Small steps...

At least they are doing something, right?

During this time of economic turmoil and record job loss, a sliver of sunlight is a day on the beach for some. I get more grateful with each passing day knowing I have a job and the ability to pay my rent each month. But I also realize that every day the number of people less fortunate than I keep piling up. So when I see the people that can make a difference taking the steps to help the ones in need, no matter how small the steps, I know there's still good and common sense in the world.

I am getting more comfortable and active with my use of Simply Easier Payments account on Twitter, and that's where I found a Wall Street Journal article posted by someone I follow. FiLife, who is in partnership with The Wall Street Journal, posted this article: "City to Allow Jobless to Pay Less on Loans".

The article is about just that, Citigroup Inc. is going to allow a certain group of their mortgage customers to pay less on their loans. Here's a quick excerpt from the article:

"Under the program, Citigroup will temporarily lower mortgage payments to an average of $500 a month for certain borrowers who have recently lost their jobs and are at least 60 days behind on their mortgage payments. Borrowers will be allowed to make the lower payments for three months. Citigroup will waive interest and penalties during this period."

Obviously there are strict guidelines as to who qualifies and terms and conditions along with the contract but doesn't it feel good to see a company, SOMEBODY, doing something to ease the burden of losing a job? Maybe it's the sentimental side of me but dang, this is pretty cool.

This so called "novel program will help just a small fraction of troubled borrowers" but chief executive of CitiMortgage Sanjiv Das "hopes it will be copied by others in the industry."

Yes, it's true, Citigroup has received billions in taxpayer funds and by no means does this clean their slate of their troubling previous years, but personally, I feel like they're at least trying.

Small steps people...small steps.