Ask the Expert « Making Sense New England

Need answers to your job and investment fraud related questions? To help, we’ve partnered with the following expert organizations in the area:

Office of Workforce Opportunity – NH Division of Economic Development
Providing services such as postsecondary technical training, employment, job search assistance, job training, retraining, adult literacy, and other labor market aid with closer links to the realities of changing job markets.

Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA)
Protects consumers against unfair and unlawful business practices in the areas of banking, securities, and insurance, while ensuring that licensed entities are financially healthy.

Check-out the following for the most common job, money, and investment/investment fraud related questions & answers, as well as expert tips!

To get your question answered, simply fill out the form:

Rosemary Malm says:

November 18, 2010 at 8:59 pm

I worked for brooks pharmacy which changed to brooks maxi drug. I had a retirement fund with them and I can’t make connections, can you give me advise? Thanks Rosemary Malm

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Merle Fickett says:

October 17, 2010 at 2:31 pm

Where can I learn about getting help with my home heating oil costs.
Merle Fickett, Harrington, Maine

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- Making Sense New England Team says:
  
  November 8, 2010 at 11:41 am
  
  Here are some helpful resources.
  
  Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA)
  http://www.whcacap.org/index.php
  
  Washington Hancock Community Agency is a community action agency dedicated to fighting poverty and helping low-income people in Down East Maine. We offer a wide range of services including heating assistance, transportation, weatherization, small business assistance, tax preparation and more.
  
  Milbridge Office
  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 280, Milbridge, ME 04658
  Physical Address: Corner of Route 1 and Maple Street
  Phone: (207) 546-7544
  TDD: (207) 546-7607
  Fax: (207) 546-3216
  Email: administration@whcacap.org
  
  Ellsworth Office:
  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 299, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  Physical Address: 248 Bucksport Road
  Phone: (207) 664-2424
  Fax: (207) 664-2430
  Email: administration@whcacap.org
  
  Reply
ruby says:

July 28, 2010 at 6:09 am

What are the criteria to qualify for a mortgage loan modification: are there state-wide/ national rules, or is it up to the lender’s sole discretion, on an individual case basis?

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- Karen A. Gorham, Attorney, Consumer Protection Bureau, State of New Hampshire Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General says:
  
  August 9, 2010 at 6:57 am
  
  There is a federal government program that allows mortgage companies to participate in loan modifications and receive federal funds for their participation. Not all mortgage companies participate in the program. Nonetheless, mortgage companies may still offer loan modifications on their loans, using their own criterion.
  
  If your mortgage lender participates in the federal “Home Affordable Modification Program” (HAMP), there are guidelines that they may use to determine eligibility. There are a number of factors that are considered. Primarily, the lender will look at the reason for arrearages, long-term ability to pay, the value of the property, and overall debt. A very useful website provided by the federal government is makinghomesaffordable.gov. The website has an “eligibility” section that can answer most, if not all, of your eligibility questions.
  
  There are no state laws that establish guidelines for modifications. However, be aware that if you do not work directly with your lender, do not pay any upfront fees and determine if the individual or company are properly licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. There are state laws that mandate licensing, and prohibit upfront fees.
  
  Reply
Greg says:

July 15, 2010 at 8:54 pm

We own a time-share that we are interested in selling… if there is such a thing. Can you suggest a reputable agency that can assist us in selling. Our fees continue to rise and our need for this timeshare has changed. After watching Making Sense New England, we are more motivated to get out of this thing than ever. Please help point us in the right diretion.

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- Sandi Everitt, Assistant Attorney General & Director, Consumer Assistance Program, Vermont says:
  
  July 27, 2010 at 9:51 am
  
  The Attorney General’s Office cannot make a recommendation in this area, but I do know from reading articles and blog postings that some consumers have recommended that Timeshare owners wishing to sell, should contact local established and reputable real estate companies operating in the geographic area of their timeshare. Many of the larger national real estate firms have timeshare sales and purchase divisions. The bottom line for the consumer is to do their homework and investigate any company before paying anything or signing any documents. Consumers can research a business through the national Better Business Bureau – bbb.org and/or thorough their local state’s consumer protection agency. Consumers should learn everything about a company, including verifying its physical location – do not just rely on a website or pictures on a website. Finally, consumers should read all the fine print of any documents and ask questions so they understand exactly what a clause/term means. If the sales person can’t explain it, be wary! If the sales person laughs it off as “legalese,” be wary! If the explanation is different than what the consumer thinks the term/clause means, get the explanation in writing, signed by the salesperson. Always remember the adage – “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”
  
  Reply
Cindy says:

May 26, 2010 at 1:06 pm

We live in southern NH. What is the best way to find a legitimate financial professional to help us with our serious debt issues? We have a home and are not behind yet on the mortgage, but because of credit card and tax debt it is heading that way fast. Thank you

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- Becky Palmer, Direcor of Education, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NH & VT says:
  
  June 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm
  
  My suggestion would be to seek out a reputable credit counseling agency. You could certainly make a free appointment to meet with one of our counselors who are certified in both credit and housing counseling. Or, you could call me directly and I’d be happy to talk about options. The most important thing is to continue to put the mortgage first unless you are planning to give up the home. The second most important thing is to seek help now, which is what you are doing.
  
  Another option would be visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website (www.nfcc.org) to find a reputable credit counseling agency in your area. Any agency you work with should be non-profit and licensed in the state. Another resource would be to call 211.
  
  Reply