Source: Jason Armond / Getty
The Los Angeles wildfires that scorched large parts of the county in January are estimated to exceed $250 billion in total damage and economic loss. Aside from the emotional and mental toll that this disaster left behind, by this estimate, the Los Angeles wildfires will go down as the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
The widespread loss sustained by families across Altadena to the Pacific Palisades is hard to imagine. At least 29 people have died and more than 10,000 houses were destroyed across Los Angeles County.
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As residents process the loss of life, cherished belongings, and homes that have housed the same families for generations—navigating the financial impact can feel heavy. “For families who lost their homes to the wildfires, it can be an overwhelming time, both emotionally and financially,” said financial counselor and educator, Markia Brown.
Brown, founder of The Money Plug—a platform offering culturally inclusive financial education and counseling services to Black and other underserved communities—shared key points to guide families as they navigate personal finance in the aftermath of the wildfires.
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“A mnemonic I teach to make it easier to remember some of the important steps when recovering from a natural disaster is ASK,” Brown shared with NewsOne.
