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PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Special CCCS Budget Buster Workshop for 'Ice Storm Survivors' March 4-5
It might be warmer in North Texas, but budgets could be frozen for consumers
who missed a week of work during the ice storm
Dallas - February 16, 2011 - After severe winter storms wreaked havoc across Texas and many areas of the country, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas (CCCS of Greater Dallas) is offering a two-day counseling and education event to help hourly, commissioned and contract workers recover from lost pay, as well as prepare for future winter weather or unforeseen emergencies capable of causing financial stress.
"Losing a week's worth of pay due to ice storms can be frustrating for workers and their families, and can deal a devastating blow to an already tight budget," said Todd Mark, vice president of education for CCCS of Greater Dallas. "At CCCS, we want consumers to be prepared for unplanned events and are teaching them how to do so with smart spending habits that help them prepare for future possible emergencies, such as pay cuts, illness or even job joss."
CCCS of Greater Dallas is hosting a two-day Budget Buster Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 4-5. The free event is open to the public and will include one-on-one counseling, educational workshops, as well as online webinars for those who are unable to attend in person.
"After the stressful weather events in February, we thought it was important to offer a two-day event," Mark added. "It may also be an opportunity for those who have already forgotten about their New Year's resolutions to get back on track by attending a free, confidential, one-on-one session or educational workshop. We are also making our resources available through telephone counseling and webinars for those who cannot get to our Dallas headquarters."
Some of CCCS of Greater Dallas' budgeting tips to help consumers plan for the unexpected, include:
Review your monthly expenses. If you haven't already, cut back on expenses like eating out, premium cable channels and expensive memberships, and put that extra money into savings. You'll be glad to have the money later whether it's for an emergency or to spend on something noteworthy.
Stay current on your mortgage. If money is tight, always pay your mortgage or rent first, car payment second, utilities third, food fourth, necessary insurance fifth and everything else comes after that.
Change your shopping habits. Shop the discount chains instead of the gourmet grocery stores, avoid expensive brand names and spending money on coffee and other snacks while you're out and about. Keep a log of every dime you spend. You'll be surprised by where you actually spend your money, and this log will help determine ways to cut costs.
Quit charging if you have debt that needs to be paid. If money is already tight, avoid charging expenses. Use cash so you know exactly how much money you have to budget. It can take days for expenses to show up on credit cards, which means you don't have an accurate picture of what money you've spent.
Pay attention to your credit card bills. Given today's economy, many creditors are cutting credit lines and raising interest rates. Be aware so you know what you have available in case of an emergency. Also, do everything you can to pay your bills on time to avoid increased interest rates and late fees.
Get free help from a trusted provider. If you feel like you've done all you can to cut back on expenses and it just isn't enough, visit a credit counseling agency certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Council on Accreditation. Approval by these governing bodies means the agency has completed a strict certification process. Additionally, you should not have to pay for help. Nonprofit agencies like CCCS of Greater Dallas provide free education and counseling services. Know your options and avoid organizations that offer a quick fix that could ruin your credit forever.
For more information on budgeting for the unexpected, or to inquire about free workshops available to consumers, corporations and nonprofit organizations, contact Todd Mark, vice president of education for CCCS of Greater Dallas, at (214) 540-6810 or tmark@cccs.net. A list of current webinars is available online at www.cccs.net/webinars.
For more information visit www.cccs.net/buster.
About CCCS of Greater Dallas
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Inc. is a nonprofit, community based credit counseling and debt management service. Established in 1974, CCCS of Greater Dallas and its affiliate offices provide financial education and counseling to consumers in-person, by phone, or Internet at more than 20 locations in four states. CCCS of Greater Dallas is a HUD-approved housing counseling multi-state organization and serves as one of seven counseling agencies supporting the 888-995-HOPE Hotline. The agency is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation's largest and longest serving national non-profit credit counseling network. To learn more about CCCS of Greater Dallas' free seminars or the agency's services, visit www.cccs.net or become a fan of CCCS of Greater Dallas on Facebook to receive updates on agency events and offerings.
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