Getting Help in All the Right Places Many seniors avoid seeking help for their money problems, citing reasons such as not wanting to bother people, not knowing who to trust, and feeling ashamed. Yet trying to deal with debt issues alone is often not the best approach. While money problems may be uncomfortable to talk about, there are resources where you can find valuable assistance. Friends and family Before you approach someone with your financial dilemma, know what you are going to say and what you will ask for. If you are looking for a personal loan, be clear about the terms – propose a repayment time frame, payment amounts and, if you want, interest. On the other hand, if you know you will not be able to pay the money back, be clear about that. Credit counseling For some seniors, a Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an ideal way to deal with such financial obligations as credit card debt, unsecured loans, and medical bills. The agency will perform much of the communication with creditors, and your interest rates and penalty fees may be reduced or even eliminated. Not all credit-counseling agencies are created equal, though. When choosing, look for an organization that has been in business for a long time, is accredited by a neutral third party, and is certified by HUD to provide housing counseling. It should be education orientated, and provide full budget counseling (including goal establishment, spending plan review, and establishing savings) by well trained counselors. Avoid any organization that aggressively solicits you for business, makes “too good to be true” offers and ridiculous promises and is vague about interest rates and fees, charges the first month payment as a DMP set-up fee, or high monthly administration fees. If you will be using their DMP, consult the Better Business Bureau to check for past client complaints. Read the contract carefully before signing. There is no reason a senior citizen should have to deal with debt problems alone. Help does exist. Reach out and get the assistance you deserve from trustworthy people and organizations. |
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