By Jan Monahan
In December Iowans may be counting their holiday shopping days and wondering how far their money will stretch. They may be trying to refinance a business or agricultural loan, plan for taxes or figure out how to make the tuition payment that’s due after the first of the year.
“Whatever the reason, ‘tis the season for financial stress,” says Jan Monahan, a human sciences specialist in family finance with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“You don’t have to take on that stress all by yourself. Call or chat online with Iowa Concern,” Monahan said.
Iowa Concern is provided by ISU Extension and Outreach. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. Iowa Concern provides access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics.
To reach Iowa Concern, call 1-800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Other options include reviewing the Iowa Concern frequently asked questions database or emailing an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.
“All personal information given to Iowa Concern, whether on the hotline or through e-mail or live chat, is kept confidential,” said Margaret VanGinkel, ISU Extension and Outreach hotline coordinator.
“If any clients would like us to advocate or make a call on their behalf, we would need their permission to do so,” VanGinkel said.
Source:iastate.edu