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On first meeting the client, the money advisor:
- Explains the service;
- Listens carefully to the difficulties and begin the process of relationship
building;
- Obtains relevant financial information;
- Takes holding action with creditors;
- Deal with emergencies;
- Forwards letters of authority to creditors and request details of
debt.
The following tasks are then undertaken:
- Debts are prioritised;
- Income is maximised, where possible, to ensure that the client is
receiving all benefits and entitlements;
- A budget is prepared, ensuring that provision is made for basic needs
of shelter, heating and food;
- A course of action is discussed between the money advisor and the
client;
- Clients are referred to other agencies at this stage if necessary;
- Afinancial statement is drawn up giving details of the client's income
and expenditure;
- Original agreements are requested in order to access liability;
- The money advisor commences negotiation with creditors;
- Clients are encouraged to pay bills through the Household Budget
Scheme where possible and ESB token meters are requested if required;
- A special account is set up for the client if required for budgeting;
- Progress is monitored;
- Periodic checks are made with creditors and clients.
The whole process can often take weeks or months to conclude
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