Young people have lots of desires. The latest mobile phone or fashionable clothes – often bought on hire purchase. Those who cannot afford them from their own disposable income can easily fall into the debt trap. The Youth Debt Counselling Service in the Tübingen district offers free advice to those affected, aged up to 25.
No one will find out what is discussed
The advice is clear: anyone in financial difficulty should not wait until they’re up to their neck in debt before seeking advice. This can be done initially over the phone to clarify the issues and provide initial support. Afterwards, an appointment – including for preventative advice – can be arranged at the advice centre in Tübingen (Hechinger Straße 13). What is discussed there is subject to professional confidentiality. Nobody will find out about it.
Sometimes a simple consultation is all it takes. Heiner Gutbrod, a qualified educationalist, also offers to answer questions via WhatsApp or email. However, some people affected need more support and longer-term, intensive guidance.
Making ends meet on your own budget
Anyone who would like to learn how to manage their available money more effectively can receive budget counselling. It lasts three to four months, begins with weekly appointments and concludes with monthly analyses of your financial situation. The counselling centre has been offering this service since 2014. Around 100 young people seek help there every year. About half of them make use of intensive counselling.
Contact the counsellor: Heiner Gutbrod on 07071 93 04 80, via text message or WhatsApp on 01575 79310 40, or by email at h.gutbrod@kreis-tuebingen.de
Further information:
https://jugendschuldenberatung-tuebingen.de/beratung
Also available in easy-to-read language:
https://www.kreis-tuebingen.de/soziales/soziale-hilfen/jugend-schulden-beratung
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