Articles Written Especially for Students
Budgeting
Messenger Post - "Students beware - debt does not care" 8/19/09 - Mike Leess interviews college students about charging expenses they cannot afford.
Illinois Forward Magazine - "Creating A Realistic College Budget" 2005 - Judge John C. Ninfo II reveals ten ways to create a balanced budget and some helpful budgeting do’s and dont’s.
Illinois Forward Magazine - "How to Avoid Becoming a Credit Card Statistic" 2005 - Judge John C. Ninfo II shares seven helpful tips to help you resist temptations of overspending and living above your means using a credit card.
Finger Lakes Times - "A Costly Lesson: Bankruptcy Judge Warns About Dangers of Credit Cards" (Geneva, NY) 5/2/05 - Students at Ovid High School learn the importance of budgeting and having good credit.
The Chicago Tribune - "Generation IOU" (Chicago, IL) 4/27/05 - Along with a real-life example on how credit card debt can put a serious stand-still on your future, the article also expresses the importance of learning how to budget all of your expenses.
Insider Magazine - "Give yourself credit, just not too much" 2004 - Judge John C. Ninfo II points out the many mistakes young adults make when it comes to using credit.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Credit Cards: Handle with Care" (Rochester, NY) 3/23/03 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II talks to students about the dangers of credit cards and shares tips on how to “close the hole in your pocketbook.”
NextStep Magazine - "How to Build a Budget" Jan/Feb 2005 - Building a budget can help you avoid making poor, but common, decisions—learn how to build a budget here.
NextStep Magazine - "Resist the temptation to buy, buy, buy!" May/June 2006 - Are you smart? How about financially smart? See if your Financial IQ makes the grade (for high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen).
NextStep Magazine - "10 Tips for Money Mojo" Sept/Oct 2006 - On track and in the black—ten ways to ensure you won’t graduate college as an indentured servant to your debt.
NextStep Magazine - "Get Outta College Debt-Free" May/June 2007 - Usinge cash, having a budget, and opening up a savings account are just some of the tips that will help you get out of college with minimal debt or even debt free.
NextStep Magazine - "Say no to debt in college" Jan/Feb 2008 - Student loans vs. the value of your degree.
NextStep Magazine - "What will your financial story look like?" May/June 2008 - Helpful hints for a financial story with a happy ending.
Credit Card Solicitation
The Courier Journal - "Students Hear Downside of Credit" (Jefferson County, IN) 4/28/08 - A Louisville bankruptcy attorney focuses on predatory lending traps in his CARE presentation and warns that consumers should look for the “hook under the worm."
The State - "A Helping Hand: Volunteers Warn Students About Debt" (Columbia, S.C.) 5/27/07 - Judge John E. Waites and other volunteers expose chilling facts about credit cards to students across South Carolina.
Boston Globe - "As Borrowing Increases Among College Students and Teens, a Task Force Teaches the Consequences of Getting in Too Deep" (Boston, MA) 5/22/05 - Bankruptcy Judge Joan Feeney unmasks the deceitful practices of credit card companies and opens the eyes of many area high school juniors and seniors.
San Diego Union - Tribune - "Bankruptcy Judge Warns Teens of Credit Card Dangers" (San Diego, CA) 5/19/05 - Judge John Hargrove helps San Diego area high school students realize the severe damage poor credit can do on their future.
The Honeoye Herald - "Good Advice - Judge to Students: Avoid Credit Cards" (Honeoye Falls, NY) 12/15/04 - Students without full-time jobs use credit cards as a way to get what they want without really being able to afford it.
NextStep Magazine - "Debt Can Drain You" 3/8/04 - College students can be smart by living within their means and avoiding credit card debt.
NextStep Magazine - "Reason #15,607 to avoid credit cards" Sept/Oct 2004 - Signing up for a credit card to get the free t-shirt or mug can cost you dearly down the road.
NextStep Magazine - "Beware the oh-so-attractive credit card" Nov/Dec 2005 - “'Free stuff’ from credit card companies isn’t free”; and other things you should know.
NextStep Magazine - "No money down! - Credit lessons from Judge John C. Ninfo" Mar/Apr 2006 - Cars, cell phones, and flat screen TVs can be affordable, but not if you don’t pay attention.
Credit Industry Practices
Boston Globe - "As Borrowing Increases Among College Students and Teens, a Task Force Teaches the Consequences of Getting in Too Deep" (Boston, MA) 5/22/05 - Bankruptcy Judge Joan Feeney unmasks the deceitful practices of credit card companies and opens the eyes of many area high school juniors and seniors.
San Diego Union - Tribune - "Bankruptcy Judge Warns Teens of Credit Card Dangers" (San Diego, CA) 5/19/05 - Judge John Hargrove helps San Diego area high school students realize the damage that poor credit can do to their future.
Richmond Times Dispatch - "Credit-card advice: 'Don't charge it if you eat it, drink it or smoke it'" (Richmond, VA) 4/27/05 - Students at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond acquire knowledge about how harmful credit cards could be on their future and ways to avoid becoming another statistic.
News Journal - "Program teaches students do's, don'ts of credit card use" (Mansfield, OH) 2/11/05 - Judge John C. Ninfo II warns about the hidden fees of credit cards and also tells ways to help prevent debt.
Bankrate.com - "Younger Americans Going Deeper Into Debt" 1/17/05 - Tamara Draut, author of "Generation Broke," expresses her dismay at the careless spending of young people and talks about how quickly the balance adds up when charging many small items.
NextStep Magazine - "High Cost Credit" 4/30/04 - Do the math—high credit card interest rates force you to pay many times more than the cash cost of an item.
NextStep Magazine - "Reason #15,607 to avoid credit cards" Sept/Oct 2004 - Signing up for a credit card to get the free t-shirt or mug can cost you dearly down the road.
NextStep Magazine - "Be Aware of These Credit Card Mistakes" May/June 2005 - Credit cards can be used responsibly—here’s how.
NextStep Magazine - "Beware the oh-so-attractive credit card" Nov/Dec 2005 - “‘Free stuff’ from credit card companies isn’t free”; and other things you should know.
NextStep Magazine - "No money down! - Credit lessons from Judge John C. Ninfo" Mar/Apr 2006 - Cars, cell phones, and flat screen TVs can be affordable, but not if you don’t pay attention.
Credit Information
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Spending for Automobiles is Speeding Out of Control" (Rochester, NY) 5/10/06 - Stretched-out vehicle loans are increasing in popularity and decreasing our dangerously low economy.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "To save money on gas, start by buying a lot less of it" (Rochester, NY) 9/7/05 - Think gas is draining your bank account? Here are some ways to help your bank account stay afloat when it comes to the gas pump.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Personal finance skills need to be taught in college" (Rochester, NY) 9/31/05 - To avoid future problems and excuses, colleges should provide courses in personal finance.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Just a Wave of the Credit Card Does It" (Rochester, NY) 5/25/05 - Mindless waving of the credit card is linked to mindless spending.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Students spend money they don't have on vacations" (Rochester, NY) 3/16/05 - Because of the lack of delayed gratification in today's generation, paying for expensive Spring Breaks is hurting college students more than they think.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Debit Cards a Big Hit with Buyers" (Rochester, NY) 1/9/05 - More and more people are using debit cards in place of credit cards to help their financial situation.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "For Prosperous New Year, Set up an Emergency Fund" 1/2/05 - Although it may seem logical, many consumers don't have a rainy day fund. See why this simple task just may help save you from debt.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Internet shopping is deceptively dangerous" 2004 - Does online shopping subconsciously make you spend more money?
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "College students: Just say 'no' to all those unsolicited credit card offers" (Rochester, NY) 9/4/03 - Real life stories about how credit cards ruin college students' lives.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - "Cards Teach Students More About Debt Than Credit" (Rochester, NY) 2003 - College students need to watch out for credit cards.
High School and College Publications
Monroe Community College Doctrine - "MCC Hosts Credit Seminar" (Rochester, NY) 11/13/06 - Area college students enlightened by seminar given by Chief Bankruptcy Judge John C. Ninfo II.
RFA Knight Times - "Judge Speaks of Credit Card Dangers" (Rome, NY) 06/05 - A review of a CARE presentation through the eyes of a high school student.
Canisius High School Newsletter - "Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program educates young people on the responsible use of credit" (Buffalo, NY) 4/28/05 - The primary goals and objectives of the CARE Program.
Predatory Lending
The Courier Journal - "Students Hear Downside of Credit" (Jefferson County, IN) 4/28/08 - A Louisville bankruptcy attorney focuses on predatory lending traps in his CARE presentation and warns that consumers need to look for the “hook under the worm."
The State - "A Helping Hand: Volunteers Warn Students About Debt" (Columbia, S.C.) 5/27/07 - Judge John E. Waites and other volunteers expose chilling facts about credit cards to students across South Carolina.
CNN.com - "Predatory Lending: There ought to be a law" (Palo Alto, CA) 9/19/05 - Predatory lenders targets and cons the poor and financially illiterate out of hundreds and thousands of dollars. Are you the next victim?
NextStep Magazine - "High Cost Credit" 4/30/04 - Do the math—high credit card interest rates force you to pay many times more than the cash cost of an item.
NextStep Magazine - "Reason #15,607 to avoid credit cards" Sept/Oct 2004 - Signing up for a credit card to get the free t-shirt or mug can cost you dearly down the road.
Savings
The Stylus - "Judge Rules Against Credit Cards" (Brockport, NY) 11/15/06 - Education is the key to financial literacy. Your Financial IQ will soon be more important than your Academic IQ.
Illinois Forward Magazine - "How to Avoid Becoming a Credit Card Statistic" 2005 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II shares seven helpful tips to help you resist temptations of overspending and living above your means using a credit card.
NextStep Magazine - "Resist the temptation to buy, buy, buy!" May/June 2006 - Are you smart? How about financially smart? See if your Financial IQ makes the grade (for high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen).
NextStep Magazine - "10 Tips for Money Mojo" Sept/Oct 2006 - On track and in the black—ten ways to ensure you won’t graduate college as an indentured servant to your debt.
NextStep Magazine - "Get Outta College Debt-Free" May/June 2007 - Use cash, have a budget, and open a savings account are just some of the tips that will help you get out of college debt free.
Young People and Bankruptcy
The Courier Journal - "Students Hear Downside of Credit" (Jefferson County, IN) 4/28/08 - A Louisville bankruptcy attorney focuses on predatory lending traps in his CARE presentation and warns consumers to look for the “hook under the worm."
The State - "A Helping Hand: Volunteers Warn Students About Debt" (Columbia, S.C.) 5/27/07 - Judge John E. Waites and other volunteers expose chilling facts about credit cards to students across South Carolina.
The Daily Advertiser - "CARE teaches students consequences of debt" (Lafayette, LA) 3/14/07 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II shares how badly credit card debt can damage a student's life. One student expresses it as "once you mess up, you can't go back."
Kansas City Star - "AS I SEE IT: Young adults can get help in dealing with credit" (Kansas City, MO) 3/4/07 - Kansas City area lawyers and bankruptcy judges reveal to high school students some of the future consequences of poor credit habits that they might not take into consideration when applying for a credit card.
Young Money Magazine - "Bankruptcy - Could it Happen to You?" (Winter Garden, FL) Sept/Oct 2006 - You can’t afford to learn about personal finances through personal mistakes - the consequences will be too great.
The Daily Orange - Bankruptcy Judge warns students of dangers attached to credit cards" (Syracuse, NY) 2/28/06 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II of Rochester, New York, warns the students at Syracuse University about the consequences of bad credit and ways to avoid it.
13 WHAM News - "Judge Advises: Get Out Of Credit Card Debt" (Rochester, NY) 2/17/06 - Judge John C. Ninfo II offers some helpful tips on ways to avoid racking up too much credit card debt and ruining your financial future.
Rome Observer - "Judge speaks to RFA seniors about credit card abuse" (Rome, NY) 6/15/05 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II speaks to high school seniors about the dangers of credit cards.
Boston Globe - "As Borrowing Increases Among College Students and Teens, a Task Force Teaches the Consequences of Getting in Too Deep" (Boston, MA) 5/22/05 - Bankruptcy Judge Joan Feeney unmasks the deceitful practices of credit card companies and opens the eyes of many area high school juniors and seniors.
San Diego Union - Tribune - "Bankruptcy Judge Warns Teens of Credit Card Dangers" (San Diego, CA) 5/19/05 - Judge John Hargrove helps San Diego area high school students realize the damages that poor credit can have on their future.
The Miami Herald - "Young learn perils of credit cards" (Miami, FL) 4/24/05 - Along with four helpful tips on how to avoid drowning in debt, the article demonstrates the importance of establishing good credit.
The Spectrum - "For some students, debt is a slippery slope" (Buffalo, NY) 4/22/05 - A college student shares his debt experience and how he got out of debt. He then expresses how the CARE Program helped him.
YoungMoney.com - "Eight Rules for Debt-Free Living (Part I)" Feb 2005 - Hon. Judge John C. Ninfo II’s first installment of the two-part series highlighting his eight rules to live debt-free.
YoungMoney.com - "Eight Rules for Debt-Free Living (Part II)" Feb 2005 - Hon. Judge John C. Ninfo II’s final installment of his two-part series highlighting his eight rules for debt-free living.
Bankrate.com - "Younger Americans Going Deeper Into Debt" 1/17/05 - Tamara Draut, author of "Generation Broke," expresses her dismay at the careless spending of young people and talks about how quickly the balance adds up when charging many small items.
NextStep Magazine - "Do Teens Really Need a Credit Card?" Sept/Oct 2005 - Answers to students’ questions about getting credit cards.
Brighton Pittsford Post - "Brighton Students Learn to Spend Money Wisely" (Brighton, NY) 2/19/03 - Judge John C. Ninfo, II speaks at local high schools about credit abuse and shares some of the severe consequences of that credit card debt can cause.
American Bankruptcy Institute Journal - "Get Involved in Financial Literacy Education" (Washington D.C) 11/04 - Young people need to understand that new technologies that reduce our use of cash and increase our use of plastic, require new skills in personal restraint and financial planning.