CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With many businesses closed, in quarantine, or seeing significantly fewer customers because of the pandemic, folks are facing an uncertain few months when it comes to finances.

Common Wealth Charlotte, which operates out of the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, offers free financial counseling, workshops, and loans.

CWC is working remotely during the outbreak but asking clients to be patient when it comes to money.

Executive Director Chuck Jones said if bills are coming due, try to take the time to ask for one or two months deferment.

“Because they want that bill collected, but they know that people are in situations right now impacted by this,” Jones said. “So make the call and ask for deferred payments. Companies are going to be more willing to do that now than in normal situations.”

He said even people needing money immediately should avoid taking out predatory loans like payday loans, auto title loans, or online installment loans.

“Because the interest rates are two, three, maybe 400 percent. Don’t do that,” Jones said. “Hold tight. Don’t panic.”

Common Wealth Charlotte has an Emergency Financial Questions Line. You can text the word, “Finances” to 474747, fill out a form, and someone will contact you.