Local banks, utilities urge consumers to consider financial priorities

Local banks and utilities are asking consumers to prioritize their financial obligations in a time when many are losing income amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sevren kezi 9 news.

The pandemic has caused many people in our area to reassess their financial priorities.

As kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg shows us, now is the time to make sure you can meet all of your financial obligations.

Trt: 1:31 0:00 pandemic financial priorities/eugene 0:15 justin steffen/springfield resident 0:32 jenny bennett/senior vice president, summit bank 0:49 voice of joe harwood/ spokesperson, eweb 1:02 chris lueneburg justin steffen knows how tough the job market is.

"a lot of places aren't hiring.

They're shutting down."

But he counts himself lucky-- recently landing a job at a local warehouse... and when he gets his first paycheck... his number one priority is savings.

"we are going to learn wants and needs.

We are only going to be able to buy the things we need and not what we want because otherwise it becomes a financial problem."

Eugene-based summit bank says that though times are rough-- loan, mortgage and credit card payments can't wait-- though assistance is available.

"we just want to let you know that if you are in dire straits, if there's a situation in which you need help, give us a call because we are here to help.

That's our job."

Many lenders are helping those in financial trouble with payment extensions and other solutions..

So are utility companies like eweb... whose temporary suspension of service disconnections and late fees will continue for the immediate future.

"their utility bills are probably going to be higher than normal, simply because everyone is at home instead of work or school."

But customers need to prepare to avoid big bills-- paying what they can when they can.

"keeping your utility bill down can be as simple as unplugging electronics you aren't using or keeping your fridge full and running efficiently."

Alongside emergency budgeting-- these methods can help reduce financial strain.

Online resources like the national foundation for credit counseling's coronavirus financial toolkit can help you prioritize.

Steffen knows it will be hard work-- even with a paying job.

"it's always important to save whether there's an epidemic going around or not."

I'm chris lueneburg