MCC Helps Students Stay Financially Well with Comprehensive Guide

Stress arises during challenging times, but Middlesex Community College is here to help. Middlesex has always worked hard to support students with their finances. The college’s Financial Wellness Program compiled a list of resources to help during this unexpected crisis.

Juan Breton, MCC’s Financial Wellness Specialist, emphasizes the importance of financial health, especially during times of hardship.

“Unfortunately, many times we forget that we might qualify for financial assistance,” he said. “Many factors are taken into consideration during the application process – you just need help finding what’s out there.”

MCC’s Financial Wellness Program works with current and former students to better understand their finances. The program offers coaching on personal financial literacy, knowledge of higher-education financing and repayment, and how to improve financial behaviors for budgeting, saving and reducing debt. MCC’s program partners with iGrad ­– a free service providing 24/7 assistance – to help students with money management, financial-aid education, resources and tools.

iGrad offers a special Coronavirus and Your Financial Health page. Students can learn tips on how to protect their personal finances, investments and retirement; how to continue their education, career or employment search; how to plan for their futures; and how to navigate the stresses the effects of COVID-19 are having on their mental health, society and the economy.

iGrad’s comprehensive guide for how to stay financially well during this time also offers resources found around Massachusetts that may be beneficial to students.

Breton suggests students contact their service providers for internet, cable, cell phone and utilities. Many companies have announced a delayed late fee charge and disconnections. This also applies to some banks and credit unions who may waive late payment and overdraft fees. Metro Credit Union is offering Hardship Loans for those whose employment is affected by COVID-19. For students struggling to find work, iGrad offers a link to apply for unemployment benefits.

The guide is updated as more information becomes available. Make sure to contact your local providers for more information on how they can help you.

Visit https://middlesex.igrad.com/landing/coronavirus-and-your-financial-health for more information, or contact financialwellness@middlesex.mass.edu or call 978-656-3230.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!