Cousin in way over their head.

[lakeblake]

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.

[DenialJ331526]

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]

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

[GailL1]

@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.