Public Employee Press

MELS workshop helps workers deal with credit and debt

Helping DC 37 members get out of debt and establish credit was the focus of the Budget and Credit Management workshop the union's Municipal Employees Legal Services presented Oct. 29 before 150 members.

"Putting members in control by taking the mystery out of finances is the goal of this workshop," said MELS Director and Chief Counsel Joan Beranbaum, who encouraged participants to take advantage of the resources MELS offers. Whether it's dealing with a credit agency, issues at family court, divorce, writing a will or consumer problems, MELS attorneys can provide legal assistance. "It's strictly confidential," Beranbaum said.

Stephen Poppel of the Coalition for Debtor Education advised members to keep a daily chart of spending to keep track of where their money goes. "This is a great tool to help you see any patterns that may have gone unnoticed," he said.

MELS Supervising Attorney Sheldon Barasch reviewed the procedures of filing for bankruptcy and warned the members against cosigning loans, letting anyone use their credit card, and using debt consolidation companies.

Consumer Law Unit Supervising Attorney Carla Latty discussed credit issues and student loans and advised members to request a copy of their credit report. The free Annual Credit Report Request Service provides credit reports from three of the main credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

MELS Assistant Director of Social Work Michael Morgan led a session on the emotional connections to money, followed by a question-and-answer period. Beranbaum closed the program by encouraging members to make appointments with MELS by calling 212-815-1111, if they need assistance.