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Steps for Moving Forward By Karrie Osborn In the spirit of keeping our community connected, here are some steps for proactively moving forward as we deal with the COVID-19 crisis and all its ramifications. MAKE THE CALLS While there are no easy economic solutions to the financial crisis faced as a result of this pandemic, there are things you can do right now to give yourself the best opportunity for successfully moving forward when it's all said and done. Now is the time to shore up your resources, take control of what you can, and be as prepared as possible for what lies ahead. Start by making the calls. Call your creditors The potential financial burdens you may face can be reduced if you start talking to your creditors now. Many MTs have reported success when asking for relief with credit card payments, medical bills, auto financing, and more. From deferred payments to lowered interest rates, see if your creditors are willing to help. For federally funded student loans, you can now ask for an administrative forbearance, which means you can temporarily stop making your loan payments without becoming delinquent. Call your loan servicer for more information. Call your bank Contact your bank about opening a cash reserve on your checking account. These lines of credit protect you against overdrafts and can provide a necessary financial cushion. In addition, your bank might be able to offer you a single payment loan or some other option to help you stay afloat. Some banks are also offering deferred loan payments, zero interest rates on bank cards and cash reserves, and waived banking fees. It never hurts to ask how your bank can help you during these uncertain times. BE KIND TO EACH OTHER It's easy to get wrapped up in our own bubbles and forget that most everyone is going through the same thing we are. People are losing their businesses, their customers, their clients, their jobs, their income. Families are transitioning to home-based work when they can, and F o r t h e l a t e s t i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c o v i d - u p d a t e s . 37