Comments on: Financial Crisis: What Do You Say?

By: Bob Soltis

Bob Soltis — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:24:36 +0000

To solve the Financial Crisis:

1. Fire the DNC (Do Nothing Congress) to include all incumbant repusivicans)
2. Stop all aid to all countries who havent supported the US in the War on Terror.
3. Flex more mustle on the world and demand they shape up or ship out.
4, Shoiuld be #1. Kick the UN out of this country.

By: Lorrie

Lorrie — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:59:30 +0000

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with living comfortably. The straw that broke the camel’s back was her husband loosing his job and that is 98% of the time unforseeable.

I agree that there are many ways to help that don’t involve money.

Last but not least, if each person had a little more compassion for another person, I think we would be a better nation

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:06:07 +0000

Jennifer
Since you are asking, perhaps you could just come out with something like “Gee, Suzie, I am really going to miss you. Look, if it would help you avoid ever having to go through this again, Let’s sit down over a coffee and figure out what it would take to sort things out.” Direct, non-judgmental. How she reacts is not your problem, but I’ve found that, just like after a death, the worst thing for someone in trouble is if nobody else understands. Talk about it. Be kind, but straight from the shoulder. Give her a chance to say “yes.”
Respectfully,
Stephen

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:56:11 +0000

Hilary’s advice is the best and kindest. However, I would NOT lend them money (unless you don’t mind never seeing it again). For me, stumbling upon Dave Ramsey was the bet thing that happened to my finances.

By: Monroe on a Budget » Blog Archive » What to do (long) before the financial crisis hits

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:46:09 +0000

[...] Derrick tells a tale at Saving Advice in Financial crisis: What do you say? about one of her neighbor families who dug themselves into a deep financial [...]

By: m

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:56:47 +0000

What I would say to anyone in any type of crisis (other than suicidal, which would require a dift. approach) is to say I’m sorry for their situation, let them know I’m there if they want to talk more, and ask if there is anything I can do to help. If they say no, I let them know to come to me later if there does end up being something.

I don’t think giving unsolicited advice–about anything–is appropriate, but letting people know you are happy to share your views if they’re interested, or to lend an ear, or do whatever else you’re able to do is usually much appreciated.

I think listening, not judging, and offering to be of support as you are able should they want it is the best one can do in such situations.

By: Personal Checks Unlimited

Personal Checks Unlimited — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:36:29 +0000

I agree with Hilary’s post. The best thing you can do is offer some type of help with moving boxes, cleaning up, etc. Anything really. This is the kind of thing that usually breaks down that barrier of awkwardness. She may then feel comfortable enough to open up again and may even ask for advice. At least this way there is the possibility for some help to come to her. As was mentioned, it’s also true that people won’t change until they make a decision to change, but I believe there are a lot of people out there right now in the same situation that obviously just don’t know how to change. These can be the perfect opportunities for those of us who have some way to help, to do it at a time when the person may be at a point where they will actually take it to heart.

Most of all if you decide to help, just be real like you have been in this post. People by and large mostly want to know that someone can understand them and meet them where they are.

-Alan

By: karen cain

karen cain — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:58:49 +0000

PLEASE HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR

By: blog.toastyaroma.com

blog.toastyaroma.com — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:19:46 +0000

along the lines of Juan Carlos’ suggestion, you could refer them to prosper.com and they could get a better loan to get out of debt faster.

By: Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:03:11 +0000

Gee thanks, I have no marketable skills and no career-related experience so a better job is pretty unlikely.

I spend three mornings a week hooked up to a machine so I can’t work during those hours. I don’t have a car or a drivers license so getting to and from a second job is difficult or impossible.

For example, there are a lot of swing shift jobs that get out too late to catch a bus, or night shift jobs which get out too late to get to my medical appointments on time.

I see all sorts of moneymaking opportunities on craigslist that r4equire a car or at least a license and it’s very depressing.