Covid-19 Help: Emergency Financial Assistance Resources & Services to Know About
The panel included Rod Griffin: Director of Consumer Education and Awareness at Experian; Alicia R. Hudnett Reiss: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™; Take Charge America; Sarah Brady: financial consultant, workshop facilitator, and writer; Beverly Harzog: Credit Card Expert and Consumer Finance Analyst for U.S. News; Todd Christensen: Education Manager at Money Fit by DRS; Molly Ford-Coates: Founder, Ford Financial Management; Sha’Kreshia Terrell: Founder of Humble Hustle Finance; Kimberly Hamilton: Founder of Beworth Finance; Athena Lent: Latina Personal Finance Expert; Sean Gillespie: Financial Advisor; Navicore; Brian Haney: Vice President, The Haney Company; Tremaine Wills: Financial Adviser; Gloria Fagbemi: Founder, TeaForTwoAndACrowd.com; and Consumer Federation of America.
Questions We Discussed
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Q1: How are you keeping updated on the COVID-19 pandemic? Any favorite Twitter accounts?
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Q2: What types of financial emergencies are people having right now?
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Q3: What COVID-19 financial assistance programs should people know about?
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Q4: What are some ways to deal with unemployment and income loss?
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Q5: What resources are available to help with childcare and education?
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Q6: What services are available to help those needing food and basic needs?
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Q7: What programs are available for student loan relief?
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Q8: What relief might be available for those unable to pay rent, utilities, or car payments?
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Q9: How often should you check your credit report? Why is that important?
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Q10: What financial scams are out there right now?
- Q11: How can all of us support each other during this isolating time?
Retweet these insights from our community:
A1. The #CDC and #IRS websites are great for up-to-date news and information important for everyone. #creditchat
— FTWCCU (@FTWCCU) April 22, 2020
A2. One of the biggest financial emergencies people are having is a cash flow emergency. This can be in the form of less income or no income, which affects every other aspect of their financial life. #creditchat
— Alicia R. Hudnett Reiss, CFP® (@AliciaRHudnett) April 22, 2020
A3. In addition to the CARES Act, there are financial assistance programs being offered by individual banks and lenders for affected customers and small businesses. There are also programs being offered to those with specific health issues: https://t.co/VhDNLOHDlH #CreditChat
— Jennifer White (@Jennifer_Wwhite) April 22, 2020
A4: If you can’t pay your debts, call lenders today. The CARES Act gives credit score protection to those whose accounts are in good standing. But you MUST have an agreement in place. #creditchat
— Beverly Harzog (@BeverlyHarzog) April 22, 2020
A5: I personally do not have any children, but @HiMamaSocial did a good job on compiling a list or resources for childcare and education for childcare centers, teachers, and parents. #CreditChathttps://t.co/sheVFiuNTE
— Angel Trinh | 7 Continents (@pnywisetraveler) April 22, 2020
A6: If you or someone you know needs food assistance during this crisis, there’s great info here: https://t.co/fr7wXROtQu #creditchat
— Beverly Harzog (@BeverlyHarzog) April 22, 2020
A6: If you or someone you know needs food assistance during this crisis, there’s great info here: https://t.co/fr7wXROtQu #creditchat
— Beverly Harzog (@BeverlyHarzog) April 22, 2020
A8: Many utility companies are easing shut-offs or allowing customers to pay late without penalty. Car loan servicers are offering concessions to payments. For those who can’t afford rent, talk to your landlord to see if you can work out a plan. #CreditChat
— American Consumer Credit Counseling (@ACCC_TalkCents) April 22, 2020
A9. You want to keep a close eye on your credit report for any signs of identity theft, which always increases during a crisis. #CreditChat pic.twitter.com/pIuKHsfq5f
— Take Charge America (@TCAsolutions) April 22, 2020
A10: There are a ton of coronavirus stimulus payment scams out there. Here are 4 red flags to watch for via @CNBC https://t.co/rPJbJjKa6i #CreditChat https://t.co/aSBcIDMj1O
— Sarah Lai (@_SarahLai) April 22, 2020