topic Re: Cousin in way over their head. in Budget & Savings

Cousin in way over their head.

lakeblake — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:45:03 GMT

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.

Re: Cousin in way over their head.

GailL1 — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 01:45:02 GMT

@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.

Re: Cousin in way over their head.

DenialJ331526 — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:49:01 GMT

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.

Re: Cousin in way over their head.

SereneSeagull — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:11:45 GMT

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