We Were Featured In Local KSBY News Interview: Tips for paying bills in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic

Link to video interview: https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/tips-for-paying-bills-in-the-middle-of-the-covid-19-pandemic

Wednesday is April 1st. Meaning, for many: bills and rent are due.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic however, some may now be questioning how to make ends meet

In this time of uncertainty, more financial obligations are in your control than you may think.

"Everyone in the world knows what's happening right now so most of those companies are prepared to do something to help," said Certified Financial Planner, Eric Maldonado.

Maldonado says a number of credit card companies are working with customers that call and ask for assistance.

"Call them and tell them you're having trouble because of the coronavirus paying the fee or the bill and if there's a way to postpone it thirty, sixty, ninety days without any interest or any fees charged. If not, is there any reduction in interest rates I can get?" Maldonado explained.

…

As you evaluate your budget of what you can still pay, Maldonado says separate everything into two columns: "Necessities vs Discretionary." Then, see what you can remove from your discretionary columns like subscription services or online shopping.

He says the biggest mistake you can make right now is assuming companies will make all these modifications for you.

"I would be doing some Google searches and asking maybe people that are familiar with banking and loans and unemployment how to access those resources," Maldonado said.

…

Maldonado says he is offering free financial advice during the pandemic.

For information on how to contact him, click here.