Page 12 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – September/October 2020
P. 12
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Protecting Your Financial Health During the
A COVID-19 Crisis and How The CARES ACT Can Help
s COVID-19 continues to impact the economy, Coming out on the other side of this crisis with a sold times, but it’s even more crucial now. As more people the healthcare system, and communities across credit score is essential, even if you are only paying move online to conduct business and schoolwork,
the country, concern, and uncertainty about the
effect it’s having on finances are top of mind for many Americans. If you are concerned about the immediate and long-term impact that this unprecedented situation could have on your financial health, there are things you can do to say strong during this time.
Here are six steps you can take to protect your finances:
Put Your Physical and Mental Health First
Staying calm and informed can help you protect your health and well-being and weather the COVID-19 crisis. Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as your state and local officials for the latest information to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Re-evaluate Your Budget
If you’re unemployed, furloughed, or your household income has changed as a result of coronavirus, re-evaluate your budget. If you can, put more money in your emergency fund and limit your purchases to core essentials to help you manage income uncertainty during this time
Make Payments on Time
Making at least minimum monthly payments may become difficult, but do your best to keep up.
AAA ONLINE RESOURCES
Digital AAA Now!: AAA.com/now
Internet TripTik®: AAA.com/triptik
About your membership: AAA.com/membership Insurance quotes: AAA.com/insurance
Mobile apps: AAA.com/mobile
Online savings: AAA.com/specialoffers E-newsletter signup: AAA.com/enews
All things travel: AAA.com/travel
Rent a car: AAA.com/hertz
Book a hotel: AAA.com/hotel
Everything teen driving: teendriving.AAA.com Everything senior driving: seniordriving.AAA.com
the minimum amount when it’s due, you will remain in good standing with your creditors.
Get Help from Financial Experts
If you have retirement, investment, or savings accounts, you are probably concerned about how market swings could impact your portfolio. Before you make any major decisions, seek expert financial advice to find out what actions you should take. Your bank, credit union, or company’s 401K provider is a good place to start.
Get Help if You’re in Financial Trouble
If you are experiencing financial
strain and are unable to pay your bills,
contact your lenders and credit card companies
for assistance. Most organizations are helping their customers through this time, so take advantage of their programs. Also, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has committed to working with financial institutions on solutions for customers affected by COVID-19.
Keep Tabs on Your Credit and Identity
Knowing where your credit, credit scores, and personal information stands are essential in normal
cyber criminals are also increasing their activity with existing and new scams, such as phishing,
“Zoom-Bombing” (where callers disrupt video meetings to collect information) and fake CDC emails. Keeping tabs on credit and personal information can help you quickly spot inaccurate or unauthorized date.
How the CARES ACT Can Help You Cope
The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)
Act may offer some additional support
to you and your family. The $2.2 trillion emergency stimulus provides relief for the U.S. economy and its citizens.
We’re Here for You
AAA Shelby County is here to help you navigate this difficult time. While the current situation may cause financial concern, confusion, and anxiety, taking control can help you get through it. We encourage you to log in to your account as often
as you can to check your alerts. If we detect any changes to your credit or personal information, we’ll notify you and provide step-by-step support to help you take care of it.
Unleash the Power of Rewards
Release your inner thrill seeker and
unleash the power of rewards!
Use your AAA Member Rewards card for everything you buy – from everyday essentials to those extraordinary experiences you’ve been waiting to conquer.
You’ll earn unlimited points –
3x points on eligible travel and AAA purchases; 2x points on gas, grocery store, wholesale club and drugstore purchases; and 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
And for a limited time, the AAA Member Rewards card comes with our best in-store offer ever: a $100 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more on purchases in the first 90 days your account is open. Contact your local AAA office to apply.
For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, or to apply, visit your local AAA and refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association, and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a registered trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2020 Bank of America Corporation ©2020 AAA MAP3130425.
12
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020