Guidewell Financial Solutions, Baltimore, a nonprofit that serves clients in Delaware and other states has made financial predictions for for 2017:
1. Escalating consumer spending and predatory lending. President and CEO
Helene Raynaud predicts that consumer spending will continue to rise in 2017, while
some lending regulations and consumer protections are likely to roll back. She says, “As
a result, consumers will be inundated with creative and possibly ‘too good to be true’ financing, refinancing and debt consolidation offers. Understanding the terms and
impact of these products on your credit and financial health are critical skills that non-profit, community-based organizations like Guidewell Financial help consumers learn.”
2. Increased hope for the credit invisible. Director of Counseling and Client Services Tiffany Scalzo predicts that families who don’t use traditional credit and who have been unscoreable to this point will come into the light. Scalzo says, “Research has shown that those who fall into this category may be good credit risks. Here at Guidewell Financial,
we applaud this development, because we believe access to credit oftenmeans access
to meaningful opportunities.”
3. New credit scoring data. Director of Business Development Devon Hyde predicts
an increased use of alternative data such as rent, phone, and utility payments in figuring consumer’s credit scores. She says, “Credit scoring models often exclude people with limited credit histories, even if they regularly pay their bills on time! This year, nonprofit agencies like ours will pilot innovative programs such as rent reporting and payment
toward savings vehicles to help them build and improve their credit.”
4. Mounting credit card debt. Director of Education Nina Heck predicts the total amount U.S. consumers owe on credit cards will reach an all-time high. She says, “We experienced an $80 billion increase this past year. This trend will continue. The average household now owes $7,941 in credit card debt. Those who don’t pay their balance in
full each month may end up in trouble due to higher interest rates. Free, nonprofit
credit counseling can help them avoid this situation.”
5. Brisk housing market. Community Relations Manager Chesca Stein predicts that mortgage interest rates and homeownership numbers will both go up in 2017. Stein says, “Consumers know that loan rates are likely to increase. This may compel some of them to buy. Millennials will help fuel homeownership growth. Realtor.com reports that 61% of first-time homebuyers will be millennials, because they’re finally ready to leave home, get married, or start a family, and have saved enough to buy.”
6. Growing affordable housing scarcity. Housing and Community Development Director Tom Simonton predicts that affordable housing will become a greater issue in 2017. He says, “Buying is more affordable than renting in many markets. However, home prices are rising at a 5 percent annual rate, double the increase in income. Interest rates are expected to grow as well. These factors could leave low and middle-income renters and buyers priced out of affordable housing in urban areas and on the coasts.”
7. HAMP-related mortgage modification changes. Housing Counselor Matt Gregory predicts that at-risk homeowners seeking mortgage modifications may face a different playing field in 2017. He says, “Now that the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has expired, mortgage servicers no longer have to review cases before foreclosing. The jury is still out on how new Federal housing programs and non-binding CFPB guidelines will affect consumers who are struggling to pay their mortgages.”
8. Greater need for student loan debt counseling. Financial counselor Natia Hill predicts borrowers will need more help than ever dealing with student loan debt. Hill says, “On average 2016 graduates left school owing $37,172, up six percent from last year. Repayment options exist — especially on Federal loans, but these could change. Reputable nonprofit student loan counseling is needed to help grads navigate the repayment process and avoid delinquency.”
9. More financial transactions made by smartphone. Educational Outreach Coordinator Kylie Delgado predicts that more consumers than ever will conduct financial transactions using their mobile phones. Delgado says, “According to a 2016 Federal Reserve study, 28% of smartphone users made at least one payment by smartphone this past year. This practice is likely to expand, especially among consumers who are short on time and who don’t want to wait the extra seconds needed to complete chip credit card transactions.”
10. Identity theft and fraud increase. Community educator Dan Florea predicts that consumers are more likely to have their personal identities and data stolen this year. He says, “Older forms of theft like dumpster diving and phishing will continue to be a problem while new vulnerabilities arise due to our reliance on mobile phone apps, social media, and cloud-based technologies. To protect themselves, consumers will need to stay informed and take precautionary measures.
