Apprisen is a non-profit organization that commits to its clients’ financial well-being and controlling debt. For over 60 years, they’ve been helping, empowering, and motivating people along their financial journey.
They offer an array of services and resources designed to help their clients achieve financial health and wealth. This happens mainly through education.
In this episode, we talk about financial stability and discover that there are so many resources available to you. As we know and are hearing, many of us are hurting financially due to the pandemic.
Tasha Bishop, Director of Operations and Development for Apprisen. For those who are long-time Central Ohioans, you may remember their former signature, Consumer Credit Counseling Services.
Apprisen services concentrate on:
- Financial/Debt Understanding and Planning
- Financial Protection and Stability,
- And most importantly, the counseling needed through major transitions like bankruptcy
We discuss the need to understand debt and how to budget and plan for financial stability.
One huge problem in controlling debt is student loan debt.
And it doesn’t just affect current students today. Many who came into the workforce during this pandemic, or even the recession in the early 2000’s, are drowning in long-term student loan debt. Their parents may have co-signed for loans and are now trying to pay them off, affecting their retirement. Or those who have gotten married and their spouse has a debt issue. It seems that nearly everyone carries that burden. How has Apprisen stepped in to guide those suffering under this liability?
One thing that always comes up for those looking to purchase a house is their credit score.
Tasha sheds some light on what exactly a credit score is. And how it is critical in the purchase of a house or other large asset. And most importantly, how it can be “fixed.”
There are so many other issues that have arisen since 2020 regarding housing. Many were in a home but suddenly facing eviction, and changes in the law regarding evictions and back payments. What trends did Apprisen see in Central Ohio? What steps did you suggest clients take?
There seems to have been an upsurge in commercials regarding reverse mortgages recently. And, of course, they are targeting our older citizens. What advice does Apprisen normally provide on reverse mortgages?
Employment is always the key factor in financial stability and controlling debt.
Unless, of course, “Great Aunt Millie” left you with tons of dollars! Employment is still an issue in Central Ohio. Many lost their jobs or saw a cut in their hours and/or salary. It wasn’t just salaries that disappeared, but also benefits like health insurance and pensions. Tasha provides us with tips and resources to benefit those in need.
The Apprisen programs and services are very much directed at educating clients. We often say, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. How does a client get started with you? Are there qualifications they must meet? Which programs do they begin with?
FAQ
Apprisen is a nonprofit organization focused on building financial health for individuals. Services include one-on-one financial counseling, a debt management program for unsecured debt, student loan counseling, credit health education, foreclosure prevention, rental eviction counseling, and various digital resources. They also offer financial coaching and an online assessment tool for personalized action plans (07:16, 44:42).
There are no income or age requirements to use Apprisen’s services. Anyone can begin by visiting their website, using the online financial assessment (Iris), or by calling for an appointment. From there, a certified financial specialist will help you create a custom action plan (44:42).
If you’re struggling with housing costs, it’s important to proactively contact your landlord or mortgage servicer to discuss your situation. Apprisen offers housing and foreclosure counseling and can help connect you with available resources and create a plan to manage your housing situation (27:14, 30:00).
Yes, Apprisen provides student loan counseling. Their counselors will help you review your loans, connect with lenders, explain repayment options such as income-based plans, and help you understand consolidation or forgiveness opportunities. This support is available for students and parents with co-signed loans (13:34).
We would love to hear from you.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
