A Better Budget Can Help You Weather High Energy Costs
From Consumer Credit Counseling of Central New York

Syracuse, NY- Recent reports about rising oil prices may have you shivering, even though fall just arrived, but it’s an issue that has many consumers looking for some help. “The volume of calls requesting information and direction on this issue is increasing and we expect this trend to continue as the cooler weather approaches.” said MaryAnn Stark, Executive Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of CNY.” CCCS of CNY receives over 400 calls a day at its Syracuse consumer call center. “We’re hearing from many consumers that would not normally use credit cards to fill their gas tanks, but are finding it harder and harder not to rely on credit”, said Stark.

In the short term, knowing how to weatherize your home, monitoring and curtailing your energy usage and keeping your car in shape can help to lessen the anxiety and money crunch being felt by all of us. However, CCCS of CNY suggests that having a long term money management game plan that includes a realistic monthly budget may provide the type of comfort that lasts well beyond the last 2005-2006 snow fall.

To help you get started, pull together all your bills, receipts, and checks. Divide them into fixed expenses (that is, those that are paid on a regular and recurring basis - mortgage or rent, loan payments, taxes, utilities, telephone) and periodic expenses (that is, those that do not regularly occur - home repair and maintenance, medical and dental, auto repair and maintenance, personal purchases). Some of these figures will be estimates.

Examine your estimated expenses, especially personal purchases, to determine where your money went and if the expenses were justified and wise. This step will allow you to figure out where you can cut back on your expenses to come up with the dollars you need to deal with the inflated energy costs. Your work doesn't stop here. Throughout the year, you'll be tracking your budget, assessing your progress, and adjusting your budget to meet your needs. The end result, both short term and longer, is worth the effort.

CCCS of CNY reports that there are many resources out there to help jump-start the process; including online budgeting worksheets and bookstores full of “how-to” manuals. For those consumers that are looking for professional, one-on-one assistance, Consumer Credit Counseling of CNY is there to help.

For budgeting assistance call Consumer Credit Counseling at 1-800-479-6026. CCCS of CNY offers free, confidential money management and credit counseling by phone, internet or in person. If consumers require additional debt repayment assistance, CCCS of CNY offers Debt Management Plans. Energy saving tips can also be found on the agency’s website (www.cccscny.org).

Main Office
Syracuse
500 South Salina St, Suite 600, Syracuse, NY 13202
John Grady, Assistant Director of Counseling ,(315) 474-6026

Branch Locations
Albany
2 Computer Dr. West, Albany, NY 12205
David Kline, Branch Manager, (518) 482-0203

Utica
289 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501,
Pat Manley, Branch Manager, (315) 797-5368

Binghamton
The Metro Center, 49 Court St., Binghamton, NY 13901
Gary Thurber, Branch Manager, (607) 723-2753

Watertown
215 Washington St., Suite B5 Watertown, NY 13601
John Grady, Assistant Director of Counseling, (315) 474-6026

Frank Polera
Assistant Director of Community Relations
Consumer Credit Counseling of Central New York, Inc.
500 South Salina Street, Suite 600
Syracuse, New York 13202
phone: 315-474-6026 x2137
fax: 315-479-8421
www.cccscny.org

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