KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A $1,200 question on many people's minds is whether or not a second stimulus check is on the way.
Congress is still working out the details, and right now it is unclear when payments could be sent and who exactly would receive them.
The Penny Hoarder, a personal finance website, has some recommended money moves to make in case a second check never arrives.
1. Negotiate to stay in your home
Unfortunately, the CARES Act moratorium on foreclosures and evictions expires on Aug. 31.
Some mortgage companies are allowing homeowners who entered COVID-19 forbearance to defer missed payments until they reach the end of their loans or decide to sell or refinance their homes.
Meanwhile, help is still available for renters. The Kansas City Partnership for Economic Relief website lists organizations offering emergency rent assistance.
2. Find new car insurance
Mike Brassfield at The Penny Hoarder recommends a website called Savvy, where you can enter your current insurance policy and see how it compares to others in the marketplace. It's a free service that claims to save people an average of $826 a year.
3. Talk to your credit card companies
"Help is available, but you have to ask. If you get into the hardship program, they can let you skip a payment or sometimes even more," Ted Rossman, a CreditCards.com industy analyst, said.
In some cases credit card companies may lower your interest rate or even waive interest for a month or two. Also ask if the annual fee on your card can be waived or lowered.
4. Trim your food budget by planning ahead
Plan out exactly how much food you need before the next grocery visit. Experts at The Penny Hoarder say you should take notice of frequently purchased items and stock up when they go on sale.
Here are some other tips for saving money at the grocery store.
5. Look into unemployment extensions
In June, both Kansas and Missouri announced the launch of extended benefits.
Those extensions are for people who exhausted both regular unemployment benefits and pandemic unemployment compensation.
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Whether you're Getting Back to Work after a layoff, need help Making Ends Meet during these trying times or need tips on Managing the Pressure we're all feeling, The Rebound has resources to find help. We'll also make sure local leaders are Doing What's Right to get Kansas City back track after a three-month shutdown.
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