Consumer Credit Counseling Now Available in Tuscarawas County

Personal & Family Counseling Services of Tuscarawas Valley, Inc. will begin providing Consumer Credit Counseling effective January 2, 2006. A Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Fred Weingarth, will provide the services.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) has three counseling options available depending upon the needs of the individual. These options include Budget Counseling, Debt Management Program and Bankruptcy Counseling.

Budget Counseling is for those individuals having difficulty making their monthly rent/mortgage, utility and car payments. The counselor and the individual discuss alternatives required to achieve a monthly budget that allows them to make the payments in a timely manner. There is no charge for this service.

The Debt Management Program can assist individuals with the repayment of unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills and items that have been sent to collection agencies. CCCS works with creditors to reduce the interest and eliminate late charges. This allows individuals an opportunity to eliminate their credit card debt with monthly payments over a fixed period of time. To qualify for the Debt Management Program, an individual cannot use their credit cards three months prior to entering the program and may not use any type of credit card actively while in the program. A credit card must be at least nine months old to be eligible for the program. In the case of medical bills and items in collection, CCCS will present a payment plan to those creditors for their acceptance. The cost of this program is a one-time fee of $30. This covers the initial set-up charge and monthly postage.

Bankruptcy Counseling involves CCCS doing a budget analysis that will examine the individual’s financial situation, discuss the factors causing the problems and explore options for developing a reasonable plan for dealing with them. CCCS will provide the individual with information about bankruptcy, including the process and possible consequences. Alternatives to bankruptcy to resolve the problems are also discussed.

The purpose of the counseling is to provide the individual with information so that they may chose the option that is best for their situation. If the individual decides to file bankruptcy, a certificate will be provided validating the bankruptcy counseling. This certificate is required to proceed with filing bankruptcy. It is valid for 180 days. There is a $50 fee for the counseling session if the individual elects to file bankruptcy.

Services are designed to meet the individual’s specific needs to work toward financial freedom. Weingarth may be reached at PFCS at 330-343-8171 to set up an appointment.