Consumer service counsels students on South Campus
by Dawn Hanneman, reporter

    The Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) can provide students with advice on their personal finances that will make financial struggles a bit easier to deal with.

   CCCS is available on South Campus in the counseling center by appointment. The consultation is free to students.

   CCCS is accessible to anyone—whether experiencing financial difficulties or just wanting to learn how to avoid them. From offering budgeting tips to helping someone get out of debt, CCCS offers many services that most consumers never think about.

   Most students can easily obtain credit. And while credit may seem a convenient way to buy necessities, it is also an easy way to get into serious financial trouble.

   Unfortunately, many young adults obtain credit while in college and soon find themselves thousands of dollars in debt.

   The consumer service can provide help for those who find themselves in debt and who would like to make a change for the better.

   CCCS can also help students budget and save their money. Budgeting helps people identify areas in which they may be wasting money. Financial advisers point out that everyone has certain things he can do without, and budgeting may help someone recognize what those things are.

   Financial counselors with CCCS provide several budgeting tips. They advise students to put their budget down on paper to better assess their money.

   Consumers should be reasonable and realistic about the way they spend money.

   Also, those attempting financial management should not give up. Budgeting can be trying, but anyone can learn how to spend based on needs.

   Along with budgeting, learning ways to save money is also important. Whether a student or not, most people will agree that saving money would make paying the bills easier.

   As the summer heats up, CCCS also offers a few hints for keeping cool without paying big on utilities.

   Among the tips are keeping the area cooled to a minimum, using fans rather than the air conditioning, turning off the cooling system when no one is home and keeping windows, doors and blinds closed throughout the day.

   During the hotter months, cooling systems consume a lot of energy. By following these few rules, one will save on the monthly energy bill.

   Besides budgeting and saving advice, CCCS provides many other services. Those who are experiencing financial difficulties can receive assistance with debt management, financial planning, education and outreach programs.

   For more information or for financial guidance and advice, students can contact the South Campus counseling office at 817-515-4558.