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Page 13, News, Tuesday, February 5, 1991 Credit counsel Paying off holiday-season expenses can be a problem for many people. But if you're losing sleep worrying about bills, it may be time to visit one of Ontario's free credit- counselling services. "There are many reason why people end up with more debts than they can handle," says Ann Rowan, an expert at Ontario's Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. "But the warning signs are often the same; you've been receiving regular overdue notices from creditors; you're buying on credit what you used to pay for in cash; or you're refinancing old debts to gain more time to pay." Rowan, also a member of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Toronto Credit Counselling Service, says many cases of financial hardship result from a loss of income due to illness or loss of employment. But a large number of debt cases involve parents who've overspent making Christmas happy for their children. "Advertisements push kids to. expect brand-name everything 'from Santa. A lot of parents find it hard to say no, even when their childrens' wish-lists make unreasonable demands on their ability to pay," says Rowan. Consumers with credit problems also include many young working people who use credit cards to extend their incomes. "No matter how often we advise people that the best use of credit cards is as a short- term substitute for cash, many continue to end up in debt simply through overspending," CRRIAVIEE | a STOPPERS A COMMUNITY PROGRAM REWARD CRIME STOPPERS PAYS CASH REWARDS -- INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF ANY PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY UNSOLVED CRIME THUNDER BAY & DISTRICT -- THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN PROPERTY -- THE SEIZURE OF ILLICIT ORUGS ANONYMITY - CASH REWARDS CALL CRIME STOPPERS 623-TIPS(8477) TOLL FREE 1-800-465-6844 says Rowan. "Remember, credit is just another word for debt and a credit card isn't an extension of your income." Recently, there has been a trend to consumers paying credit card charges off more quickly. "But those who are so far in they're settling one monthly interest payment by charging it to another may not be able to keep up," warns. Rowan. "That's when credit counselling can help save the day." Free credit-counselling was first offered in Ontario in the mid-1960s. Since then, counselling services have helped more than 40,000 consumers in the Metropolitan Toronto area alone. At present, about 30 offices operate across the province. Starting to improve a credit crisis is as simple as calling a local office to set up an appointment. "Many people are afraid to take the first step because they are embarrassed by their dif- ficulties, or fear they'll be told they won't be al- lowed any discretionary spending," says Ms. Sam Hast- ings, ex- ecutive di- rector of the Metropolitan Toronto pro- gram. Experts Consumer's with debt problems may that find help from Ontario's Credit the when people Counseling Services say Ing can pay off are troubled by debts, their home life, employment, health and mental stability are commonly affected. But once they've made that first move, their personal peace of mind alone often proves to make the effort worthwhile. "At the first meeting, we try to understand the person as well as_ their troubles," says Hastings. "Working with the facts and figures, our counselors will help the client make up a budget to find out where the money is going, and explain to those who've never used one before that a budget must be flexible to be useful." Hastings reports many people feel guilty because they think they're wasting their money. But with a budget, they can see where it's being spent. "While most people remember to add the rent or utilities payments into their budget, many other costs are forgotten," S28 yas Hastings. "Pet food ands pre- scription drugs, for example, can add up to a lot of money that is not ac- counted for." Once full information ient's fin- '= ancial pic- \y ture has be- cou- nseltlor financial on the cl- > reviews the options. The | Public Library service is provided in complete 1891-1991 oe confidence. _ The heart of the -- While some clients require | Community for 100 yrs only budgeting assistance, ---- arene others may need _ the Give yourself a gift counsellor's help to negotiate a Read! = solution with creditors. When 3 = the client and counsellor agree _NewBooks a debt-payment program is Being Red, Howard Fast needed, creditors are The Universal Ustinov, contracted and their co- Christopher Warwick operation sought to support the The Way of Deception, plan. "Most creditors will accept a revision of payment if it is Hoy & Ostrovsky © That Girl & Phil, Atholl & Cherkinian _~ recommended by our | Deadly Weekend, John counselors as part of an overall Dillman | os plan," says Hastings. Clients | The Secret Pilgrim, then pay an agreed-upon |JohnLeCarre amount to their local |The Fourth K, Mario -- counselling service on a per | Puzo -- ee pay-day basis. The service | Zhe City When It Rains, Thomas Cook --y disburses cheques as required, without charge. An average payment plan takes three years to complete. to some, that may seem like a long time. But Hastings says that seeing the thousands of people who've: been helped to financial health throughout the 15 years of her involvement with the program are proof that Jaguar, Loup Durand Vital Signs, Robin Cook Story Hour Children can participate in stories, crafts, songs and games with other children at the library. -- Sessions for 3-5 year olds on Mondays 2 -3 p.m. and for 6-10 year olds on credit counselling works. Saturdays Less than one per cent of --_ - --_ people who've completed a SCHREIBER plan will have further credit TERRACE BAY problems. ROSSPORT For further information on Ontario Association of Credit CALL Counselling Services member 824-3345 agencies contact the Credit Counselling Service of metropolitan Toronto, at (416) 593-7434, or toll free at 1-800- 263-0260. en provided, - o sy ae ALIS® AKEy Lakehead University a eS ca on Sa aee 6 ae % 6 S96 L "£1990 A registration meeting for Date: Time: Place: A Northern Vision -- REGISTRATION MEETING 1991 SPRING/SUMMER COURSES courses will be offered in your community during the 1991 Spring/Summer Session will be held in the following: ° Centre: Terrace Bay Thursday, February 14, 1991 "4:00 p.m. St. Martin's School 'To ensure the courses you want may be offered all students are urged to attend. Minimum enrolments for courses should be reached at this meeting. For further information contact our off-campus repre- sentative: ~ Mrs. Barbara Spadoni 824-2761 - Home or Continuing Education Lakehead University 807-343-8133 = THE CORPORATION 2c OF THE TOWNSHIP OF TERRACE BAY The Township of Terrace Bay RECREATION DEPARTMENT requires PART-TIME MAINTENANCE CG@RET@KER The Terrace Bay Recreation Department is now accepting applications for one Part-time Maintenance Caretaker to work in the Recreation Centre. In the sammer months, this position involves Vacation and Sick Day relief work and approxi- mately 24 hours per week daring the winter months. fin application with a resume must be submit- ted no later than FRIDGY, FEBRUGRY 8th to: TERRACE BAY RECREATION DEPGRTMENT P.O. BOX 460 . TERRACE BAY, ONTARIO POT ZWO For more information or a job description, please contact Dean Main at the Recreation Hl ---- [Wrz Office at 825-3542.