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lakeblake
Contributor ⭐
August 8, 2025

Cousin in way over their head.

  • August 8, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 3198 views

Hello.

My retired cousin is a Massachusetts resident and has gotten into financial trouble. Apparently there are credit card bills, utilities, taxes and insurance that are impossible to all pay.  There is apparently a reverse mortgage that is also a problem.  They are not techno savvy.

I have offered to help them find a way out.  Is there a counselor or organization that helps people get on a solid path?  Hopefully there is a person or place they can visit in person.  Specific advice rather than generalities.  I can help with the fees that may be charged.  

Thanks in advance.

    3 replies

    GailL1
    GailL1
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    August 9, 2025

    @lakeblake 

     

    Take a look at this one - Who they are -

    National Federation of Credit Counseling 

     

    NFCC.org  to learn more 

     

    Hopefully they will have a local NFCC counselor where they can go for help and advice rather than doing it online.  

     

    They might just advise them to see a bankruptcy attorney if things have gotten too far to dig out - gets that way especially when taxes get involved in debt.

    IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna
      D
      DenialJ331526
      Contributor ⭐⭐
      May 1, 2026

      You’re doing the right thing stepping in — this is exactly the kind of situation where a HUD-approved housing counselor can help.

       

      They’ll sit down (in person or by phone), review everything — debts, taxes, insurance, and the reverse mortgage — and help your cousin figure out a realistic plan. They’re not trying to sell anything, just guidance.

       

      This page explains it simply and how to find someone local reverse.mortgage/info/counseling.

       

      I’d try to get them connected ASAP — earlier help = more options.

      SereneSeagull
      SereneSeagull
      Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
      May 1, 2026

      The person you are replying to wrote this almost a year ago.

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