Published: October 26, 2008 10:45 pm      

Money-managing help offered by commission

From balancing a checkbook to paying bills, managing money sometimes gets harder as people age, says Jack Tanner, executive director of the Raleigh County Commission on Aging.

Tanner says Raleigh County residents can now receive free assistance in managing their everyday finances thanks to a new program launched by the Commission on Aging.

“The money management program helps low-income, older individuals and people with disabilities remain independent while engaging volunteers in the effort,” Tanner said. “The program matches carefully screened and trained volunteers with people who may need a little assistance keeping track of their family finances.”

The volunteers meet with participants in their own homes on a regular basis to help organize bills, pay bills, develop household budgets and share money management information, according to Tanner.

“In these tough economic times, we’re pleased to announce that help is now available right here in Raleigh County,” he said. “This new program provides basic money management assistance that can help older people stay on the right track and have more money left over at the end of the month.”

The program is administered by the Commission on Aging in cooperation with the AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity.

“There is no charge for the service, and participants’ funds are protected by several levels of monitoring and are covered in full by the AARP Foundation,” Tanner explained.

To find out more about the program or to sign up, contact Crystal Coleman at the Commission on Aging at 304-255-1397.

— E-mail:

fpace@register-herald.com