The Porch Press: Spring 2019
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How to Effectively Get Out From Under Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is unfortunately a likely outcome for people who are affected by disasters as the recovery process is long, expensive, and can put a significant financial strain on a family. Our friends at LendEDU put together this great resource on real solutions for getting out of credit card debt… it is possible!
Credit card debt is a means to an end for millions of consumers each year. The ability to quickly pay for an unexpected expense, such as a car repair or a medical bill, is one of the biggest benefits of having available credit. However, without a plan to pay off credit card balances, many people find themselves drowning in high-interest credit card debt.
Over the last year, the total amount of consumer debt hit a peak. As interest accrues on revolving debt balances each month, it can seem like there is no end in sight to paying off what is owed. This is especially true when interest rates are over 20% on some credit card accounts, and only the minimum monthly payment is being made.
Fortunately, there are ways to dig yourself out of credit card debt and get back on track with your financial life through one or more of the following strategic methods.
Our Front Porch’s Maggie Babyak was interviewed for this Denverite article.
“Our Front Porch, a Denver-based nonprofit founded four years ago, helped train the Love INC navigators. Our Front Porch was co-founded by social worker Babyak, who said caregivers can end up feeling as traumatized as those they are trying to support. Babyak urges helpers — whether family, friends, staff from insurance providers and other companies as well as from nonprofits and government agencies — to pay attention to their own needs as well and be clear about what they can and can’t do.”
Average Cost of Renters Insurance
Guest Blogger: Jeff Gitlen, LendEDU
Renters insurance is highly underrated and often overlooked. So when we came across this blog Jeff Gitlen wrote, originally published on the LendEDU blog, we just had to share his straightforward explanation and research on just how little a policy actually costs (HINT: it’s about the cost of a pizza!). When disaster strikes, having a renters insurance policy in hand can be helpful – read on for more!
At a Glance:
The average cost of renters insurance across the United States can change depending on where you live and how much coverage you need. Given the low cost – on average about $16 per month – and high value, a renters insurance policy can be a wise investment for renters.
Our Front Porch at the Windermere Apartment Fire Disaster Assistance Center
Our Front Porch helps out at the Windermere Apartment Fire Disaster Assistance Center, passing out free undies and socks, building a list of cilents needing services, and educating people on what long term recovery looks like. Click image for video (OFP is at 1:09!)
This Work is Hard
Guest Blogger: Paxton Leibold, Our Front Porch 2017-2018 Intern
Hurricane Harvey. Photo Credit: Olivia Vanni/The Victoria Advocate/Associated Press
Coming into this internship, I did not know what to expect. I had little to no clinical experience, I had never worked with the ‘short term’ homeless population nor clients who had severe trauma, and I honestly did not know how to do case management, let alone effective case management. However, while being a part of this organization, I learned how to do all of this and so much more. I learned that trauma can manifest in completely different ways within the same disaster, and that people are the most resilient when something tragic happens to them. From clients that have anxiety and depression, to clients that just want to move on; they are all resilient and deserve help. Another thing that I learned is that I am so irritated with how our society is ran. These types of clients (short term homeless) get little to no assistance through resources through in communities; why you ask? Because these people are physically not living on the street; per the homeless requirement in Denver, so they do not meet the criteria for government aid.
How messed up is this?