Consumer Credit Counseling Service's Advice for ``Bills and Blues'' This January.

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 1998--Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern Ohio Inc. (CCCS) knows what happens during the aftermath of holiday spending -- bills arrive.

And when credit card statements arrive, they often add up to more than consumers expected. CCCS is in the business of sorting out financial situations where less is coming in than needs to go out. And we'd like to offer this advice.

CCCS Director of Education, Nancy Deevers, suggests the following steps to cope with high credit card balances: -0-

--  First, assess the damage. How long will it take you to pay off the
    debt incurred, while still taking care of your basic expenses? If
    it will take three to six months, a strict budget will help you
    reach your goals. Any belt-tightening will help speed up this
    process. It might also be a good time to put the cards away until
    the damage is under control.

--  The Ohio State Extension may be able to help. They have a FREE
    Master Money Managers program to help people through the budgeting
    process. Call 216/397-6000 for more information.

--  If it appears that the extra debt may last nine months or longer,
    we advise people to contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service for
    FREE debt counseling. The service can advise and/or administer
    debt repayment plans, also, absolutely free. CCCS has nine
    convenient locations and offers Saturday and evening appointments.
    Phone counseling is also available.

--  Consumer Credit Counseling Service also offers a variety of
    educational seminars concerning managing credit and saving money
    throughout the year. Call CCCS at 216/781-8624 for an appointment
    or information on the seminars scheduled.

CCCS is a nonprofit, community service organization that provides confidential counseling, guidance, debt management and education programs to financially troubled consumers. It is a member of the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC). NFCC is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit organization providing education and counseling services on budgeting and credit face-to-face, by telephone and by mail. NFCC members located in 1,500 offices across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada adhere to quality standards that include agency accreditation, counselor certification and policies that ensure quality service. For more information about CCCS of Northeastern Ohio, visit http://www.debtsos.org.

To schedule an appointment with a Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern Ohio counselor, please call 216/781-8624.