Money Woes Stressing You Out? Access Your Support Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2009

If you're in the middle of a financial crisis, you need support and friendship like never before. Unfortunately, many busy people have put their friendships on hold while they struggled to pay the bills, and now they're paying the price in their lack of a support network, said a University of Illinois Extension family life educator.

"When you're having money problems, it really helps if you have friends, relatives, and other people you can turn to for comfort, advice, and help. These are the folks who will listen to your concerns, help you brainstorm ideas for ways to deal with the problems you're having, comfort you when you're down, and even help you with material needs," said Cammy Seguin.

If you haven't maintained your support network, don't be afraid to reach out to community agencies for support, she said. Visit U of I Extension's "Getting Through Tough Financial Times" website at www.ToughTimes.illinois.edu, click on "Helping Families Cope," go to "Identifying Sources of Support and Friendship," and then to "Community Agencies that Can Help."

There you'll find the names and phone numbers of agencies that can help you with job services, including employment training; family and financial counseling; health care; help with fuel costs; emergency food and low-cost clothing; and child-care subsidies.

To identify people in your life who can be part of your informal support network, ask yourself a few questions:

1. Who do you know that's a good listener?

2. Who appreciates you--for who you are and for what you do?

3. When you have good or bad news, who do you share it with?

4. Who helps you make decisions when you need to think through options and consequences?

"As you look over the people you named, were there one or two people who showed up often? Are you leaning too heavily on these people for support? Is the relationship reciprocal with you listening and helping as well as venting? When they offer you advice, do you really listen and take it into consideration?

"Now ask yourself, who else could meet these needs if you took the risk of asking? What specific steps could you take to expand your support network--this week, then next week?" Seguin asked.

Because everyone will face a rough patch sooner or later, part of daily life should be making friendships that will add to your support network. It's insurance for the future and provides pleasure in the present, she said.

Supportive friendships often come about indirectly from working and socializing with others, she noted. "For this to happen, it's often necessary to take time for your extended family, volunteer with community groups and organizations, visit your neighbors, and join a club or hobby group.

"By reaching out to others and taking advantage of their support and friendship, you can gain strength to deal with your problems and the ability to take control of your situation.

"And someday you'll be able to help them in the same way," she said.

U of I Extension's "Getting Through Tough Financial Times" website (www.ToughTimes.illinois.edu) contains a wide variety of advice about dealing with financial problems, including preventing foreclosure, deciding which bill to pay first, how to talk with your creditors, stretching your food dollars, and much more.