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SALT LAKE CITY -- Credit card bills from Christmas are arriving, and experts say even if you're afraid to open the envelope, do it anyway.
Many people may have a holiday debt hangover. But Will VanderToolen, the director of counseling services for AAA Fair Credit Foundation, says don't ignore the pain, hoping it will go away.
"Sometimes they'll feel that they've hit a wall and they don't know what to do so they stop opening their mail. That's not going to solve the problem," he says. "We need to stay informed as to what our status is with each of these bills, and we need to discover what our options are."
VanderToolen says most New Year's goals include something to do with physical health or finances. People go to a doctor to get a physical checkup, get pointers, advice and even a prescription for change. But people rarely seek professional help for their finances.
Utah Saves and the Utah State University Extension have been sponsoring a series of free classes, including one Wednesday night, about how to get back on track financially.
"You don't have to remain in debt the whole year," says VanderToolen, who will be helping with the class.
The class will review:
- Tracking cash flow
- Understanding where the money is really going every month
- Financial priorities
- Making wise purchases
- Creating a plan to pay off debts
VanderToolen says the most important thing they'll talk about in the class is motivating yourself to make changes happen.
The complimentary class will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at 230 W. 200 South, Ste 3104 in Salt Lake City.
While the class is free, you do need to register. CLICK HERE for more information.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
