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In order to protect young people from over-indebtedness, the Vogelsberg district's debt counseling service goes directly to schools.
Vogelsbergkreis – Get your own credit card in two steps, supposedly “bargain” offers or the quick in-game purchase to get additional goods, items or functions in the game – such often thoughtless clicks can cost money – and really. In the worst case, they lead teenagers and young adults straight into debt.
“It is now easy for young people to order things online that they have to pay for later. But at some point they can lose track of all the “buy now, pay later” offers. We would like to counteract this: We are now going directly to schools with our debt advice and pointing out the possible dangers,” announces First District Councilor and Head of Social Affairs Patrick Krug. Dominik Mertinat has taken on this task and has already completed his first class visit – in an eighth grade at the Alsfeld Albert Schweitzer School, the district administration announced in a press release.
Protection from debt: Prevention program advises young people in schools
“Young adults who are in debt with large amounts of money are increasingly coming to our debt counseling service,” says Patrick Krug. “And when you ask how the debt came about, they often point to their own credit card. With this in mind, we started the prevention program, which is financed with state money, and are now advising young people directly in schools.”
First, Dominik Mertinat introduced himself to the colleges at the Vogelsberg schools. With his concept, which is tailored to grade 8, he “opened the door”. There have also long been inquiries for the 9th and 10th grades of secondary and secondary schools as well as for upper level courses at high schools. Mertinat can also provide advice in youth welfare facilities.
In his courses, the social worker “goes through life SMART”. His tips behind the capital letters: “Save regularly – even small amounts; Make a plan – what do you want to spend your money on; Pay attention to the price – comparing is always worth it; Do the math – do you really have enough money; Learn something new every day – if you know what you're doing, you won't be ripped off, neither by advertising nor by quick deals.”
“While attending class, we think together about how debt can arise, for example through cell phone contracts, installment purchases or wrong decisions,” says Mertinat. “Then the students have to find out why people get into debt and they have to discover possible dangers for themselves. And finally I show what consequences debt can have – this can range from stress with parents to legal proceedings,” says the social worker, who also asks the young people to think about their own purchasing behavior.
“TOP life hacks against debt” – Students should think about their own purchasing behavior
“You have to ask yourself whether you really need the new part or whether it’s more of a want-to-have feeling.” He works with young people to collect tips on how to avoid debt right from the start. And he shows ways “how to avoid falling into the debt trap and still have fun having and spending money.”
“In the project we list the TOP life hacks against debt,” explains Patrick Krug. In first place is the “pause for thought before every purchase” and therefore the question of whether you really want that or just on a whim. “Small animals also make messes – this saying also plays a role in incurring debt. That's why we recommend keeping a close eye on the apps, because app purchases, skins, levels or subscriptions can quickly add up.”
You should also stay away from buying in installments; in fact, Mertinat gives the rule: “If I can’t afford it immediately, then I have to wait before buying.” He also warns of high overdraft interest rates and advises stopping the account at 0 euros. The expert advises that advertising should always be questioned, because it “doesn’t want to help, it wants to sell”. Mertinat recommends budgeting, because if you know where your money is going, you have less stress.
And what if the many tips don't help and you've run into debt? “Debt gets worse when you hide it,” says Mertinat. “That’s why you should talk to your parents, teachers or people you trust very early on.” After his first visit to a school, he draws a positive conclusion: “The collaboration with the Albert Schweitzer School was great and overall we had a successful start.” (rsb)
Only a few weeks earlier had Patrick Krug completed his tour of all 38 school locations in the Vogelsberg district.
