2007...The Year for a New Financial You.

Make 2007 Your Year to be FINANCIALLY FIT. Perform a Financial Check Up Today.

CHICAGO -- If you used a credit card for your holiday shopping this year, you are not alone. A recent survey by Family Credit Counseling Service revealed that almost three quarters of all consumers use credit cards for holiday shopping.

"When it comes to holiday shopping, credit cards just make it easier to spend more," said Michael McAuliffe, president of Family Credit Counseling Service. "The damage is done, so now is the time to take real control of your money and get on track."

Family Credit Counseling Service recommends following these simple suggestions to start 2007 on the right financial foot.

1. Open an IRA or enroll in your company's 401K or 403(b) plan. We all know the benefits of doing this, now just do it. If you are already enrolled, increase your contribution every time you receive a pay increase and you won't even feel a pinch in your budget.

2. Pay off any credit card debt. Make the minimum payments on each account and send every penny extra you can come up with to the account with the highest interest. Once that account is paid off, apply these funds to the next highest interest creditor. Of course, this won't help unless you stop charging!

3. Check your credit report, and look for any inaccuracies. You may obtain a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. If there is a problem, you need to know now rather than when the time comes to apply for a mortgage or car loan.

4. Cut the fat in your budget. Understand that small items add up quickly. Lunch once a day at $10 per day costs about $2,600 per year, breakfast coffee and a pastry at $5 per day cost another $1300, and a pack of cigarettes at $5 per day will cost another $1300. You get the idea. Think about how much money you would have in 5 or 10 years if you put this in a retirement account.

5. Pay your bills on time. Payment history accounts for about 35% of your credit score. When a bills arrives in the mail mark the due date on your calendar so you don't forget about it. Better yet, sign up for online bill payment (just make sure the money is in your account).

For additional general money management tips, a copy of our consumer survey, or a free consumer budget guide, contact one of our certified credit counselors at 800-994-3328.

About Family Credit Counseling Service - FCCS is an ISO registered, non-profit agency providing solutions for those seeking financial assistance. FCCS is one of the largest consumer credit counseling agencies, is licensed in over twelve states, and has been servicing consumers throughout the country for over ten years. FCCS' mission is to reduce the stress in consumer's lives through education, budget counseling and debt management.