Financial expert: Consumer advice center continues to see a high need for advice due to price increases

Financial expert: Consumer advice center continues to see a high need for advice due to price increases

According to a report by www.stern.de, the Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center is increasingly challenged by ongoing inflation and high energy prices. People's desperation, frustration and anger have increased significantly, which is leading to an increased need for advice. The increased spread of extremist attitudes is also emphasized in this context.

Last year, the VZSH recorded almost 80,650 consumer contacts, of which more than 41,000 questions related to energy/heating and around 7,200 questions related to financial topics. In view of the crises and rising prices, they continue to assume a high need for advice.

The impact of this rising inflation and energy prices can be devastating. Poorer people are particularly affected because they often have limited income. The language and financial barriers they face also make the situation even more difficult.

These ongoing burdens could lead to a further increase in social inequality by making it more difficult for poorer people to access important counseling services. The increased presence of extremist attitudes in such crisis phases is also worrying and requires targeted education and support from advice centers such as the VZSH.

Overall, the development highlights an increased need for consumer advice, which has a direct impact on the quality of life of those affected. The VZSH is therefore planning to increasingly go to affected neighborhoods to offer direct support. According to board member Stefan Bock, the VZSH's budget for this year is a good six million euros, which will probably not be enough given the increased requirements.