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i < PAGE A10THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, DECEMBER 12.2001 Sandra Shark of the Credit Counselling Seirice of Durham Region advises advises residents to plan how much they can afford to spend over the holidays, holidays, so they don 'tfmd themselves overextended in January. Don't get yourself in a credit crisis this year $100 toward what you do best. Helping your family. The Ontario government is pleased to provide a one-time tax-free payment of $ 100 per child for low-and-middle-income working families with children under age seven. Use it for what you do best - taking care of your family. A slowing economy is particularly difficult for lower-income working families so this one-time payment is going where it is needed. Eligibility is based on family income, children under age seven and qualifying for the Ontario Child Care Supplem ent for Working Families in November 2001. You will be automatically notified by mail if you're eligible. For more information, please call toll-free: English: 1.800.263.7965 French: 1.800.668.5821 BY JANE MCDONALD Staff Writer DURHAM - That sinking sensation of forgetting someone on your Christmas Christmas gift list is surpassed only by the realization realization you're headed for financial min. But it doesn't have to be that way. Sandra Sherk, executive director of Credit Counselling Service of Durham Region, encourages people to lake the time to plan for the holidays and all the other important occasions throughout the year. "Make a plan of how much you can afford to spend," she advises. "Don't forget regular expenses and creditors. And think of all the holiday expenses like wrapping and the cost of mailing and sending cards, buying holiday foods and extra transportation costs." One of 26 such counselling centres in Ontario, the Durham office is located on King Street in Oshawa but serves all Durham Region. And although the caseload caseload has remained steady over the years, Ms. Sherk says that could change depending depending upon the economy. '"To come up with a description of an average client, all we have to do is look- in the mirror," she says. "The age range is from 20 to 80. Anyone can have financial financial concerns and difficulties. What we like to dp is to be proactive. Some people really panic unnecessarily and some who should deal with reality don't." Since the 1980s when department stores in particular raised their interest rates to 28 per cent or more, Ms. Sherk has tried to encourage consumers to look at the cost of credit before they start to use it. "Credit is to be used as a convenience. convenience. It was never meant to be used as cash," she says, and as for those tempted to splurge over the holidays by charging their purchases to plastic, she advises, "Put the cards on ice." There are ways to be practical at all times of the year, even during Christmas and New Year's when looking good, entertaining entertaining and gift-giving can easily put a strain on anybody's bank account. "I don't think people should be ashamed at looking at nearly-new shops for clothing, toys or games if finances are tight," she says. "We still need food and shelter, too." When a person books an appointment appointment with the counselling service, a financial financial assessment is done so that the client and counsellor can explore the options options necessary to stretch a dollar. "Maybe this is the year you decide just to give to the kids or draw names for the adults," suggests Ms. Sherk. "Or you could make it or bake it (gifts) using your own skills. People don't realize how much others appreciate the things that are made. A lot of people don't realize realize what a good skill they may have. "Give gift certificates for your time," she suggests. "Instead of giving an item, offer to shovel someone's snow or walk their dog. It doesn't cost you anything but it's appreciated. It's not about who gives what to whom." Even when it comes to children with understandably high expectations, the executive director says little ones can cope quite well if they know where they stand, "Little kids open all their presents and then play with the boxes," smiles Ms. Sherk. "When people come in for a an appointment at die beginning of a financial financial assessment, we determine how much they spend a year on birthdays and at Christmas." The entire year is broken down into 12 months instead of just one month and by planning ahead, people won't be afraid to open their mail or answer answer the phone in January, she notes. As always, if the January bills arc overwhelming, Ms. Sherk and her staff arc there to help clients do a financial assessment assessment and encourage them to make a plan. "We will help them deal with it," she says. "For some it's a matter of talking to the bank. We also have a repayment plan even for those who have become overextended, those who can't consolidate, consolidate, or even those who just can't make the minimum payment or catch up. We can't lend money but we can come up with a repayment plan." Anyone with questions about budgeting budgeting or managing finances can call the Credit Counselling Service of Durham Region at 905-579-1951. 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