Struggling Financially? Check Out These Resources

The pandemic put the economy in one of the worst places that it has been in throughout the past decade. Many individuals throughout the United States are struggling financially from losing their jobs or from facing other circumstances such as medical bills that occurred due to the pandemic. If you are someone who is struggling, you should not feel ashamed and should look for the help that you need to get back on your feet again. If you do not know where to start looking for help, consider any of the five resources that are found below.

1. National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Your financial problems may be due to a significant level of debt, including credit card debt, student loan debt, loan debt, and even debt that is placed with a collections agency. This agency can help you navigate your expenses and your budget so that you can learn methods to help you pay off these debts. They will help you also determine the bills that are the most important for you to pay on a monthly basis so that you can get on your feet quickly. The counseling that you receive from this agency is free of charge to you as well, and you will receive any information you need about your legal rights.

2. Low Income Home Energy Assistance

LIHEAP, also known as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, is made to help you pay your utilities every month. If money is tight, you may struggle to keep your water running or to keep your lights on. The program will help to cover some of your utility bills, and it will provide you tips and repairs to help your home be more energy-efficient. Every state has different requirements for this program, but the requirements are dependent on your household income and the poverty level assigned by your state.

3. United Way

United Way is an agency that is found within most communities throughout the United States. The agency can help you in paying your bills and in gaining rent assistance, or it can connect you with other agencies and nonprofits in your communities who can help. If you do lose your home, United Way can help you find a new house quickly so that you do not have to face the risk of homelessness. To determine if United Way can help you, you only have to call 211 to link with the information you need.

4. Child Care and Development

If you have children and are struggling financially, you may worry about paying for childcare. You want to take care of your children though, but all of your money may end up paying for childcare, causing you to neglect your other bills. If you are struggling to pay childcare fees or do not want to neglect your other bills, the Child Care and Development Fund can cover the cost of childcare. The childcare that it provides must be essential though, meaning it must cover times you are at work or are at school.

5. Legal Assistance

If all other financial assistance does not work for you, you may choose to go ahead and pursue bankruptcy. Bankruptcy stops all collection agencies from contacting you and puts a freeze on your credit, though it will lower your credit at first. Contact a bankruptcy lawyer who is caring and receptive to your needs and can guide you through the bankruptcy process so that you do not feel overwhelmed. They will also help you to determine if there are any last-minute financial resources that you have not already thought of that will put you back on your feet before you resort to bankruptcy.

Final Thoughts

Financial difficulties can happen to anyone, so you do not need to feel embarrassed if you run into these struggles. The above agencies and options are available to you so that you can get back on your feet as fast as possible. Even a bankruptcy lawyer can ensure that you receive financial assistance and can start making steps forward. Your local city or your state may even have additional resources available to you that can help you receive the finances or the assistance with your finances that you need.