Question: “I’m a 72 year old female with no savings. I’m still working a minimum wage job and paying for two trailers for my daughter and I on my credit card which means I’m financing about $70,000. We also have to pay for parking for the trailers, insurance and registration. Last but not least, my health is becoming more and more questionable and I could end up in a wheelchair. If that happens, I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t suppose there’s any sort of financial advice out there for someone in my position, maybe even pro bono?” (Looking for a financial planner too? This free tool from our partner SmartAsset can match you to financial planners, as can sites like CFP Board and NAPFA.)

Answer: There’s no doubt you’re in a difficult situation, but not all hope is lost – there are financial advisers who are low cost and those who are pro bono. But first, let’s talk about the situation with your debt and your daughter. 

“At this stage it is less about investing and more about survival planning. The first step is to stop digging the hole deeper by addressing the credit card debt,” says Gabriel Shahin, a certified financial planner, principal and founder of Falcon Wealth Planning. “High interest debt will bury you, so looking into credit counseling or a nonprofit debt management program could reduce rates and consolidate payments. It’s also important to explore government benefits you may be entitled to including Social Security, Medicaid or housing assistance. You’re not alone and there are resources designed to protect seniors in exactly this position such as Section 8 housing for free rent, EBT and utility discounts,”

Furthermore, “I would explore state programs that may be available for you from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to rental assistance, or even utility subsidies. Some states have programs for many of these types of services,” says Joe Favorito, a CFP and principal at Landmark Wealth Management.

Something else you might look into is reducing your spending. “You might consider moving into a single trailer,” says Alonso Rodriguez Segarra, a CFP and CEO at Advise Financial. “As you mentioned, if your income were to decrease, both you and your daughter would face a more complex situation, so it would be good to analyze how to proceed to see if your daughter could start generating a little more income in order to cover the missing portion of income with this new income.”

While you’re certainly well-intentioned when it comes to helping your daughter, the reality of paying for her trailer might not be the smartest move given your lack of savings. Are you able to push her to take some expenses on herself? “A financial planner can help you review disability options with Social Security and other programs as well as evaluate whether filing for bankruptcy might make sense for you,” says Segarra.

Bottom line: “You’re in a tough spot,” says Anthony Ogorek, a CFP, president and founder of Ogorek Wealth Management. “In addition to the Financial Planning Association, the U.S. Department of Justice has a list of approved credit counseling agencies.”

Have an issue with your financial planner or looking for a new one? Email questions or concerns to picks@marketwatch.com.

How to find an adviser to help you

Finding a specialist with extensive experience in handling pro bono cases would be ideal. “Some advisers dedicate a few hours a month to pro bono cases, but that doesn’t mean they have a detailed understanding of all the assistance programs you might be eligible for,” says Segarra. “I’m not going to suggest any credit card payment strategies because it’s clear your expenses are exceeding your income.”

Contact the Foundation for Financial Planning – they have a pro bono department – as soon as possible so you can begin working with a financial planner who can help you review disability options. “The important thing is to apply corrective measures as soon as possible,” says Segarra. There are other pro bono help options here.

In addition to the FPA and FFP, professional organizations like the CFP Board have professionals who set aside a portion of their time for pro bono cases. “Community legal aid groups and even local credit unions often have programs that provide guidance at no cost,” says Shahin. “The key is to reach out and ask. Be clear about your situation and you’ll find professionals willing to help.” (Looking for a financial planner too? This free tool from our partner SmartAsset can match you to financial planners, as can sites like CFP Board and NAPFA.)

Have an issue with your financial planner or looking for a new one? Email questions or concerns to picks@marketwatch.com.

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