The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Pace 10 The Clarington/Courlicc Independent, Bowmanvillc, Saturday, November 7, 1998 Smart Money Tips Budget Time for Families In fall, people in Ontario buy big-ticket household items, and sales climb to a peak by the holiday holiday season. Taking a brief pause to look at your family family budget now can result in a more financially secure position by the start of 1999, say money-smart experts at Ontario's Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. "If you've never organized organized your budget, the task can sound enormous," says Marilyn Gurcvsky, a manager with the ministry's ministry's Business Division. "But figuring out now how much money you have to spend, and how far it has to go by the end of the year, is more than worth the effort in terms of your peace of mind." To start a budget, you'll need to keep all your receipts and write down everything you buy for a week. Use that list as the basis for your expenditures column and expand it to include all the other expenses you'll face in a month. To receive a handy form that will help you get started, call the ministry's General Inquiry Unit at the telephone number listed below. "Most people remember remember the big bills, such as credit card payments and the mortgage or rent," says Gurevsky. But many forget the little items, including dog food, laundry soap and the daily newspaper that can add up to a lot of money by the end of the month." When planning your budget, be sure to add some money for savings to your expenditures column. Even if you can't afford much, saving is a habit that experts say is vital for anyone who wants to avoid the debt pit over the long run. Once you have a firm grasp on how much money is coming in and going out you can start to think of _any major expenditures that may be coming your way this fall. Does the roof need new shingles or should the car be painted before the snow flies? What about major household household appliances and furniture? furniture? Many people buy new couches and dishwashers dishwashers just before the home-entertaining circuit starts in November. It's also time to be making making plans for the holiday season and figuring out how close a financial fit it would be to take that family family vacation or buy skates for everyone. If you sit down to work out the figures and realize there's not enough money coming in to manage even the day-to-day costs of running your household, it may be time to reach out for help. Anyone who is receiv- . ing regular overdue notices from creditors, buying on credit what they used to pay for in cash, or refinancing old debts to gain more time to pay should consider contacting a credit counselling service service for help. Assistance is offered, in many cases for a nominal feel, by member agencies of the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services. For the telc- GM Sales Slower In October General Motors of Canada dealers delivered 30,693 new vehicles in October, down 18.0% from the 37,443 units delivered in the same month last year. Truck sales of 16,138 units were off 15.2% compared to October 1997, while passenger passenger ear sales, declined 20.9% to 14,555 units. Dick Conlin, General Motors of Canada's vice president of marketing said, "October's results were influenced to a large extent by the strong sales we experienced in September, which caused vehicle inventories across the country to fall below typical levels. However, with extensive vehicle shipments in the later part of October and first week of November, we have restored inventories to normal levels, phone number of the service service nearest you, call: 1- 888-746-3328. Credit counselling, available from 26 member agencies across the province, helps more than 20,000 Ontario consumers a year find the road to financial health. "Some people who have serious debt problems problems fear that if they go to credit counselling they'll be advised to declare bankruptcy and their financial lives will be ruined," says Gurcvsky. "However, declaring bankruptcy bankruptcy is only recommended recommended when it is absolutely necessary." Clients arc usually asked to bring information about their incomes and debts to the first interview. The counsellor looks at the client's full financial picture, picture, analyses the problems problems and presents possible solutions. Once a consumer has decided on a course of action, the counsellor will negotiate with creditors. Some people only need help with budgeting, but others have trouble stick ing to a payment schedule. When this is the case the counsellor will mail cheques to creditors on the client's behalf. Credit counselling can often win the co-operation of creditors because the success rate is so high. Few people who complete a program will have further further credit problems. In order to operate legally, any company that takes consumers' money to make payments on debts must be registered under the Collection Agencies Act. This allows the ministry ministry to monitor them and require the posting of bonds to offset the risk of consumer losses. Member agencies of the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services are registered under the act. Some private businesses businesses charge people a lot of money for similar services. services. They may even charge for services consumers could do on their own, for free. People who are refused loans by traditional traditional lenders and arc watch ing their bills pile up are sometimes so desperate for help they go to credit fix or counselling companies, or to loan brokers. These companies may promise to solve their problems, for a fee. The ministry urges anyone anyone who is considering signing a contract with any of these types of companies companies to refuse to pay an advance or upfront fee and to call the telephone number number below for more information information and advice before signing a contract. Anyone who would like to obtain a free copy of the ministry's brochure Credit and You is also invited to call the General Inquiry Unit, at 326-8555 in Toronto or toll free 1-800- 268-1142. Special electronic electronic equipment is available available for people who have hearing or speech problems problems at (416) 326-8566. This brochure, as well as information on many other subjects of consumer interest, interest, is also available on the ministry's Web site at www.ccr.gov.on.ca Women's Resource Centre Opens The opening of the Wilma'gale Resource Centre was held on Friday, October 23. This is named after Wilmagale Watson, who was a volunteer with Bethesda House. The Centre is located at 150 Port Darlington Road in Bowmanvillc. Women and children who need support can turn to.the Wilmagale Resource Centre, which will also provides workshops. They are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Standing in the living room of the house are Karen McLean, a member of the board of directors for Bethesda House (left); Mary Anne Martin, co-ordinator; and Karen Mayson, executive director. To contact the Centre call 697-9472. To Advertise Phone 623-3303 ACCOUNTANCY Brad E. Foster ' Chartered Accountant 10 Mill Street, Kendal, Ontario LOA 1E0 FOR APPOINTMENT CALL: Phone/Fax: (905) 983-8141 Cellular: (905) 242-2005 HOBB BAKKER BERGIN HILL Chartered Accountants Peter A. Hobb, C.A. Wilmar J. Bakker, C.A. Ian F. Bergin, C.A Thomas F.G. Hill C.A. 118 King St. E., Bowmanville 623-9461 STEPHENJ. SUTHERLAND Chartered Accountant 13 John Street West Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1W8 721-8600 LAING, McHARDY & ROHR CHARTERED ■ ACCOUNTANTS Michael D. Laing, c.A. Stephen J. McHardy, b.a.,c.a. Jeffrey L. Rohr, B.Acc., C.A. 40 King St. West, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 7L1 (905)579-6245 AUTO INSURANCE /instate 8 HOME • AUTO • INSURANCE Darlene Ferguson 905-987-1611 CATERING! HALL RENTALS Clarington Beech Centre Beech Avenue, Bowmanville Former Lions Centre New Facility Available September All Occasions Phone 905-697-2856 25 Years Award Winning Customer Service lia 3&eiMt££mtce Catering and Banquet Facility FREE HALL RENTAL Until November 1998 Donna Begin 905-438-0133 BANQUET HALL RENTAL Licensed Oanquet Hall lor up to W0 people Catering Services Available lor • Wedding Receptions • Business Mootings • Parlies • Dances, Etc. .Bowmanville Country Club (905) 623-2670 S catering' '1* ! ! Kolliy & Kevin Anyan Phone: (905) 623-4277 Fax: (905) 623-2198 kingscourl@durhammall.com BRIDAL SERVICES 1/m low ii Special,,. • Invitations 'Announcements • Bridal Books • Napkins • Accessories 3 Books to choose from James Publishing Co. Ltd. 62 King St. W. Bowmanville Telephone (905) 623-3303 BUSINESS SERVICES HANDS ON Business Services Business solulions tailored to your needs. accounting, payroll, administration, new business setups, training on: Simply Accounting, QuickBooks, Windows and MS Office software, computer services. desktop publishing, website design Tel: (905) 263-2983 Fax: (905) 263-2986 Websile:www.hobs.on.ca COMPUTER SERVICE New & used computer systems In home, one-on-one, computer training Windows/Dos/Networks Hardware Software setup & maintenance / Upgrades Internet / Website Design Fax: (905) 987-1118 gdmark@durham.net FINANCIAL SERVICES Freedom55 Die freedom to choose. The power to get there. • Lite Insurance • Disability Insurance • RRSP and Inveslmont planning • Annuities, RRIFs and LIFs • Group Products • Mutual funds Dwight L. Hickson Toll Iron: 1-000-3-11-550C Newcastle: 005-987-1345 FINANCIAL SERVICES t REGAL CAPITAL PLANNERS LTD! Since 1968 24 King St. E., Bowmanville "Canada's Largest Independent Financial Planning Organization" - RRSP's -RRIF's - Mutual Funds -Trust Funds -Tax and Estate Planning Steve Scatterty, Financial Advisor 623-1936 | FORTUNE FINANCIAL 4-- ■» ... . c 7fflffi.es • Mutual Funds • RRSP Products • RRIFs & Annuities • Stocks • Bonds • Life Insurance • Tax and Estate ., .. „ „ Planning Neil MCUregor Fortune Financial Corporation, cOO OA4 A Member:CIPF& v&O a fc414 Montreal Exchange 19 Scugog St., Bowmanville Freedom 55 RRSPsrind investment plans ■ Disability Insurance ■ Individual life insurance Jeff Hancock B.A. Bowmanvillc, ON (905)623-3349 The Ireedom to choose. The power to get there. London Lila and design, Ftocdom 55 and The froodomtochoose.Thi trademarks ol London troodom to choose. The power to got thoro. nro Ulo Insurance Company Planning your tomorrow today! Serving Clarington area since 1985. •Life & Disability Ins. •Critical Illness Ins. •RRIFs/LIFs/Annuilies •Mutual Funds*/RRSPs •Segregated Funds •Estate Planning Scrv. Joint Willoughby 623-4038 m 11 xh« Mutuil Croup l-888-296-\VII.Li,Vj Liconood with Mutual Ulo ol CatMVMulual Invested Inc ', two companies ol 7ho Mutual Oioup. Your Ad Could Be Here! To Advertise Phone (905) 623-3303 GARDENING SERVICES J- - _ -jSJt CJJlV Ut. li.Ull No One Cares For Your Property Like... mr.trim lawn & garden services 623-9711 ■y,* HEALTH SERVICES Q Bowmanville Light (S) » Therapy Services * TREATMENT FOR: • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Depression 93 King St. W„ Suite 111, Bowmanville Tel: (905) 432-9393 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Ed Piho Enterprises Residential • Commercial All Types of Construction Repalrs/Renovallons • Kitchens/Bathrooms • Property Maintenance • Landscaping All Types of Masonry 905-623-5799 m. BRUSH Additions, Renovations Painting, Roofs Quality Work at Reasonable Rates 24 Hr. Emergency Service Tel. (905) 259-0393 Noel ./.XT'. BARR'S Œ • ROOFING SHEET METAL • SIDING Dave Barr 26 Years Experience Tel: (905) 987-1445 Fax: (905) 987-J838 LEGAL SERVICES Neighbourhood Paralegal and Credit Services Froo Initial Consultation Landlord/Tenant Disputes Small Claims Court Dabi Collodion • Budget and Crodil Counselling Many othar legal mid credit services Court Agent / Mediator / Lecturer 623-0201 volsln3@lbm.not Froo mill /|C]"7\ * Landl * I '"•Small • Hnlxf LIFE INSURANCE HUTTON INSURANCE AGENCY LTD. 52 King St. W., Bowmanville Don Hutton Bus: 623-7688 Res: 263-8589 Life Insurance RRSP's RRIF's PETS & SUPPLIES Jfo HOUSE OF BIRDS wfà Birds and Supplies * Love Birds * Budgies * Canaries * Cockatiels * Finches Hand Fed Babies - Bulk Bird Seed Call Armand (905) 623-1829 after 5 Timberlee Dos Obedience • Private or Group Instruction • Behavioural Consultations • Positive Training Method by Professional Obedience Trainers 623-6631 or 987-3949 PIANO TUNING John H. Yates • 30 years experience In Niagara Region • Recently relocated in Bowmanville ('95) • Looking forward to servicing your piano Phone (905)697-1336 POOLS Permanent Pool and Patio Swimming Pool and Spa Sales and Installation Serving Durham Since 1983 1646 King St. E., Courtice, ON L1E3K7 (905) 404-0583 SERVICES THERE'S NO PUCE LIKE HOME INTERIOR DESIGN 2173 Hwy. #2, Bowmanville 623-7483 Margaret Coombes Gloria Brooks • In-Home Consultations • Furniture • Window Treatments • Wallcoverings Anthony's Decorative Painting Hand Painted Furniture Old or New - Yours or Mine Finished with faux effects and fine art for a one-of-a-kind piece Also unique wall finishes Call 905-983-8181 SUPPLIES AND SALES ORONO BUILDING & DECORATING Since 1935 • Plumbing • Pooling • Elocltlcal • Painl • Lunibor • Docorating 85 Station St., Orono 983-9167 :y :-i l "£ \ ü ;• 1 V « iT