Any suggestions for money management and credit counseling resources for my employee?

Try “Financial Peace University”, Dave Ramsey is a nationally recognized person. The classes are taught on the local level, usually through a individual that has used the class and process to change their life and budget. More at FPU .

I think what I’m looking for is more of an immediate, crisis management sort of thing; she’s in danger of losing her apartment.

I wonder if any local churches can help you with resources? I have tips for getting out of debt, but it sounds like you need someone to take her hand and tell her exactly what she needs to do to not get evicted, and since we obviously don’t have access to her exact financial position, we can’t give you specific advise on her situation. Maybe check the eviction laws in your state? Some states it is very easy to evict, like FL, some are more difficult. Maybe ask the landlord if he will accept a partial payment now, and then the balance a week later if that is feasable? If she truly cannot afford her apartment she might as well start looking for an apartment she can afford, and let the eviction take place.

In general I tell people if they have lots of credit cards to pay off the ones with small balances first, so they don’t have to worry about incurring multiple penalty fees if they do pay late. For medical bills, call the medical billing center, and you can try to negotiate a lower cost, if that seems impossible you can work a payment schedule to keep from going into collections. Also, stop buying anything that is not necessary. No clothes, no vacations, no manicures, no haircuts, nothing. Stop eating out, and stop drinking alcohol. Many people think some of their regular expenses are “normal” every day expenses that they cannot do without, but the truth is they are spending a lot of money that most people do without. Of course I have no idea if that is your employees case.

By the way I think Dave Ramsay is fantastic as @Tropical_Willie suggested, maybe for the future it will be helpful to your employee. He is big time never have any debt, and he is very good at telling peopel how to pay things off and get things in order. He has a radip show and a cable tv show.

If you are in the Raleigh area try this:

Triangle Family Services is the only HUD-Certified agency in Raleigh that provides financial assistance and case management services for eligible families facing eviction. If you are in immediate danger of being evicted from your home, contact Triangle Family Services’ Emergency Housing Assistance Program at (919) 821–0790×315. If no one is available to answer your call, be sure to leave a message including your name and telephone number.

@JLeslie

Thank you.
Dave’s technique works.

Thanks, guys, I’m going to check in to both short term and longer term solutions for her.

I know a Certified Financial Recovery Counselor who may be able to help. Here is her website: Follow Mantis Money Coaching

“The financial counseling/money coaching process is designed to help people create healthy money behaviors and get clarity around their financial situation so they can make empowered choices and begin living the life they truly desire.”

There is another group that is a twelve step based program, called Debtors Anoymous. It focuses on retraining a person on how to handle money, how to budget, anything having to do with money. When I joined DA it was mainly to change my credit habits. I hadn’t become so deeply in debt that I was at risk of losing my home. However, many DA members have and it often takes that kind of crisis to make you want to change. DA has a website, debtorsanonymous.org. It has helped many people, and it continues to help many people today.

A friend of mine is currently doing this with Money Management International. I know how many groups are scamming people and how important it is to find a reliable company/group and I can assure you that my friend is thoroughly satisfied and impressed with the quality of service coming from this group. She’s been doing it for over a year and has seen great improvements with her credit, payments, etc. Good luck!

I have referred people to a United Way affiliated agency for this type help.