How do I protect myself financially during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Make sure you are following SEMMCHRA’s emergency budgeting tips, which can be found here.

Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.  You can get a free copy of your credit report from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action.  This site is the only way to access a truly free copy of your credit report.

Contact your creditors and/or landlord as soon as you know you will miss a payment.  Some creditors have developed plans to help struggling borrowers who have been affected by COVID-19.

Beware of debt relief companies.  These companies charge high fees and do not always deliver on what they promise.  There are nonprofit credit counseling agencies that may be a better option.

SEMMCHRA offers a free Financial Wellness program.  If you have questions about budgeting or your credit, please contact Tressa Sauke, the Self Sufficiency and Homeownership Coordinator.  She can be reached at 651-565-2638 ext. 204 or at tsauke@semmchra.org.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a lot of great information.  Below is a list of links to helpful publications:

• Beware of scams related to the coronavirus
• Coronavirus and dealing with debt: Tips to help ease the impact
• Protecting your credit during the coronavirus pandemic
• Protect yourself financially from the impact of the coronavirus