National Foundation for Credit Counseling
It is urgent that furloughed federal workers reach out to a financial professional for guidance when faced with the continued prospect of having no income or savings to meet their most basic needs.
WASHINGTON (PRWEB) January 15, 2019
The longest federal government shutdown in United States history has directly impacted more than 800,000 workers throughout the United States, leaving many without the income they need to meet basic financial obligations. National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) and its nonprofit member agencies are responding with a variety of services designed to provide immediate assistance and long-term solutions for those who have been living without a paycheck during this partial government closure. The national non-profit network of NFCC Member agencies serves communities in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico.
“Not everyone is fully prepared to last a month or more without pay,” said NFCC spokesman Bruce McClary. “This is why it is urgent that furloughed federal workers reach out to a financial professional for guidance when faced with the continued prospect of having no income or savings to meet their most basic needs. The NFCC has assisted millions of Americans facing similar situations since 1951 and has the experience to help people overcome today’s complex financial challenges.”
All furloughed government workers who are living on personal savings should communicate with lenders, make arrangements with utility providers and switch to an emergency household budget. When in need of additional guidance, here are some of the ways that NFCC Member agencies are helping:
- NFCC members offer credit counseling at no cost for those who are unable to afford the fees, such as the case with unpaid federal workers. Nobody is turned away when needing financial guidance for budgeting, debt management and housing counseling.
- An NFCC Certified Credit Counselor can assist in developing an emergency household budget and a communication plan for working with credit card issuers, mortgage lenders and student loan servicers.
- NFCC Members are well-connected to community resources such as local food banks and utility assistance programs. In some situations, these counseling agencies are part of multi-service organizations offering a multitude of special services under one roof.
- If a lack of personal savings has made a bad situation worse, NFCC Members can help with long-term solutions that leave people better prepared for similar emergencies in the future while getting them through the most immediate challenges.
The NFCC also offers a variety of online resources including MyMoneyCheckup®, which is powerful self-assessment tool offered for free as a part of the Sharpen Your Financial Focus® program.
While it is best to reach out before a financial setback becomes a full-blown crisis, it is never too late to get help if things have already become unmanageable. Anyone in need of help from an NFCC Certified Credit Counselor can connect with a counselor by calling toll-free (800) 388-2227 or by visiting nfcc.org online.
About the NFCC
Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) is the nation’s first and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being. With a national network of member offices serving 50 states and Puerto Rico, our NFCC Certified Credit Counselors are financial advocates, empowering millions of consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, student loans, housing decisions and overall money management. Make one of the best financial decisions of your life. For expert guidance and advice, call (800) 388-2227 or visit http://www.nfcc.org today.