This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/smarter-living/how-to-help-those-in-financial-need.html
The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 10 | Version 11 |
|---|---|
| How to Help Those Weathering Financial Storms | How to Help Those Weathering Financial Storms |
| (8 days later) | |
| I worry about my daughter’s dojo, where she’s studied for almost six years. Upper West Side Kenshikai in Manhattan, is owned by Jennifer and Matthew Fremon, who are parents. It’s a place of great spirit that has taught our child not just about martial arts, but life. | I worry about my daughter’s dojo, where she’s studied for almost six years. Upper West Side Kenshikai in Manhattan, is owned by Jennifer and Matthew Fremon, who are parents. It’s a place of great spirit that has taught our child not just about martial arts, but life. |
| The dojo closed on March 20, though it’s doing online classes. Some students, financially struggling themselves, have stopped payments and the Fremons to date have lost a third of their income, and more students keep canceling. The small business loan they applied for hasn’t come through yet. | The dojo closed on March 20, though it’s doing online classes. Some students, financially struggling themselves, have stopped payments and the Fremons to date have lost a third of their income, and more students keep canceling. The small business loan they applied for hasn’t come through yet. |
| “There’s the very real fear that this community and passion we poured the last 15 years of our lives into won’t ever return in the way it was,” Ms. Fremon told me. “Sometimes, I just want to sit in a ball and cry.” | “There’s the very real fear that this community and passion we poured the last 15 years of our lives into won’t ever return in the way it was,” Ms. Fremon told me. “Sometimes, I just want to sit in a ball and cry.” |
| Ripple effects of the coronavirus are already taking a terrible toll on the economy. In a recent poll, 39 percent of Americans said they’ve lost work or income. Put that in the context of a survey published in May 2019 by NORC, the nonpartisan and objective research organization at the University of Chicago. It showed 51 percent of Americans couldn’t afford necessities, after missing more than one paycheck, without dipping into savings. And at that point, 38.1 million Americans were already living in poverty. | Ripple effects of the coronavirus are already taking a terrible toll on the economy. In a recent poll, 39 percent of Americans said they’ve lost work or income. Put that in the context of a survey published in May 2019 by NORC, the nonpartisan and objective research organization at the University of Chicago. It showed 51 percent of Americans couldn’t afford necessities, after missing more than one paycheck, without dipping into savings. And at that point, 38.1 million Americans were already living in poverty. |
| Ripple effects of the coronavirus will leave few sectors of the economy untouched. Behind all of these sectors are human beings. There are a broad range of ways to help, money being only the most obvious. | Ripple effects of the coronavirus will leave few sectors of the economy untouched. Behind all of these sectors are human beings. There are a broad range of ways to help, money being only the most obvious. |
| Do you want to target dollars to individual people or businesses? To categories of people: laid-off restaurant workers, people who can’t pay rent? You could donate to established nonprofits addressing issues like homelessness, hunger, or aid for family farmers, which have pivoted to deal with the coronavirus. | Do you want to target dollars to individual people or businesses? To categories of people: laid-off restaurant workers, people who can’t pay rent? You could donate to established nonprofits addressing issues like homelessness, hunger, or aid for family farmers, which have pivoted to deal with the coronavirus. |
| “Many of the most vulnerable people are fed, sheltered and supported by not-for-profits,” said John MacIntosh, managing partner at SeaChange, a nonprofits advisory group in New York. “Those doing much of that work have been excluded from federal support. Covid-19 is going to be a nonprofit extinction event, unless government and donors step up, I really believe that.” | “Many of the most vulnerable people are fed, sheltered and supported by not-for-profits,” said John MacIntosh, managing partner at SeaChange, a nonprofits advisory group in New York. “Those doing much of that work have been excluded from federal support. Covid-19 is going to be a nonprofit extinction event, unless government and donors step up, I really believe that.” |
| He suggests donating through city or state community funds, which support area nonprofits; search for “community trust” or “community foundation” and give to their coronavirus response. Before donating to individual nonprofits, do your homework. Websites like CharityNavigator or GiveWell evaluate charities for impact and efficiency. Or, call the organization to which you want to donate and ask questions. | He suggests donating through city or state community funds, which support area nonprofits; search for “community trust” or “community foundation” and give to their coronavirus response. Before donating to individual nonprofits, do your homework. Websites like CharityNavigator or GiveWell evaluate charities for impact and efficiency. Or, call the organization to which you want to donate and ask questions. |
| If you’re good at digging for information or steering through bureaucratic mazes, lend expertise to those in need. Government, and in some cases private, relief programs are continuously emerging. But sometimes the people who need them most need help accessing them. | If you’re good at digging for information or steering through bureaucratic mazes, lend expertise to those in need. Government, and in some cases private, relief programs are continuously emerging. But sometimes the people who need them most need help accessing them. |
| James Wallace Fields is a security guard for a block in New York City. At 61, he lives alone in the Bronx, has no computer, and was laid off several weeks ago. His last paycheck didn’t arrive. Neighbors from the block he serves pitched in and raised $1,700 for him. Then one, a lawyer, got involved on his behalf. | James Wallace Fields is a security guard for a block in New York City. At 61, he lives alone in the Bronx, has no computer, and was laid off several weeks ago. His last paycheck didn’t arrive. Neighbors from the block he serves pitched in and raised $1,700 for him. Then one, a lawyer, got involved on his behalf. |
| “He called my boss and made sure I’d get my last check,” said Mr. Fields. “They were coming up with all kinds of excuses and he let the boss know he could be my attorney if things got bad.” The lawyer also helped him file for unemployment. | “He called my boss and made sure I’d get my last check,” said Mr. Fields. “They were coming up with all kinds of excuses and he let the boss know he could be my attorney if things got bad.” The lawyer also helped him file for unemployment. |
| If you’re in a relevant profession, join others doing pro bono work (remotely) around coronavirus. There are sites offering opportunities for financial planners to help, as well legal professionals. If you can, volunteer to help someone with new tax prep forms or assist a person seeking a rent break. If you lack that kind of expertise, you can still refer someone to a social media group where people are learning together how to make relief claims. Or pass along the 211 number, available in many parts of the country, which can guide people or businesses to resources. | If you’re in a relevant profession, join others doing pro bono work (remotely) around coronavirus. There are sites offering opportunities for financial planners to help, as well legal professionals. If you can, volunteer to help someone with new tax prep forms or assist a person seeking a rent break. If you lack that kind of expertise, you can still refer someone to a social media group where people are learning together how to make relief claims. Or pass along the 211 number, available in many parts of the country, which can guide people or businesses to resources. |
| Crowdfunding efforts have mushroomed. On Kickstarter, people are working to keep a Brooklyn metal bar alive. On GoFundMe, they’re helping an out-of-work mom care for a sick child and trying to save San Francisco’s City Lights bookstore. To support a person or business, you could launch a funding campaign. | Crowdfunding efforts have mushroomed. On Kickstarter, people are working to keep a Brooklyn metal bar alive. On GoFundMe, they’re helping an out-of-work mom care for a sick child and trying to save San Francisco’s City Lights bookstore. To support a person or business, you could launch a funding campaign. |
| Tim Cadogan, chief executive of GoFundMe, said crowdfunding is powerful because it’s more personal and direct. Here are some of his tips for a successful campaign. | Tim Cadogan, chief executive of GoFundMe, said crowdfunding is powerful because it’s more personal and direct. Here are some of his tips for a successful campaign. |
| “The most important things are to be very clear about the situation and the need, and how the funds will help,” Mr. Cadogan said. “Then, share it as broadly as you can, however you connect with people digitally. Once you’ve done it, keep working on it, you’ve got to update people, say thank you.” | “The most important things are to be very clear about the situation and the need, and how the funds will help,” Mr. Cadogan said. “Then, share it as broadly as you can, however you connect with people digitally. Once you’ve done it, keep working on it, you’ve got to update people, say thank you.” |
| “Another thing that helps a lot is creating a team, having other people help you fund-raise. A very good predictor of campaign success is having more team members.” | “Another thing that helps a lot is creating a team, having other people help you fund-raise. A very good predictor of campaign success is having more team members.” |
| The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported on April 3 that more than 50 percent of all small businesses might close by mid-month. A significant number won’t reopen. | The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported on April 3 that more than 50 percent of all small businesses might close by mid-month. A significant number won’t reopen. |
| Updated June 30, 2020 | |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Businesses, contractors and sole proprietors are eligible for government loans but approvals are coming slowly. Fill in the gap. Check your favorite business’s websites. Some, like my daughter’s dojo, have donation buttons. You’ve likely heard this already, but it bears repeating: Buy gift cards for future use from movie theaters, bookstores, your hairdresser. The restaurant reservation website OpenTable has set up a page for this, as well. One day, you’ll use them. | Businesses, contractors and sole proprietors are eligible for government loans but approvals are coming slowly. Fill in the gap. Check your favorite business’s websites. Some, like my daughter’s dojo, have donation buttons. You’ve likely heard this already, but it bears repeating: Buy gift cards for future use from movie theaters, bookstores, your hairdresser. The restaurant reservation website OpenTable has set up a page for this, as well. One day, you’ll use them. |
| More than 55 million U.S. children aren’t physically in school. In a survey of almost 4,000 teachers done by the classroom-focused nonprofit Donors Choose, 97 percent said school closings are jeopardizing student learning. This tough situation is compounded for kids from poor, dysfunctional or abusive homes. | More than 55 million U.S. children aren’t physically in school. In a survey of almost 4,000 teachers done by the classroom-focused nonprofit Donors Choose, 97 percent said school closings are jeopardizing student learning. This tough situation is compounded for kids from poor, dysfunctional or abusive homes. |
| Donors Choose normally links contributors to classrooms around the country needing help; now it has created a “Keep Kids Learning” fund, targeting donations to teachers in low-income schools, who send supplies or food to children. First Book is getting reading material to kids who don’t otherwise have access. Family Promise is intervening with homeless or near-homeless children and parents to offer immediate aid. | Donors Choose normally links contributors to classrooms around the country needing help; now it has created a “Keep Kids Learning” fund, targeting donations to teachers in low-income schools, who send supplies or food to children. First Book is getting reading material to kids who don’t otherwise have access. Family Promise is intervening with homeless or near-homeless children and parents to offer immediate aid. |
| Nicole Reisman, a Cordon Bleu-trained private chef, recently moved to Brattleboro, Vt. She let local residents on a Facebook page know she’d make free meals for those in need; some accepted. Then came the pandemic. Now she’s making 65 to 70 meals at a time, prepared and delivered using strict safety protocols. Word has gotten around: nearby farmers have contributed food and organizations like United Way have offered unsolicited funding. | Nicole Reisman, a Cordon Bleu-trained private chef, recently moved to Brattleboro, Vt. She let local residents on a Facebook page know she’d make free meals for those in need; some accepted. Then came the pandemic. Now she’s making 65 to 70 meals at a time, prepared and delivered using strict safety protocols. Word has gotten around: nearby farmers have contributed food and organizations like United Way have offered unsolicited funding. |
| “I get emails every single day: ‘We are completely out of food,’” Ms. Reisman said. “I have people saying, ‘I applied for unemployment but that was weeks ago and I haven’t heard anything.’ It’s gut-wrenching.’” | “I get emails every single day: ‘We are completely out of food,’” Ms. Reisman said. “I have people saying, ‘I applied for unemployment but that was weeks ago and I haven’t heard anything.’ It’s gut-wrenching.’” |
| If cooking isn’t your strong suit, contribute to food banks, soup kitchens or pantries, where demand has skyrocketed. Local food pantries may accept nonperishable goods as well as money. Find more information and a ZIP-code-based locator on the Feeding America website. | If cooking isn’t your strong suit, contribute to food banks, soup kitchens or pantries, where demand has skyrocketed. Local food pantries may accept nonperishable goods as well as money. Find more information and a ZIP-code-based locator on the Feeding America website. |
| Your childhood friend, a single mom, was laid off. You want to lend her money. Think it through first, cautioned Bradley Klontz, a professor of financial psychology at Creighton University in Omaha. | Your childhood friend, a single mom, was laid off. You want to lend her money. Think it through first, cautioned Bradley Klontz, a professor of financial psychology at Creighton University in Omaha. |
| “I used to have a college professor who said, if you want to get rid of a friend, loan them money,” Dr. Klontz said. “If there are any cracks or tension in the relationship, you increase the risk they’ll widen.” | “I used to have a college professor who said, if you want to get rid of a friend, loan them money,” Dr. Klontz said. “If there are any cracks or tension in the relationship, you increase the risk they’ll widen.” |
| Use three rules, Dr. Klontz suggested: Let go of expectations for how the money is used; be OK with not being paid back, since you may not be; never give money you can’t afford to lose. If you make a gift, even to family, you might pay tax on amounts over $15,000. If you make a loan, be clear about the terms. Past behavior often predicts future actions: Has the person typically been financially trustworthy? If giving money feels risky, send practical gifts or food instead. | Use three rules, Dr. Klontz suggested: Let go of expectations for how the money is used; be OK with not being paid back, since you may not be; never give money you can’t afford to lose. If you make a gift, even to family, you might pay tax on amounts over $15,000. If you make a loan, be clear about the terms. Past behavior often predicts future actions: Has the person typically been financially trustworthy? If giving money feels risky, send practical gifts or food instead. |
| “I know entire families resentful of one person because 20 years ago he borrowed money from their grandmother and never paid her back,” Dr. Klontz said. “Even though she’s been dead for 15 years. These things can be done and it’s OK to do it. But you have to have the right mind-set.” | “I know entire families resentful of one person because 20 years ago he borrowed money from their grandmother and never paid her back,” Dr. Klontz said. “Even though she’s been dead for 15 years. These things can be done and it’s OK to do it. But you have to have the right mind-set.” |