A DeWitt County financial coach is seeing a disturbing trend in just the first seven weeks of the new year.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, First National Bank Financial Literacy Coordinator Connie Unruh told Regional Radio it's an issue unlike anything she's ever seen before. She is encountering a lot of individuals coming in with debt issues and turning to bankruptcy. 

Unruh indicates most debt settlement companies are not legitimate and in fact, many people that are in debt that turn to these individuals end up having bigger payments than they can afford.

If you are going to a debt settlement company, Unruh says she's only seen two people get out of those programs by declaring bankruptcy. She reminds, when it comes to recovering financially, there is no easy fix - it takes hard work.

Unruh offers free financial coaching and also teaches financial curriculums in area schools. You can find out more about her services by calling her at First National Bank in Clinton at 217-935-7464.