Comedian Earthquake said, “Being in debt is worse than being broke. When you’re broke, you simply need money. When you’re in debt, you need money so that you can have an opportunity to be broke.” Comedian Jimmy “JJ” Walker said, “Interest rates better go down soon or the murder rate is going to go up.”

Americans are drowning in debt! In the past when people found themselves in a financial jam, they’d tap into the equity of their home to do a debt consolidation. If the situation was extremely dire, they’d file bankruptcy. Now that mortgage lenders and the bankruptcy code have tightened up their guidelines, millions of people are running out of viable options that would allow them to reduce their monthly payments and get a better handle on their money.

(NNPA)—Almighty Debt, the most recent CNN documentary in the network’s series on African-Americans, related how severely debt imposes complex, real-life financial challenges whether the issue is foreclosure, long-term unemployment, or financing higher education.  Central to the documentary was Rev. DeForest Soaries Jr. of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, N.J., whose congregation members were also featured.  

James Ivy remembers the stretch in his life when he was in the situation of needing help, down, with many people counting him out. Recalling the time he was in the same position as many of the clients of Capacity Developers Incorporated, he now feels compelled to give back. “To help somebody,” he says. A barber by trade, Ivy says, “I’m better established and able to assist in adding the final touches for clients of CDI.”

CDI is where males preparing to re-enter the workforce, can go to receive clothing and services to help them succeed in their journey from start to finish. Ivy offers haircuts and grooming services that he says enhances their look and makes a perfect impression for interviews and at work.

CLOTHING IN NEED—Irene Wilson, Community Resource Manager of Capacity Developers, Inc. prepares an order of business clothing for a client. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels).

Business series

NOV. 4—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series at 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. The topic is “Supercharge Your Career Planning.” Jeffrey Fortescue, Manager of Business and Reference at the library, will help individuals discover the library’s resume maker and their testing & education reference center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .