I Need to Manage My Finances

Surviving a hurricane begins with finding a safe place and securing the basics like food, water and shelter. However, it is only after the storm has passed that the challenge of rebuilding begins. For Ike survivors, one of the key challenges over the next few months will be figuring out how to get their finances in order. Here are a few tips to help get you back on the road to financial health.

Contact your mortgage lender if you are unable to make your payments due to loss of income. If you explain your situation to your lender they can work with you in the following ways:

• Extend your repayment terms so you have more time to make your mortgage payment
• Restructure your existing loan

Replace your checks, ATM and debit cards

The first step in replacing your checks, credit cards, ATM cards and debit cards is to contact your bank or credit union. If you don’t know how to reach your financial institution, call the FDIC toll-free at 1 (877) 275-3342. This hotline is toll free and is open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm CDT.

Replace your credit card

If you lost or damaged your credit card, start by contacting the institution that issued the card. For additional help or more information you can contact one of the four major credit card companies:

• American Express: 1 (800) 992-3404 (toll free)
• Discover: 1 (800) 347-2683 (toll free)
• MasterCard: 1 (800) 622-7747 (toll free)
• Visa: 1 (800) 847-2911 (toll free)

If you don’t remember all the credit cards you had, get a copy of your credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. Your credit report will list all the cards in your name.

If you are unable to make your credit card payment because you have no income - don’t panic. Credit card companies will work with you to extend your payment date. All you have to do is contact them by phone.

Contact the FDIC for more information

If you still have questions you can always contact the FDIC. They have a consumer hotline set up for this crisis. Please call 1-877-ASK-FDIC (275-3342). The hotline is open from 8am to 6pm central time, 7 days a week. Get answers to all of your questions now on their website.