Debt counseling in the upswing: More and more people are looking for help!

Debt counseling in the upswing: More and more people are looking for help!

Ingo Röwer, debt consultant at the DRK district association Easternvorpommern-Greifswald, reports on the challenges in debt counseling. He has been supporting people for eleven years to overcome their financial difficulties. In 2022, the DRK district association in Wolgast and Anklam looked after a total of 541 long-term cases and over 100 short-term consultations.

The need for debt counseling increases rapidly, which is not least due to the increasing number of people who are financially necessary. Regular consultation appointments are no longer available for 2023, only emergency consultations are offered. Ingo Röwer emphasizes that over -indebtedness not only affects weak people; She can meet everyone.

causes of over -indebtedness

The reasons for over -indebtedness are diverse. Beaks of fate such as illnesses, accidents or job losses often play a crucial role. Rashes and impulsive purchases, especially on the Internet, also contribute to debt. According to an analysis of the debtberatung.de are some of the main causes:

• permanent low income
• unemployment and failed independence
• illnesses, accidents and addiction
• separation, divorce or deaths
• uneconomical housekeeping

This problem often leads to serious consequences such as reminders, collection procedures and, in the worst case, to homelessness. Mental stress and fears of existence increase the emergency of many affected people.

The way to the solution

Röwer emphasizes that the first step to overcome debts is the insight to need help. The consultants in the DRK create individual budget plans, help with the negotiation with creditors and support them in the debt regulation. A high self -motivation of the clients is crucial for the success of the advisory process. The recommended measures to avoid debts include driving a household book, setting budget limits and forming reserves.

The advice centers in Anklam and Wolgast also offer a trusting environment in which the financial situation can be discussed. The experienced employees not only help with the analysis of the financial situation, but also with the identification of savings and the development of individual solutions. There are also support for wages and placement between debtors and creditors.

challenges of the advice centers

Despite the significant help that the debt counseling offers, the advice centers face major challenges. There are more inquiries than capacities, which is reinforced by the complexity of cases and the lack of personnel for financial education. The association's debt counseling is therefore calling for more political support for financial education to clarify early and to introduce a legal right to free advice.

Ingo Röwer wants more recognition for the work of debt consultations and a long -term securing of financing. The support of society is essential to offer people a way out of debt trap and to help them lead a financially independent life again.

For more information and offers of help, the DRK-Kreisverband Ostvorpommern-Greifswald