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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is open and urges people to seek help sooner rather than later.
The New Year brings its own unique challenges, but managing your money doesn’t have to be one of them. Over 14,500 people received help from MABS in 2020. The service remained open throughout the year, providing a full range of money advice and budgeting support by phone, email, online chat, and virtually through video services such as Zoom.
Support and advice ranged from rent and mortgage arrears to utility and credit card debt. Other queries came from people who wanted to know more about the financial supports available and how to make a budget in times of uncertainty due to COVID-19.
MABS Research carried out in November 2019 and June 2020 by Opinions, found that despite the very real negative financial impacts experienced by people, less than half (48%) have taken action. Worryingly, of this group, only 11% have sought the help of a debt resolution or support agency, such as MABS.
“We want people to know that MABS is open and ready to help” said Karl Cronin, Regional Manager, North Connacht & Ulster MABS. “We believe that it is never too late to ask for help and support. The sooner someone comes forward, the better the outcome. I’d encourage anyone sitting on the fence to get in touch. The service is free, independent and non-judgemental. It can’t hurt to try, and you might find that it is the best decision you make in 2021.”
You can call the Helpline on 0761 07 2000, Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm, or request a call back by email helpline@mabs.ie.
“MABS, funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board, is an essential service and has been from the beginning of the pandemic. The service has adapted to the changing situation of local and national lockdowns; making sure to provide a full money advice and budgeting service, just not in person at the moment’.
Karl added, “we are ready to help. We ask that people don’t wait until the last minute, instead come forward early if they are concerned about their personal financial situation.”
MABS continue to be available to people throughout the current lockdown. Visit mabs.ie for your local office contact details or live chat with a money adviser online. Call the MABS national helpline on 0761 07 2000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Money advisers are available and waiting to help.
Keep up to date with MABS by following us on social media @MABSinfo on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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