You\u2019re not alone in your debt, although it can certainly feel that way sometimes. If you\u2019re thinking of putting an end to the cycle \u2014 but aren\u2019t sure where to start, who to trust or what free resources are available to you \u2014 then this is the perfect place to kick off your journey to financial freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need to pay a financial coach to get expert advice. In fact, there are nonprofit groups that can help you get a handle on your spending. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re behind on rent or struggling with a mortgage, you can talk to a housing counselor approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development<\/a> (HUD). These counselors can help you understand your housing rights, develop a repayment plan to help you catch up and connect you to programs for renters and homeowners in your community.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a letter in the mail from an attorney is scary, especially when it\u2019s about your debt. And while hiring an attorney may feel beyond your abilities and budget, there are legal services that may be able to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While their services and availability are different from state to state, legal aid programs<\/a> can be a lifeline for people of more modest means. A legal aid program may be able to assist with wage garnishment, debt lawsuits, evictions and foreclosures and government benefits, like social security or disability. These services may have income limits, so be sure to check before reaching out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Law schools often run clinics where supervised students offer legal help for free. These clinics may be able to assist with disputes with lenders, credit reporting errors and even identity theft<\/a> issues. Check with nearby, accredited universities to see what options are available in your region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t assume that you\u2019re out of luck until you check all your options. These handy tools can help you figure out what help might be available to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Benefit Screeners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These online tools<\/a> ask simple questions about your household, income, and needs. Based on your answers, they tell you which programs you may qualify for, such as SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Local Government Support Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cities and counties sometimes offer their own help, such as rent assistance, food pantries or transportation services. These are often not advertised widely, but your local Department of Human Services website is a good place to look. A quick way to evaluate the services in your area is by dialing 211<\/a>. Operated by the non-profit United Way, this is a free, national resource that can connect you with housing, nutrition, mental health and job support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Community Action Agencies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Legal Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Legal Aid Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consumer Law Clinics at Universities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Community-Specific Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n