On the Rise Community Development Center

Important information from Georgia Watch! If you are struggling to pay medical bills, you have options. High-interest credit card debt is rarely the only option.

Piedmont board member’s company hired to provide patients with medical credit cards WATCH NOW By Justin Gray with WSB-TVChannel 2 Action News Investigates has learned that Piedmont Healthcare hired the company of a long-time Piedmont board member to provide third-party medical credit cards to patients.Both the hospital and

Looking for work? Opportunities and resources are available!

🚀 Ready to Level Up Your Career?

Discover a wide range of community resource partners offering services like resume help, training programs, and career coaching—all in one place!

📸 Free headshots to boost your professional profile
✅ Meet employers ready to hire—on the spot
🎈 Celebrate 100 years of impact with Goodwill of North Georgia

This event marks the grand finale of a 100-day career festival held across the region—celebrating a century of helping job seekers thrive and find meaningful employment. With a superhero-themed celebration, photo booths, and a vibrant atmosphere, this isn’t just a job fair—it’s a community celebration where you’re the hero of your own career and it’s a celebration of your potential. 💼✨ Register today! https://ow.ly/cHeH50WLyJZ

Wise advice and good reminders to keep our money "rules" in balance with real life living!

Great resource from Georgia Watch!

Medical debt shouldn’t keep Georgians from getting care. Our free Consumer Guide to Medical Bills and Debt offers you the following tools:

• Understanding your medical bills
• How to dispute errors
• Negotiating payment plans
• Filing an appeal

Start here:https://georgiawatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Georgia-Consumer-Guide-for-Medical-Bills-and-Debt-2.2024.pdf

🚨 Consumer Alert: Watch Out for Price Creeps! 🚨
New tariffs are being implemented — and while you might not notice them in the headlines, you will feel them at the checkout. 🧾
🛒 Everyday items like electronics, clothing, and groceries may rise in price gradually — a sneaky effect called “price creep.”
✅ Here’s how to shop smart:
🔍 Compare prices before you buy (use apps or browser extensions)
🧾 Buy in bulk for essentials before increases hit
🛍️ Shop off-season or wait for sales
📦 Consider refurbished or secondhand options
🛑 Don’t impulse buy — ask: Do I really need this now?
💬 Stay alert. Save smart. Share this to help others beat the creep.

💡 Struggling with medical debt? You're not alone.

👉 Medical debt over $500 can still show up on your credit report — but paid collections are removed.

💬 Tip: If your medical debt is in collections, try negotiating a settlement. You might pay less than you owe.

📊 Need help with a plan? A financial coach can help you create a manageable debt repayment strategy.

🩺 Facing unaffordable medical bills? Remember to:
1️⃣ Ask about financial assistance
2️⃣ Set up an interest-free payment plan
3️⃣ Compare prices between facilities — you have the right to know costs up front!

Goodwill of North Georgia is hosting a job fair and food giveaway next Tuesday. Looking for work and resources? More events here: https://goodwillng.org/events/

Are you a budding entrepreneur or a potential small business owner in Metro Atlanta? If so, there’s an upcoming event YOU need to attend!

Join On The Rise CDC on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 9am to 3pm for the the South DeKalb Pop-Up Business Incubator at New Life Church Campus, located at 3592 Flat Shoals Rd, Decatur, GA 30034.

Get hands-on help with interactive sessions on the following:
✔ Access to capital
✔ Federal and State contract opportunities
✔Business Financing Information
✔ Free credit review

Hosted by New Life Community Alliance (NLCA) with Decide DeKalb Development Authority to create economic opportunity for all.

Thanks to our partners: U.S. Small Business Administration Georgia District Office, Equifax, and Morningstar Urban Development, Inc.,

🔗 Register now: https://nlca-atl.org/.../south-dekalb-pop-up-business.../

💡 What borrowers should consider now:
1. Switch repayment plans
You can move to an income‑driven plan such as Income-Based Repayment (IBR). Payments there cap at about 10–15% of discretionary income but count toward forgiveness and stop further interest-only growth

There’s also a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) launching by July 1, 2026, with payments capped at 1–10% of income and forgiveness after up to 30 years. Borrowers in SAVE will be transitioned to RAP by July 1, 2028, if they don’t switch sooner

2. Stay in SAVE (for now)
Borrowers can remain in SAVE’s general forbearance—but interest will continue accruing (increasing your balance). Payments still aren’t due, but you could voluntarily make interest-only payments to limit debt growth. Voluntary payments will not count toward PSLF or forgiveness credits while you're in this forbearance

3. Use the Loan Simulator
The studentaid.gov Loan Simulator tool can help you estimate your monthly payments under alternate plans and compare your options before switching

We look forward to joining tomorrow's festivities at Families First Back to School Bash! Come by our table and say hello! Register your family here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WU5C5bcs-EGvfGNeOWY7IBDeXNsjLTxCox7wt7pda8tUOVFVVlo2TlMwR1lIM0pOTzBQMzk2UUhCUyQlQCN0PWcu