8
Getting Personal
Getting Personal
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Although the MiTTNet web address given is a useful resource for Extension educators who are helping others manage during these tough economic times, the following web address is much more appropriate and user friendly for the public: www.extension.org/financial_crisis
I gave the advice about using the cooperative extension, and I agree that some seniors may not be computer saavy. But all of the extension money management materials are ones you can print out and use on paper -- and a local library could help someone without a computer. Additionally, the extension offers classes for those who are more comfortable getting one-on-one assistance. Hope that helps clarify.
And thanks for the assist on the Web address, Magnum. There's also a direct link on the Getting Personal site. :}
Sheryl Harris
www.cleveland.com/consumeraffairs
I was surprised that Tess did not advise the woman who always pays her CC in full but gets a late charge when she forgets to make a payment to put it on autopay. She will still get her bill 10 days in advance so she can check for errors and ensure that there's enough in her checking account to cover it.
Autopay not only saves the trouble of writing and mailing a check, but avoids the danger of mail theft. My neighborhood was recently hit by a man on a bike who stole outgoing mail clipped on home mailboxes. He altered the checks and cashed them. Not only were the bills not paid on time, but one neighbor received notice that her insurance was cancelled for nonpayment.
I have had all my regular bills on autopay for years.
In your show broadcast on Sunday, a caller asked about how he could assist an 80 year old with financial help.
Ms Harris advised using Cooperative Extension as well as on line worksheets.
How many 80 year old women use the internet let alone are experienced in excel spreadsheets. My 82 year old mother in law found herself in the identical situation as your caller, with the exception she had children who unfortunately had zero interest in her financial matters. I, the oldest son-in-law stepped up to the plate and provided the direction and information to other family members so no funny stuff could be accused of me. I would like to think there must be people at her Church, bank or other official legal and safe places that could help her.
As I said earlier, I doubt if an 80 year old would be computer savvy enough to obtain the necessay help.
Cheers
To the woman who called in about the CC being late once in a Blue Moon and have a late charge. Here is what I do about CCs. When I have had to use my One card I wait until it has had enough time to show up on my online statement. I see what it is and that is is correct then if I am unable to pay it off all at once with one paycheck I divide the amount by 2 and make half the payment one paycheck and the rest on the next payment. Most folks I will guess are paid every two weeks some teachers and Gov employees are once a month or twice a month. If one could divide the CC bill in half and pay it off as such there never is a late payment and most could get it paid off completely in two pay cycles before the statement arrives anyway. This works best for those that pay off their cards in full anyway but I am sure it could work for others too.
