Savvy Senior THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 18 , 2019 MAYOR | FROM PAGE 1 How Seniors Can Get Help with Credit Card and Mortgage Debt Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are both 66 years old, have fallen behind on our mortgage payments and have accumulated quite a bit of credit card debt over the past few years. Where can we get help? Drowning in Debt Dear Drowning, Unfortunately, credit card and mortgage debt have become a growing problem for many older Americans who often face medical-related expenses on top of their mortgage and other growing costs. Here are some tips and services that can help. Credit Card Counseling To help you get a handle on your credit card debt, a good place to turn is an accredited credit counseling agency. These are nonprofit agencies that offer free financial information and advice on how to handle financial problems. Depending on the significance of your credit card debt, they can help you sort out your finances and set you up in a debt management plan (DMP), which allows a counselor to negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and eliminate any late fees and other penalties. The agency will then act as a consolidator, grouping your debts together into one payment that you would make, and distributes those funds to your creditors. Typically, the first counseling session is free, but a DMP comes with monthly fees of roughly $20 to $75 a month, depending on the state. To locate a credible agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website at NFCC.org (800388-2227), or the or the Financial Counseling Association of America FCAA.org (800-450-1794). But make sure that you don’t use a debt settlement company that claims to settle all your debt or cut it in half for a fee without counseling. Most of these companies use deceptive practices and will only leave you more in debt then you already are. Mortgage Counseling If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments, or if you have already received a letter or phone call about missed payments, you should contact your lender immediately to explain your situation and see if you can work out a payment plan. Be prepared to provide your financial information, such as your monthly income and expenses. You can also get help from a foreclosure prevention counselor. These are HUD-approved, trained counselors that will work with you, examine your financial situation, and offer guidance on how best to avoid default or foreclosure. They can also represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need them to. To find a government-approved housing counseling agency in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or Financial Counseling Association of America websites or phone numbers previously listed. Or, for a larger selection of housing counseling options see the Department of Housing and Urban Development website at HUD.gov – click on “Resources” at the top of the page, then on “Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling,” or call 800-569-4287. Financial Assistance You also need to make sure you’re not missing out on any financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s website (BenefitsCheckUp.org) contains a database of more than 2,500 federal, state and local programs that can help seniors with prescription drug costs, health care, food, utilities, and other basic needs. The site will help you locate programs that you may be eligible for and will show you how to apply. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. mercial tax revenue for the city. Amazon’s arrival also positions the Arrigo Administration to intensify its pursuit of improved regional transportation opportunities, such as a commuter rail stop at nearby Wonderland Station on the MBTA’s Blue Line. About Atlantic Management Atlantic Management, which is based in Framingham, Mass., is a real-estate development firm that was formed in 1972 to provide investors with long-term capital growth through conservatively structured real estate investments. For more informaBENT | FROM PAGE 3 Q: What is the biggest issue the city is currently facing? A: The two main problems are traffic and the buildings going up. Q: Do you have a proposed solution for this? A: We need to all work together to figure out this problem. Q: What is your favorite place you’ve ever visited and why? A: New York is probably one of my favorite places I have ever visited. Q: What makes Revere such a great place to live? A: When I moved to Revere, I saw that it was a community where the people work together. It’s just a matter of getting evPage 19 tion, go to http://atlanticmanagement.com/. About VMD Companies VMD Companies, which is based in North Andover, Mass., is a real estate and development company that procures strong financial returns through engaging in value-add commercial real estate investments by capitalizing on its in-depth knowledge surrounding real estate fundamentals. VMD embodies an entrepreneurial, creative, hands-on methodology and is well versed among all asset classes. For more information, go to www.vmdcompanies.com. eryone on the same page, but when that happens change can happen. Q: Why do you think voter participation is so important in a local election? A: I think anything that involves the voters is incredibly important. Without them and without the input from the residents, we can only do so much on City Council. All we end up doing is just sitting there, and we need them to be a part of the conversation, because they are the people we are ultimately working for and are here to serve. Q: What is the best way for the public to contact you? A: Either my phone: 857-2365627, or my email: robertbent56@ gmail.com. 1. In what Marx Brothers film would you find the Hotel de Cocoanut? 2. In 1994 what sporting event had the theme “Rockin’ Country Sunday”? 3. Are bats mammals or birds? 4. On Oct. 19, 1781, the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War ended in Yorktown in what state? 5. In what country is Transylvania? 6. What does a bibliophile collect? 7. On Oct. 20, 1984, the largest aquarium (at the time) opened on Cannery Row in what locale? 8. In what comic strip would you find Cookie, Daisy and Dogwood? 9. What U.S. city is called The Big Easy? 10. On Oct. 21, 1976, what country won Nobel Prizes in chemistry, economics, literature, medicine and physics? 11. What vegetable has a white variety called Casper? 12. Which U.S. football stadium has the largest capacity? (Hint: Ann Arbor.) 13. On Oct. 22, 1903, what member of the Three Stooges was born? (Hint: starts with C.) 14. What cat breed is black? 15. On Halloween in 1926, what magician died? 16. On Oct. 23, 1992, Akihito became the first modern Japanese Emperor to visit what country? 17. In what year was the song “Purple People Eater” released: 1941, 1958 or 1963? 18. What is the name of the cemetery in the Hollywood Hills where many entertainers are buried? 19. On Oct. 24, 1945, what intergovernmental organization’s Charter became effective? 20. What second host of “The Tonight Show” often said “I kid you not”? ANSWERS ~ Help Wanted ~ Insurance Customer Service Representative (Everett) Established and growing Insurance Agency just north of Boston is seeking a full time Personal Lines Account Specialist. Applicants should have at least 2 years of insurance experience and be proficient in all areas of personal lines including Auto, Home, Umbrella, and Flood. Knowledge of coverage is essential. A Massachusetts Property and Casualty Insurance License is preferred or a willingness to obtain one within three months of employment. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer a fast paced and positive work environment where team efforts and an ability to work independently are key. Please forward resumes to Danielle@mastrocolainsurance.com EOE 1. “The Cocoanuts” 2. The Super Bowl 3. Mammals 4. Virginia 5. Romania 6. Books 7. Monterey, Calif. 8. “Blondie” 9. New Orleans 10. USA 11. Pumpkin 12. Michigan Stadium 13. Curly (Jerome Lester Horwitz) 14. Many breeds have black cats. 15. Harry Houdini 16. China 17. 1958 18. Forest Lawn 19. The United Nations (Oct. 24 is United Nations Day.) 20. Jack Parr
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