Personal & Family Counseling Services of Tuscarawas Valley, Inc. (PFCS) will begin providing Consumer Credit Counseling effective January 2, 2006. A Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Fred Weingarth, will provide the services.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) has three counseling options available depending upon the needs of the individual. These options include Budget Counseling, Debt Management Program and Bankruptcy Counseling.

Budget Counseling is for those individuals having difficulty making their monthly rent/mortgage, utility and car payments. The counselor and the individual discuss alternatives required to achieve a monthly budget that allows them to make the payments in a timely manner. There is no charge for this service.

The Debt Management Program can assist individuals with the repayment of unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills and items that have been sent to collection agencies. CCCS works with creditors to reduce the interest and eliminate late charges. This allows individuals an opportunity to eliminate their credit card debt with monthly payments over a fixed period of time. The cost of this program is a one-time fee of $30. This covers the initial set-up charge and monthly postage.

Services are designed to meet the individual’s specific needs to work toward financial freedom. Weingarth may be reached at PFCS at 330-343-8171 to set up an appointment.