Did you know that 19% of 18-29 year-olds are currently unemployed, compared to just 7% of the general population? We’re also less likely to have health insurance than older workers. On top of that, 60% of us carry the same amount or more debt than we did a year ago, according to poll results released today by non-profit advocacy group Qvisory. In response to these scary stats, Qvisory also unveiled new services to help young Americans cope with these financial burdens and regain a foothold on our financial future.
In addition to Qvisory’s free blog and online community offering advice on careers, finances, and wellness, Qvisory rolled out several tools available to members. These tools include access to the BALANCE Financial Fitness Program, the AETNA Members Assistance Program (MAP), a low-fee prepaid debit card, as well as access to affordable health dental insurance plans.
As a Qvisory contributing blogger, I had an opportunity to try out the BALANCE and AETNA programs over the last few weeks.
AETNA’s MAP provides a host of wellness services typically only available to members of expensive healthcare plans. These include a members-only Website with plentiful advice on everything from dealing with job loss to managing stress, living healthfully, dealing with addiction, and more. AETNA’s MAP also offers offer free telephone counseling and referrals to local counselors and practitioners.
The BALANCE program is worth Qvisory’s dues in itself. BALANCE provides confidential financial counseling over the phone—completely free to Qvisory members. They offer some of the most detailed budget and long-term financial planning worksheets available, and are available to help with any financial problem. If you are wondering how you’re going to get out of debt, get by after losing your job, pay for grad school, or save for a home, BALANCE can help.
As I told a group of reporters on a Qvisory conference call today, I wish Qvisory had been available eight years ago. With the help of some of these services, I might have been out of debt and on my feet financially years faster. So if you’re under 30 and struggling with financial questions, make the Qvisory blog a regular read and check out the services they offer to members.
About David E. Weliver
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