Keeping the Dream of Homeownership Alive: Money Management International Hosts Free Webinar to...

HOUSTON -- Money Management International, the nation's largest non-profit credit and debt counseling firm, today announced a free housing webinar, titled: "Keeping the Dream of Homeownership Alive."

The webinar, on January 3rdand 9th at 7:00 p.m. EST, is designed to help

Housing analysts predict between 1 million and 3 million U.S. homes will be foreclosed upon next year as adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) continue to reset upward. Although the foreclosure process can vary widely from state to state, acting quickly is important and a key component in preventing foreclosure.

The Webinar will also discuss programs available that can help homeowners struggling financially, such as the MMI Preserving Homeownership and Savings Education Strategy (PHASES) program. The program is now available in 15 states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia), and provides qualified homeowners with grants to pay outstanding debts and one-on-one financial counseling sessions to help keep families in their homes.

The Webinar will also cover the fundamentals of foreclosure prevention, including:

* Don't ignore the problem - The further behind you become on your payments, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the less likely you will be to qualify for certain programs.

* Contact your lender - As soon as you learn that you will not be able to make a payment, contact your lender and explain your situation. Your mortgage company wants you to stay in your home as much as you do; they may be flexible.

* Research all your options - There are many programs nationwide (including government sponsored programs) that are designed to help families keep their homes. Make sure you take advantage of any help available to you.

To register for MMI's free webinar, "Keeping the Dream of Homeownership Alive," visit www.moneymanagement.org and click "Live Webinars" on the left hand navigation.

About Money Management International

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800-762-2271 or visit www.moneymanagement.org.