Managingbillsbasic

D AR H VE RVI U OS T W HO

IES R E S ES M I T

s l l i B r u s o e Y m i g T n i d g r a a n a M ring H Du 1

First Things First

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lways pay priority bills first, especially when you are short on cash. The top three priorities are: (1) Rent/Mortgage; (2) Car Payment; and (3) Utilities. All creditors are worthy to be paid and you should not ignore the fact that you owe them money. However, when hard times set in, you have to make hard choices. Don’t let a debt collector harass you into paying a $200 delinquent cable bill, only to end up lighting candles because you could not pay the electric bill!

Instead contact the cable company, tell them what you are going through and that you intend to pay them the minute your situation improves.

will help you pay your car note!

Plus, you can always cut back on utility usage to save money. And it is easier to get your utilities reconnected than it is to get your car back from the Repo Man! Perhaps home and work are accessible to public transportation, and you don’t own a car. In that case, move the cost of your monthly bus or train fare to the number two slot, but always pay your rent or mortgage first! Keeping a roof over your head should be the top priority, especially if you have children.

It may seem like an odd move to place your car payment before utility payments. But without a car to get to work or find work, you could risk losing your job or having difficulty finding one. Besides, you may be able to find assistance with your utilities from various social service agencies. But, there are no social service agencies that 2

Managing Bills Basic

Your Name Please?

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our name becomes important when you need to have your utilities or telephone connected. Many people decide to use their mother’s, brothers, sisters and even their children’s name to have various utilities reconnected after their services were disconnected for non-payment.

Managing Bills Basic

Using false names is definitely the wrong way to go. Not only because it is an act of fraud against the utility companies, but also because there is a better solution.

Fortunately, there are various programs and payment plans available through utility companies

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to help you meet your obligations.

Here are some to consider before you use your Grandpa Joe’s name: Set up a budget billing plan. This plan gives you a specific amount to pay each month for a year at a time. When you are going through hard times, it helps to know exactly what you owe instead of crossing your fingers every month hoping the amount you owe is not more than you can afford.

Deferred billing plans are also available. This allows you to pay off your delinquent amount over a specified period of time (usually up to 12 months) while making your current monthly payments.

Special programs have been developed for people with serious illnesses. If you qualify, this method provides leniency 4

against disconnection. Some utility companies require doctor’s verification on file as proof of the illness before your account is granted this special status, which must be updated each month.

Many local social service agencies provide utility assistance when you have a disconnection notice. They have programs funded through government agencies that offer utility assistance to families and individuals in cases where you have suffered from a temporary setback or emergency situation.

More information is available in the topic below.

Consider the above four options, if you are having trouble paying utilities. That way, you won’t lose your mind from the stress of trying to keep track of all the alias’ you’ve used in the past!

Managing Bills Basic

Managing Bills Basic

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Bill Payment Help

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he federal and state governments provide funding through various programs that can help you pay vital bills. Here are a few: Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) has a homeless prevention component that provides funds to aid people who are at imminent risk of becoming

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homeless due to eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoff in the form of paying first-month’s rent, rent arrearages, and utility payments.

FEMA does more than just help during national disasters. They also sponsor the Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance Program (EFSA)

Managing Bills Basic

which was created to help people in need of emergency assistance. EFSA is utilized to assist individuals and families with issues regarding payment of utility bills, rent and mortgage payments as well as temporary shelter and food.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays partial utility bills for eligible families. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was created to help low income families reduce their energy costs. The WAP program provides for home improvement in the form of insulating walls and ceilings, repairing broken windows, caulking and weatherproofing and by replacing inefficient heating and cooling appliances.

Various social service agencies apply to federal and state governments to receive these funds and distribute to those who qualify within their service delivery areas. So check with agencies in your area to see if you qualify to receive these funds.

Managing Bills Basic

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Read The Entire

How to Survive Hard Times Series Managing Bills During Hard Times Seek Assistance Attitude Adjustment Budgeting When You’re Broke Avoiding Scams Vehicle Repossession Creating Your Own Employment Opportunities Homeless Prevention Finding Money Beware of the Company You Keep!

The Student Loan Blues Steering Clear of College Debt

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