AGENCY OFFERS FREE COUNSELORS TO HELP CUT DEBT.

Byline: Daily News

The holiday bills are coming in, and reality is setting in for consumers who find themselves inundated with credit card debt.

The nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Los Angeles, with an office in Santa Clarita, is available to help residents come up with a plan to crack their credit card debts.

The service runs free educational workshops and individualized counseling, in person and now via the Internet at www.cccsla.org.

``Many people already in debt aggravate the problem by overspending during the holidays and reality doesn't set in until late January or February,'' said Gary Stroth, executive director for CCCS-LA.

Appointments for free, confidential, debt counseling sessions in person or by phone can still be made by calling [phone].

Established in 1966, Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to helping members of the public learn how to prevent and solve financial difficulties.

A member of the National Foundation for Consumer Credit, and accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, the group offers professional programs including consumer credit education, confidential individual counseling and the implementation of debt reduction plans.

``Every year during these months, we see a jump in the number of appointments,'' Stroth said.

After disclosing their financial obligations, clients work with a counselor to create a workable budget allowing for the repayment of creditors, said Lorraine Granados, the group's manager of phone and Internet counseling.

``Our counselors also suggest action steps and options to clients for learning how to better manage money and plan for the future,'' Granados said.

It takes about 15 minutes to complete the assessment form once all of a person's bills are in order,'' she said.

``For those who work odd hours, work from home or attend school, online counseling allows the flexibility of having a session at their leisure,'' she added. ``The assessment is very simple and easy to follow.''

People who complete the online assessment should expect to hear back from a counselor in no more than 24 hours. The anonymity of contact by computer should make it easier for some clients.

``Because many consumers don't want to admit to or accept the extent of their financial problems, taking the first steps can be difficult,'' Stroth said. ``Any excuse, such as the inconvenience of scheduling an appointment and actually attending a counseling session can deter them from getting help.''

He believes that education is the best way to avoid going into debt. He recommends that those already in debt avoid falling for quick-fix scams and investigate the alternatives to bankruptcy.