Recession RX

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada PSA

Established in 1958, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada is a private, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that ensures equal access to justice through free legal advice and representation for those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Service areas include domestic violence, child abuse, consumer fraud and social security. Free classes are offered in bankruptcy, divorce, custody, small claims, guardianship and foreclosure mediation.  Funding is provided through private donations, government grants and pro bono hours donated by local attorneys. Please visit http://visit www.lacsn.org for more information or to make a donation.

Sesame Street Goes Primetime to Help Families Struggling with the Economy

Tune in to Vegas PBS as it continues efforts to help Las Vegans manage the recession with the premiere of "Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times" tonight at 8 p.m.

"Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times," a primetime ‘Sesame Street’ special, features brief documentaries of real-life families and the story of a Muppet family coping with the ups and downs of these uncertain economic times.  The special, hosted by Al Roker, Deborah Roberts and Elmo and his friends, offers help, hope and strategies for families struggling with the current economy. The program also encourages children to express their feelings and ideas as their families adjust to a new life. 

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Links Mentioned on Episode 113

The State Supreme Court’s mandatory foreclosure mediation law went into effect on July 1. The Court’s website explains the new law and also answers some frequently asked questions.

 

FBI Special Agent Michael Rawlins talked about the extent of mortgage fraud in the Las Vegas Valley by real estate professionals who bought and sold hundreds of homes, and received cash kick-backs from brokers, straw buyers, loan officers and others. To report mortgage fraud you can call the hotline at (702) 584-5555.

 

The Director of the Nevada AARP office explained the organization’s health care reform platform. Sloan explained the importance of federal help in community-based care that will allow many seniors to stay in their homes with some forms of home care as well as the need for more generic affordable medications for seniors. For more information and assistance, you can visit the Real Relief section of AARP’s website, or download their plan for health care reform here: Download AARP_Health_Care_Reform.doc.

 

If you are a senior, or caring for someone elderly, you can find help at the Nevada Division for Aging Services website or you can call them at (702) 486-3545.

 

Elizabeth Shurtleff from the Nevada Department of Business and Industry explained state help available to citizens, and her office updates the Fight Fraud website and the State Foreclosure website - both are very helpful.

 

Nevada JobConnect isn't just for job seekers, the website also has a section for business owners. JobConnect can act as an HR department for businesses screening new hires.  Also, if you have a business with available jobs and you partner with Nevada JobConnect, you could qualify for tax credits and your new employees' training may also be paid for if they meet certain requirements.

 

We featured some new financial tips from Certified Financial Planer Staci Scharadin - and we have a wealth of extra information she's put together on getting your finances in order.

 

For more help managing your finances, visit the Consumer Credit Counseling Services website or call (702) 364-0344 to find out how they can help, or to set up an appointment.

 

The Daily Dose featured a local website called Foreclosed Upon Pets. The site is devoted to helping families facing foreclosure, and they will even try to find a foster home for your pet until you are financially stable again and can take the pet back. Visit their site to find help or volunteer. You can also call them at (702) 349-9214.

Recession Rx Episode 112

The June 29th episode of Recession Rx has new information regarding the new foreclosure mediation law that goes into effect on July 1, requiring mandatory mediation between homeowners and lenders before a foreclosure can be completed. The Nevada Supreme Court provided answers to frequently asked questions.

Faith-based organizations and food banks are integral in helping families in Las Vegas make it through tough economic times, and Recession Rx has talked with some of them to see what kinds of services are being offered.

We also have some tips to help fix up your résumé and what parents need to do to take a step back before taking financial stresses out on their children.

We value your opinion! If you have suggestions or questions, please leave a comment here or on the Vegas PBS Recession Rx Facebook Fan page. You can also email Vegas PBS Recession Rx.

Links Mentioned on Episode 112

On July 1, a new law goes into effect requiring mandatory mediation between homeowners and lenders before a foreclosure can be completed. The Nevada Supreme Court has provided answers to frequently asked questions, and the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada has a comprehensive list of the new rules. If you need assistance or have questions that aren’t answered there, call Nevada Legal Services at 368-0404 and ask for the self-help rental center.

 

A new Good Samaritan law passed by the Nevada Legislature will allow restaurants to donate perishable food items to food banks such as Three Square, who then provide low cost, quality food to pantries across Las Vegas.

 

Faith-based organizations are also integral in providing services to families and individuals who need help. Project Ezra is a Jewish family service agency that assists with financial emergencies and career placement.

 

Children are innocent victims when it comes to their parents’ stress. Unfortunately, experts say child abuse instances have increased because of financial hardship. Agencies such as Prevent Child Abuse have tools to help parents deal with stress effectively and take a step back before harming their child.

 

This summer, the Las Vegas Clark County Library District is holding a series of financial planning classes that are free and open to the public. A list of the classes is available on the library's website, and we also recommend visiting the career resources center for help building a resume or finding a job.

 

UNLV Career Services also has a wealth of resources when it comes to creating and perfecting a resume. A printable guide is available on their website.

 

The Daily Dose focused on some sites that have resources to help you budget every aspect of your life.The Simple Dollar has lists of easy things you can do to save money, plus advice about how to keep financial troubles from affecting your friendships. Frugal Village is a blog that focuses more on the home. It offers tips from the editor, as well as other readers about what tricks to use around our home to make it more efficient and to budget effectively. You can share your own tips on both sites, and they also offer giveaways and coupons.

 

Links Mentioned on Episode 112

There is good news for renters as of May 20, 2009 - federal law now requires a 90 day pre-notice of eviction instead of three days for tenants in foreclosed properties. The new rental eviction rules and for help, visit the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada's Rental Foreclosure website. You can also call (702) 386-0404 with any questions, just ask for the housing self help center. More information, as well as updates are also available from the National Low Income Housing Association.

An Attorney from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will be on the June 29 episode of Recession Rx to offer even more information about the changes in federal and state law regarding renters and foreclosure.

On July 1, a new law goes into effect requiring mandatory mediation between homeowners and lenders before a foreclosure can be completed. The Nevada Supreme Court is holding a hearing on the new law on Friday June 26th, 2009 on the 17th floor of the Regional Justice Center (map) at noon.

Ombudsman for Minority Affairs, Leticia Bravo was in studio to talk about help available for the minority community. Her office can be reached at (702) 486-9752 or through email: LBravo@fyiconsumer.org

The state consumer affairs office is closing, so the new number for consumer referrals will be (702) 486-7355, or you can visit the Fight Fraud website. A free fraud seminar is being held Thursday June 25th at 7 p.m. in the Enterprise Library (map) and it is just one in a series of seminars being held through the summer. 

D.Taylor, Secretary and Treasurer of Culinary Union 226 was in-studio to talk about the union’s decision to offer unemployed workers and their families a new health plan for $75 a month. The LifeSaver plan covers doctor visits, prescriptions and laboratory tests. You can find more information about how to apply for the LifeSaver plan on the Culinary Union’s website.

The Daily Dose featured A Thrifty Mom, a site full of coupons, free samples and tricks for taking care of a family on a low budget. Also, there are new deals available at the Stay and Play Here website, including 2 for 1 tickets to La Reve available at The Wynn, just mention the “Locals Offer” when you call the box office at (702) 770-9966. Tickets for Louie Anderson and Defending the Caveman are also 2 for 1 at The Excalibur, also mention the “Locals Offer” when you call their box office at (702) 597-7600.

We also featured a roundup of free or cheap fun for the whole family, including the Outdoor Picture Show in The District at Green Valley Ranch, $3 movies at the reopened Tropicana Cinemas. Also, the MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas has free movies for the whole family on Thursday night and free jazz concerts on Saturdays.

Recession Rx Episode 110

The June 15th episode of Recession Rx has in-depth information about avoiding loan modification scams, new bilingual classes on foreclosure prevention, and an interview with Nevada State Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley about her new foreclosure mediation bill which goes into effect on July 1, 2009.

Steven Brooks from the Clark County Urban League told Host Cathy Hanson about his organization’s financial literacy programs and aid to families. Plus, we have a “behind the scenes” look at how the Nevada Unemployment office is coping with the high volume of claims and tips on how you can speed up the filing process.

Watch this episode to find out how you can apply for one of 1,200 new job openings at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, or the new job openings from Nevada JobConnect.

We value your opinion! If you have suggestions or questions, please leave a comment here or on the Vegas PBS Recession Rx Facebook Fan page. You can also email Vegas PBS Recession Rx.

Links Mentioned on Episode 110

Homeowners who are paying more for their mortgages than their homes are worth are seeking out loan modification with their lenders. There are a lot of scams associated with loan modification, so you should check any business out through the Better Business Bureau or Fight Fraud NV. Also, the FDIC has released a new booklet to help educate the public about loan modification. 

If you have a complaint about loan modification, you can file it with the Federal Trade Commission - complaints are due July 15. You can also file a complaint about mortgage and lending practices - complaints are due July 30.

The City of Las Vegas is partnering with several organizations to hold two foreclosure prevention forums. The first will be held in Spanish on June 20 at 11 a.m. in the East Las Vegas Community Senior Center (map). The second class will be presented in English on June 27 at 9 a.m. in the Texas Station Hotel and Casino (map). To attend, you must register by calling (702) 229-4663.

Nevada State Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley appeared on the show this week to talk about Assembly Bill 149, a new mediation bill that goes into effect on July 1. It entails mandatory mediation between homeowners and lenders before a foreclosure can be completed. The Supreme Court is developing rules for this law and are seeking public input.

For more information about how to prevent foreclosure, visit the State of Nevada’s website for foreclosure help.

The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada is a resource center for our community, offering legal assistance to qualifying clients as well as free bankruptcy classes. You can contact them through their website or call them at (702) 386-1070.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will be hiring 1,200 new employees in the coming weeks. For instant updates on these jobs, you can follow them on Twitter. You can also visit their job fairs (map) on Monday, June 22 from 10-2 p.m., or Tuesday, June 23 from 3-7 p.m. 

If you need to file for unemployment, you can do so online. Also, check out some new job listings from Nevada JobConnect.

Steven Brooks, Chairman of the Board of the Clark County Urban League was on the show this week. The Urban League is a community resource that assists the minority community with youth development and education, neighborhood revitalization and housing counseling. For assistance you can visit their website or call (702) 636-3949.

Join hosts Dave Berns of KNPR’s State of Nevada and Patricia Cunningham of KCEP’s Stimulus Watch for a discussion with community leaders, elected officials and social service leaders on how the mortgage crisis has impacted the community and who has been affected by the practice of predatory lending.

Listen to the broadcast:

KNPR’s State of Nevada (FM 88.9)-airs June 21 at 7:00 p.m. 

KCEP’s Stimulus Watch (FM 88.1) - part 1 airs June 19 at 9:30 a.m.; part 2 airs June 26 at 9:30 a.m. 

Coping With Unemployment Booklet

Stacy Scharadin, CFP®, from The FInancial Planning Association of Nevada was a guest on the June 8th episode of Recession Rx and put together a booklet for people who have lost their jobs. The booklet is available for viewing online, and you can also download the full version here: Download Coping_Booklet

Recession Rx Episode 109

The June 8th episode of Recession Rx featured a compelling interview with the Clark County Coroner, information from certified financial planner Staci Sharadin, as well as information about how to apply for jobs at City Center, straight from V.P. of Staffing Kelley Tucky.

This episode also features information about a new scam that imitates the IRS, a way to make money while you are educated for a career as an electrician, and a look at how the economy is affecting crime in Las Vegas.

 

We have more job listings from Nevada JobConnect this week as well as the latest foreclosure statistics.

 

We value your opinion! If you have suggestions or questions, please leave a comment here or on Vegas PBS Recession Rx Facebook Fan page. You can also  email Vegas PBS Recession Rx.