New Next Step® Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard® Program Helps Curb Impulsive and Compulsive Spending

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Sept. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Next Step Network, LLC, announced a new program that helps families curtail negative spending behaviors. The reloadable, prepaid debit card program is equipped with customizable spending restrictions and tools to easily distribute, manage and monitor spending allowances for their loved ones. These features provide an additional level of analysis and oversight not available with traditional debit cards.

The Next Step MasterCard Program for Families minimizes the risks associated with providing individuals unfettered access to financial support. By default, a Next Step Prepaid MasterCard cannot be used at merchants that categorize themselves as bars, liquor stores, gambling establishments, escort services, and the like. Parents and caregivers can also customize the spending parameters by:

·       Eliminating or minimizing access to cash with ATM restriction options

·       Setting overall spending limits and for merchant category types by day, week and/or month

·       Blocking the use of the card during certain hours

·       Blocking the card from use at additional merchant category types (i.e. billiard halls)

“The Next Step MasterCard behavioral healthcare program has been successfully implemented, tested and approved by some of the nation’s leading treatment and recovery residence providers.” said Eric Dresdale, CEO of Next Step Network. “By extending this program to families, we can provide parents and caregivers with the peace of mind they are looking for when providing financial support to a loved one.”

The card also provides tools to foster financial independence. Individuals can work with their caregiver to create and set a budget, review spending dashboards, and monitor how they are doing against their budgets.,

“The Next Step Mastercard Program for Families sets the stage to initiate conversations about financial responsibility, accountability and expectations,” said Kimberly Kirby, PhD, Treatment Research Institute Director of the Parents Translational Research Center. “This platform helps safeguard spending while also teaching healthy financial habits for future success.”

To learn more about the Next Step Prepaid MasterCard Program for Families visit www.nextstepcard.com.