The latest survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that it takes more than $5,000 per month for the average American household to pay monthly expenses. It’s recommended that you have three months of savings for emergencies — but how can you save that much? Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling offers guidance on how to build emergency savings on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. 

Alexis Oberdorfer, senior vice president of Services for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and former president of Children's Home Society of Minnesota, appeared on MPR Now with Cathy Wurzer to discuss the Open Birth Records law change in Minnesota, how it affects both adoptees and birth parents and where Minnesotans can find resources and support. Listen now.

Minnesota law regarding original birth records for adult adoptees changed effective July 1, 2024. The new law allows adult adoptees access to original birth records and affidavits of nondisclosure signed by birth parents became invalid.  Lutheran Social Service and Children's Home, partners in Adoption, have established a new Openness Consultation Service to help those impacted by this new law to navigate changes.

If you've fallen behind on your credit card payments, the best thing you can do is to take action and "call your credit card company today to see what they can do for you," said Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling, who appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. Taking action will help you get back on track and avoid collection calls, which can affect your credit score.  

If you're looking for a way to pay off your credit card debt, check out the method called snowballing. Learn how it works from Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling who talked about this strategy on KSTP-TV's Money Minute.

Nichole Szczesniak with LSS Financial Counseling appeared on KTIS-FM's Community Spotlight program to highlight a free service called Homeownership Counseling that is available to help prospective homebuyers make informed decisions about a home purchase.

 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has recognized six Minnesota congregations with the 2024 Servant of Christ Award. The Servant of Christ Award honors congregations that are leaders in social ministry outreach or have contributed to addressing special needs in their community in extraordinary ways. The award is extended to one or more congregations in each of the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.  

Gabe Morcomb, with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, appeared on WCCO Radio to talk about the new LSS Early Learning Center that will open in East St. Paul in September. “This is not your average preschool or childcare center," she said. "We will offer special support for children who come from homes where there is stress.

Did you know that the average American carries $8,000 in credit card debt? While credit card debt may seem insurmountable, there's an effective way to pay it all off and spend significantly less on the interest -- through a Debt Management Plan. Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling appeared on KSTP TV's Money Minute to share how it works.