Making "Cents" - Money Management Program Helps Elders Handle Their Finances

by Abrah J. Salk

Mildred Carroll (not her real name)* always managed her own finances.  She never gave it a second thought when it came to paying her bills - she'd been doing it for years and always paid on time.  When she had a stroke six years ago, that all changed.  Her mind was affected and she accidentally paid the Phone Company $757.00 instead of $7.57.   This left her with an empty bank account causing several checks that she had already written to bounce.  The Phone Company offered her little help -they only wanted to give her a credit.  What good would a credit of $757.00 do an 82-year-old woman? Luckily, Mildred's bank realized her predicament and sought out help for her.  It was then that she was put in touch with the Money Management Program at Coastline Elderly Services, Inc.  Through this program Mildred was able to get her money back from the Phone Company and to get her finances back under control.

Every month, usually the last week of the month, Mildred's Money Management Program Volunteer, Lori*, pays her a visit.  Lori writes out Mildred's checks to pay Mildred's bills.

"I really need her", Mildred says about Lori.  She then goes on to talk about Coastline's Money Management Program, "I love the program".

Her Money Management Program Volunteer, Lori, wholeheartedly agrees, "There is such a need for this program.  You get a lot more out of it than what you give."

Lori has been volunteering for the Money Management Program for the past six years.  After she retired, she wanted to do something rewarding with her time.  When she saw an ad in the newspaper for the Money Management Program volunteer, she knew instantly that this was what she wanted to do.  With a degree in accounting, she knew it'd be a perfect fit. (Please note - there are no degree requirements for being a Money Management Volunteer.  The only requirements are a couple of hours of free time a month, your own transportation, and the desire to make a difference in an elder's life.)

"It's a social visit as well as paying her bills and balancing her checkbook", she continues, "(and it)makes me feel good that I help her."

The Money Management Program has helped hundreds of people just like Mildred with their finances.  By helping elders in such a way, it enables them to remain in the community and live a relatively independent life.  For additional information about this program or how you can become a Money Management Program volunteer, please contact Christine Voss or Jan Bergeron at (508) 999-6400 extensions 198 and 180 respectively.

*Names have been change to protect privacy.