Read up on debt to stay on track

Casey North Community Information and Support Service manager Susan Magee and financial counsellor Louis Hebrard are encouraging anyone facing financial hardship to take a copy of the newly released Stay on Track financial guide. 23556

By Callan Date
WELFARE workers are encouraging residents struggling financially to stay on track, with a new booklet.
Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CNCISS) has this week released the Stay on Track financial guide to coincide with Anti Poverty Week.
The Fountain Gate centre helped more than 3000 households last year and is prepared to assist more in 2008.
CNCISS manager Susan Magee said the new booklet was designed to inform people about the various aspects of finances in day-to-day life.
“Casey North CISS has put together a guide for our local community, providing information that might assist households to make better choices when entering contracts, credit or other financial commitments,” Ms Magee said.
Budgeting, loans, credit cards, fines, and how to get help are among the many topics covered in the booklet, she said.
“Because many of the families who do come for help have been struggling to survive financially for some time, the debt accumulated is often quite large,” Ms Magee said.
“The pressure this places on families and relationships can be devastating.”
A trained financial counsellor is also available at CNCISS.
Ms Magee said recent interest rate cuts sometimes gave a false impression of financial relief for many people. But, she said, last week’s announcement of reduced interest rates was welcome and would ease the burden on families.
“Many of those households have already accumulated large debts, primarily credit card debt, and it will take some time for those families to get on top of things again.”
The booklet is available from the CNCISS centre at Suite S1006, Overland Drive, Fountain Gate. CNCISS will also post it.
“We are hoping that this information will help keep families in control of their finances and save many from losing their possessions, including their homes and cars,” Ms Magee said.
For more information about Casey North Community Information and Support Service and the Stay on Track financial guide contact 9705 6699.