AARP program helps manage your money

I called one of my friends last week only to discover that her phone wasn't working. Because she has health problems, I knew she couldn't be without a phone. When I went to her house to check on her, we discovered, much to her embarrassment, that she hadn't paid the bill. She'd misplaced the bill and forgotten it. Worse, she admitted that it wasn't the first time.

In checking around, I discovered that the local senior center is part of the AARP Money Management Program that helps seniors track expenses and pay bills.

There are two types of programs. One is the Representative Payee Program, for seniors who need serious help. A new checking account is opened and a volunteer is in charge of setting up a budget, paying the bills and signing the checks.

The other program is called the Bill Payer Program. A volunteer helps to create a budget, track bills and expenses, balance the checkbook and write the checks. In this case the senior is the one who signs the checks.

What I liked about these programs is the safety that is built it. These volunteers are completely investigated, trained and bonded. Then their work is double checked by a monitor who makes sure that everything is on the up and up.

A program like this second one can be a lifesaver for people like my friend. Without family nearby to help, she's in danger of getting behind on bills (or having phone or utilities cut off for nonpayment) if there's no one to oversee the finances.

If you're over 65 and think you could benefit from a program like this, or if you have money skills and would like to volunteer, call your local Council on Aging or social services to ask about a program in your area.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853- 6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@ gmail.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.