The Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center (GMFEC) is open to Shelby County residents for help with free one-on-one financial counseling, according to Regina Morrison Newman, Shelby County trustee.
“Due to COVID-19, you may have lost income or been stressed financially. Every day, our counselors are meeting with clients just like you remotely by telephone or video chat. The GMFEC is a free, non-profit service for Shelby County residents sponsored by the Shelby County Trustee’s office – and our counselors have gone virtual to continue to help clients during the present crisis.”
Mrs. Newman said counselors can help reconfigure a budget to reflect current financial reality, which might include applying for unemployment or other government assistance programs. They can help determine which programs are right and help with applications.
“They can direct you to our Bank On Memphis partners to open a safe, affordable bank account so you can receive your stimulus payment.
“They can negotiate with your creditors for you, including mortgage holders, landlords, credit cards, auto loans and student loans. All evictions are supposed to be on hold…student loans are supposed to be on automatic deferral and disconnections from MLGW are also on hold right now. Your creditors can be contacted to work out arrangements. Our counselors have been working with clients since the beginning of this crisis on just these types of issues. .They can also make referrals for you to get direct services from other non-profits.”
Relationships with referral and co-location partners as well as membership as part of the United Way of the Mid-South Driving the Dream initiative keeps counselors well informed about programs available to help during the pandemic and recovery, said Mrs. Newman.
“Please beware of scammers who are out in full force. You should not be asked to pay for help or pay to receive your economic stimulus money. Remember, our counselors always provide free professional financial counseling.”
To schedule an appointment, call 390-4200. Check the website www.gmfec.org or Facebook page (Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center) for updates and information.
“Again, services are totally free to help you stabilize your finances and move forward. We are here for you. Stay safe.”
