Smart Financial Steps for Your Union Members to Start the New Year

As the new year unfolds, many union members might be facing the challenge of managing holiday debt. More than half of respondents in a 2021 survey said they spent too much during the holidays¹. 

This is a common scenario, as more than one-third of Americans took on holiday debt in 2022, with an average amount of $1,549². Now is the best time to get your members information on how they can help lower their debt. Below we’ll cover helpful tips to manage and pay off this debt, utilize financial counseling, and negotiate with creditors.

Tackling Holiday Debt

Assess and Plan

A good way to handle holiday debt is to keep track of the total amount owed. For example:

• Gather all financial statements and make a list of all debts, including credit card balances and any loans.
• Create a repayment plan that prioritizes high-interest debts and set achievable monthly payment targets.

Manage Budgets and Expenses

Creating a budget is essential. Remind members that reviewing their monthly expenses may be beneficial and identify areas where they can cut spending. 

Small changes, such as cooking at home or canceling unused subscriptions, can free up funds for debt repayment.

Online financial tools, mostly free, that can help include:

• CreditKarma - After recently absorbing Mint’s budgeting capabilities, users can now budget and track their credit score through this site.
• Google Sheets/Excel - A simple spreadsheet you create for expenses and income may be your best solution.
• RocketMoney - Rocket Money identifies all active subscriptions and helps find ones that have been forgotten to save money. It will also cancel these subscriptions for you.
• YNAB - You Need A Budget is a popular site and smartphone app for budget tracking. They also provide tools and tips to help continually improve your money management. This site does require a paid subscription.
• Other notable paid services: Goodbudget, Empower Personal Wealth, PocketGuard, HoneyDue.
  
  

The Value of Financial Counseling

Financial counselors can provide personalized advice on budgeting, debt management, and saving strategies. They can also help members understand their credit reports and scores.

Customized Financial Plans

A financial counselor can develop a tailored plan addressing your financial situation. This may include debt consolidation and setting financial goals.

Educational Resources

Counselors provide resources to help members understand financial concepts and products, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Negotiating with Creditors

Financial counselors can help negotiate with creditors, leading to arrangements like payment plans or reduced interest rates. They can explain the financial situation and inquire about hardship programs or possible adjustments to their payment terms.

In some cases, creditors may agree to a debt settlement for less than the total amount owed. While this can provide relief, it's important to understand its potential impact on credit scores.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should be considered a last resort due to its long-term impact on credit. There are different types of bankruptcy, and legal advice is crucial to understand the implications.

Consequences of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy can offer relief from overwhelming debt but also has significant consequences, including a lasting impact on credit scores.

The Legal Process

The bankruptcy process is complex, varying between Chapter 7 (liquidation) and Chapter 13 (reorganization) bankruptcy. Professional legal advice is essential.

We have a more in-depth article about bankruptcy in this blog article.

Conclusion

By assessing, planning, budgeting, seeking financial counseling, and/or negotiating with creditors, union members can take control of their finances this New Year. While bankruptcy is an option, it should be considered carefully. 

Encouraging members to take these smart financial steps can lead to a more secure financial future.

Member Resources’ Legal and Personal Protection Plan can further help your members. It provides free or low-cost access to financial counseling and legal assistance. Visit our website to learn more.

 

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional financial advice. 

The content is presented as a general guide and may not apply to your financial situation. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial counselor or advisor before making any financial decisions. 

¹ Debts of Holidays Past: How to Pay Off Last Year and Plan Ahead Now from Emily Cahill
² Here are some strategies that can help you dig out of holiday debt by Sharon Epperson

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