiday Debt

Posted on January 6, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

It can be difficult to shake off the weight of holiday credit card debt, but with a little guidance, you could pay off debt quicker in 2025.

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A Snapshot of Credit Card Debt by State – Updated With the Latest Data

Posted on November 20, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minute read)

Alaska now leads the nation in credit-card debt as balances rise across the country. Learn which states saw the biggest increases and what it means for consumers.

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Who Is the ‘Typical’ Consolidated Credit Client?

Posted on November 17, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

From small balances to $80,000, clients of all backgrounds find real relief with Consolidated Credit. Read how Maria paid down debt and raised her credit score.

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The National Housing Crisis Isn’t Really National

Posted on August 22, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

There were 36,128 properties foreclosure filings nationwide in July. Media outlets reported headlines like "Home prices reach record highs." That may not be entirely true. It's more likely local and unique to each area around the country.

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“Chock Full of Information”

Posted on June 9, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

April Lewis-Parks, Consolidated Credit's Director of Financial Education, loves hearing from clients -- especially when they've learned to pay down their credit card debt.

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What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes by the Deadline

Posted on April 21, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (6-minute read)

Missed the tax filing deadline? You should still file and contact the IRS to see your options. Find out how it works here.

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Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps to Financial Organization

Posted on April 15, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (10-minute read)

How to "Spring clean" your finances in 5 simple steps: gather and organize documents, review budget, check credit report, update financial goals, automate savings.

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Financial Literacy Month: Top Resources to Improve Your Financial IQ

Posted on April 7, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (13-minute read)

April is Financial Literacy Month. It's a great opportunity to learn about how to optimize spending, contributing to your overall financial well-being.

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Last-Minute Tax Tips: Maximizing Deductions Before the Deadline

Posted on March 31, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (7-minute read)

Tax day is April 15, has your return been filed? These last-minute tax filing tips help maximize deductions before it's too late.

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Financial Literacy for Teens: Preparing the Next Generation

Posted on March 24, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (12-minute read)

Financial literacy for teens sets them up for success that lasts a lifetime. This article covers everything from earning income, paying taxes, saving money in a bank account, building credit, and investing.

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Tax Filing Checklist: Don’t Miss These Essential Steps

Posted on March 17, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (7-minute read)

Use this tax filing checklist to get your return filed on time, and your refund optimized for the maximum amount.

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How to Improve Your Credit Score in 90 Days

Posted on March 10, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (8-minute read)

For this National Credit Education Month, learn how to make significant improvements to your credit in only 90 days. Apply those lessons to the rest of your life.

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Student Loan Tips: Preparing for Graduation and Repayment

Posted on February 24, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minute read)

Are you ready to pay your student loans back? Check out these student loan tips to avoid high-interest debt later.

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Credit Score Myths Debunked: What Really Affects Your Score?

Posted on February 17, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (6-minute read)

Credit score myths like "will checking your score bring it down" is a common misconception that isn't true. Find out what else.

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Love and Money: How to Talk Finances with Your Partner

Posted on February 10, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minute read)

Couples should talk about money goals early and often. Nearly 4 in 10 marriages end in divorce over miscommunication of money goals.

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Maximizing Your Tax Refund: Deductions and Credits You Might Be Missing

Posted on February 3, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (7-minute read)

These often overlooked credits and deductions can help you maximize your tax return and refund after filing.

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Emergency Funds 101: Why You Need One and How to Build It This Year

Posted on January 27, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minute read)

Do you have 3 to 6 months worth of income saved? Four in ten Americans don't and it may put the in debt. Here's a crash course on building an emergency fund.

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