These coaches focus on getting their clients back into the game.
A financial fitness coach at The Freedom Point ? a Columbia-based firm that provides help with debt and personal finance management ? Michael Hayes works to help his clients put their lives back together. When an unexpected event such as the loss of a job or a divorce hits, bills and debt can sometimes bury an individual. When that happens, Hayes and his agency are there.
“Unlike typical organizations that help people with their finances, we offer many different choices, and they are not regulated into one-size-fits-all programs,” Hayes said. “We have options on how to best deal with clients? debt and strengthen their money management practices, while providing emotional and personal support.”
Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies also work to provide consumers the support network they need. The BBB provides tips and strategies for consumers, while the AICCCA provides a trained network of licensed professionals, who can help callers piece together a plan of action.
Many people might be hesitant when discussing finances online, but Dave Jones, president of the AICCCA told The Examiner callers are not asked for social security or driver?s license numbers, just bottom-line dollar figures to help trained finance professionals provide informed guidance.
“They need to talk openly with a counselor with all the issues they have,” Jones said. “Most people really don?t even know how much they owe? very few people realize all the car loans and utility bills and gas bills they have.”
