will include a

"service fee" but more importantly, you run the

risk of a

continuous cycle of

rotating debt-accruing interest charges all the

way. Using money from your

savings probably will cost less than paying

interest on a loan. If you

must borrow money, consider a short-term

loan from your credit union

or bank and be sure to shop around for the

lowest interest rate.

* Cut your expenses now.

Reducing your daily spending beginning

today will help you save

the amount you need. Cut down on optional

expenses such as cell phone

usage and getting your nails done. A simple

spending reduction such as

taking your lunch to work instead of buying

it can mean $300 saved over

six to eight weeks.

* Check your deductions.

Make sure you have taken all deductions

for which you are eligible.

Go to the library or borrow a

tax-preparation book. Call

the IRS hotline at 800.TAX.1040. Maybe you

are eligible for the Earned

Income Tax Credit (EIC). Workers with a

family income of less than

$26,473 who are raising one child in the

home, may receive an EIC of

up to $2,271.

* Look for hidden sources

of income. There may be ways to earn

extra money for your tax

payment including a temporary part-time job,

working overtime, taking

clothes to a consignment store or holding a

garage sale.

Review your scheduled W-2

form deductions and consider changes to ensure

you avoid this predicament

next year.

For more information about

personal finances, contact CCCS. Consumer

Credit Counseling Service

is a nonprofit, community service organization

that provides free credit

counseling and offers debt repayment plans for

consumers who are

overextended.

CCCS negotiates with

creditors to reduce or eliminate interest charges

for clients who repay their

creditors through a CCCS Debt Repayment

Plan. Workplace Financial

Education (InBalance) is available to

employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta,

CCCS has offices in Athens, Carrollton,

Decatur, Douglasville,

Fayetteville, Gainesville, Marietta, Norcross,

Rome, Toccoa and throughout

the metropolitan Atlanta area. Telephone

counseling and online

counseling are available seven days a week. For

24-hour access to schedule

an appointment, call 404-527-7630 in Atlanta.

Outside Atlanta call

1-800-251-CCCS. Consumers can visit CCCS on the

Internet at

www.cccsatl.org. The agency's TTY number for the hearing

impaired is 770-716-9666.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Norma Tharp, Public

Relations Director

404.653.8833 / e-mail: [email protected]

Karen Nicolas

Public Information

Coordinator

Consumer Credit Counseling

Service

(404)653-8874