If you’ve been laid off, had to take unpaid leave or otherwise been hammered work-wise by the coronavirus, some bonafide money experts want to help.
Members of the XY Planning Network stand willing to help with cash-flow troubles and other issues that many U.S. workers are facing. (Or are already feeling.)
You’ll be able to get this help virtually, from the comfort of your own home. That means no problem finding someone in your area, or having to leave your school-canceled kids by themselves.
These folks are the real deal. I regularly reach out to XY for interviews for personal finance articles, and they’re invariably excited about helping people get control of their cash. #fellowbudgetingnerds
As the network’s name indicates, they specialize in helping members of Gen X and Gen Y. But basic money smarts apply across the board, especially when it comes to dealing with tough times.
Did I mention that it’s free?
Note: None of these planners will try to sell you an annuity, or anything else. In fact, some of the ones I’ve interviewed already do pro bono work because it’s part of their mission.
Coronavirus and the bottom line
These financial planners have loads of experience working to handle short-term financial issues, along with the longer-term problems that might result if those issues aren’t addressed. If you’re one of the people affected, this has no doubt been preying on your mind:
“Can I hang on until unemployment comes through?”
“How long can I rob Peter to pay Paul?”
“I’m an entrepreneur – will I be able to keep my business afloat until the coronavirus effect goes away?”
Obviously a financial planner can’t fix every situation. But knowledge is power, and these folks are willing to share theirs with you.
Here’s how to look for assistance:
- Visit the XY Planning Network
- Click the “Find an Advisor” button
- Use the search bar (about halfway down the page, on right) to search for “coronavirus relief”
A list of money experts – many of them CFPs – will show up. Again, they’re working with you virtually so it doesn’t matter if they’re not in your zip code.
Incidentally, some of the experts that popped up in my search say they work with Baby Boomers. If you’re of a certain age and want to ask for money help due to COVID-19, it’s okay, Boomer.
Related reading:
Here is North Carolina, the Governor has decreed there will be no waiting period for unemployment to start, nor will the unemployed be required to appear in person or have to search for a different job unless they want to do so. This has relieved my mind quite a bit for my son whose work has closed temporarily. Right now his company is paying their employees but that is not guaranteed to continue if the closure stretches to months instead of weeks. Also son assured me he has enough saved to cover at least two months.
That would definitely set my mind at ease if it were my offspring in that situation. There’s still so much uncertainty.
Thanks for reading, and for leaving a comment.
Thanks for the link, Donna. We can always count on you to help in any way you can. You and DF take care.
Thanks, ma’am. I hesitate to ask, but…Has your job been reduced or even temporarily eliminated?
Yeah, our restaurant has switched to just curb service, so we need fewer people. I worked one and a half shifts this week, and I’m not on the schedule for next week. At least I’m not up to my eyeballs in debt like most people I know.