7 May 2010
These days the nation has become so reliant on access to the Internet that many of us have no idea how to do certain things without being able to use the Internet. Those of us that have access to the Internet do not need to worry about alternatives, but it is easy to forget that not everyone has broadband access, and for those that do not life can be more difficult.
The downside of having no internet access has been highlighted in a number of reports, and those without this facility may suffer in terms of money saving resources, education, careers, and being able to get vital advice.
In the current climate, with the UK having only just come out of recession and the effects of both the recession and the global financial crisis still impacting on many households, financial advice is something that many people are desperate for, but those that have no Internet access at home may not know how to go about getting this help.
Recent reports have shown that millions of people are now worried about their finances, and are desperate to get advice and assistance to help them sort out their money problems.
However, so much of the advice and assistance relating to money matters now seems to be predominantly online that those without computer or internet access may feel as though they have nowhere to turn. There are many reasons why people do not have access to the Internet, ranging from living in an area where access is poor or restricted to being unable to afford these services, but no matter what the reason those without the Internet should not have to suffer when it comes to getting vital advice about finances.
There are still many financial helplines that are available for those with money worries to ring, and with more and more of these helplines having been set up over the past couple of years the number of people contacting them has been increasing steadily.
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau is a good place to start for those that need financial advice, and those that volunteer at this charity will be able to offer contacts and advice that may otherwise be difficult to find without access to the Internet.
Most people that want advice on finances and debts do not want to go to a financial advisor because they may be mid-informed or charged for the advice, and this is where charity helplines can help. There are a number of these helplines now in operation, and consumers can simply phone up and get advice on the phone or in some cases make an appointment to go and see someone for face to face advice.
Tags: Citizen's Advice Bureau, Financial advice, internet access, broadband access, Helplines, consumer campaign, financial advisorOne official from the consumer campaign group Which? said that the group had set up its own helpline last year. She said: ‘The average age of callers is between 60 and 65 and it has been worrying to see the numbers who are reporting debt concerns and also the high incidence of mis-selling of investment bonds by the banks. Jargon-free money help is desperately needed, particularly for those with no access to the internet. Our members tell us they are not comfortable going to a financial adviser because they may be sold more products that they don’t understand.’