Coach Shoe here!

While being a first responder, I know first-hand that other first responders experience financial challenges, including debt, due to factors such as:

1. Low Starting Salaries: Despite the high-risk nature of their jobs, many first responders—especially entry-level personnel—receive modest pay, making it hard to meet financial obligations if they overextend themselves.

2. Overtime Dependence: Some first responders rely on overtime to boost their income, which can create financial instability if overtime hours are reduced, and that money is relied upon.

3. Cost of Living: Many first responders live above their means. Some budget but most do not so rising costs of living, further strains their finances.

4. Financial Illiteracy: Some first responders lack financial education, leading to challenges in managing money effectively.

Efforts to address these challenges include financial counseling, employer-sponsored benefits, loan forgiveness programs, and better wage advocacy. Let us tackle this together. I am here to help!

#DealingWithDebt

2thenextshift.org