United Way Of Westchester And Putnam Counties Offers Free Financial Helpline
WHITE PLAINS N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Residents in Westchester and Putnam Counties can get their financial questions answered for free for two days only, through the United Way's 2-1-1 helpline.
The free helpline is available to Westchester and Putnam residents for two days only, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 17.
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As for what types of financial information the helpline operators can provide, Naomi Adler, the CEO and President of United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties said it can range from basic personal finance to more complex issues.
"People are concerned about retirement planning as well as everyday budgeting. There are people who don't understand credit scores or how they can get credit. They don't necessarily understand how to deal with a mortgage foreclosure or paying for college. There are others talking about consumer scams and what we decided to do was make sure that there was a time when all of those experts in those areas would be in one place and people could call and ask their questions," Adler told WCBS 880.
But Adler said the helpline is meant as a starting point where people can go for basic information - not free financial planning.
"We're here for information and referral," Adler told WCBS 880. "People are very confused about credit scores. They can call and find out not only answer their direct question about their credit score but figure our how to get a credit report and how to read it and where they can go to get help in the next few weeks," Adler said.
Adler said the timing of the free multi-lingual helpline is meant to coincide with what's generally a costly time of year for families.
"There are many people who are also thinking about the holidays, how to pay for their utilities, as well as those who want to make sure that they're budgeting correctly in order to help their loved ones with gifts, but also to make sure that they're OK in the upcoming year," Adler told WCBS 880.
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