Credit and Budgeting Tips 
 
Have you recently lost your job? Need help creating and maintaining a budget? Are you concerned about your credit in today's rapidly changing markets? Where do you start? Do you need an action plan? 
Developing a budget and managing your credit are even more important today than ever before. Be sure to check your credit report at least once a year. For a free yearly report go to www.annualcreditreport.com. 
"Money is one of the most important subjects of your entire life. Some of life's greatest enjoyments and most of life's greatest disappointments stem from your decisions about money. Whether you experience great peace of mind or constant anxiety will depend on getting your finances under control." Robert G. Allen 
Listed below are some steps to help you get started. 
Evaluate your spending habits 
It's easy to spend money on things you don't really need. Now is the time to decide what is necessary and what you can do without. It's best to have a plan and discuss it with your family members so everyone can contribute to jumpstarting your action plan. 
List your fixed monthly expenses 
 Housing  Utilities - telephones, electricity, gas, water, 
and garbage  Food  Transportation - car payments, public 
transportation, gasoline, car maintenance, and repair  Other Basic Expenses - including child care, child support, insurance, clothing, gifts,  vacations, and pet care 
 
List your sources of income 
 Unemployment insurance  Savings  Checking account  Any additional income 
Consider sources of additional income or savings 
 Work part-time while you look for full- time work 
 Work part-time while you attend school to update your skills 
 Have a yard sale  Collect old debts  Swap services - babysitting, yard 
maintenance, computer skills, doing taxes, music, or dance lessons  Clip coupons  Car pooling - grocery store shopping, after  school activities, sporting events 
Have 
Questions? 
Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers are available to assist you with job leads and free access to Internet, copier, phone, and fax. 
Locate an office near you at dol.georgia.gov. 
 
 Credit & Budgeting Tips 
 
Creditor Action Plan 
Create An Action Plan To Include All Of Your Creditors 
 
Name of Creditor 
 
Account # Balance Owed 
 
Minimum Monthly Payment 
 
Due Date 
 
debt reduction by telephone, inperson, or via the internet in English and Spanish. Users enter their zip code, and enter a distance radius, to locate member agencies. The search engine allows you to choose a nearby credit counseling service to contact for assistance. A search by state produces a list of all credit counseling 
agencies in the state of Georgia. 
 
Having trouble making your minimum payments? 
 Contact your creditors immediately  Ask for a payment arrangement plan  Call and write to explain your situation 
(send correspondence by certified mail and request a return receipt)  Don't promise more than you can  reasonably afford to pay  Don't ignore bills and past due notices 
If your expenses are greater than your income, some spending changes need to be made. Only you can decide where to cut your expenses, but you might want to get some professional advice. Where do you go from here? Check out these additional resources: 
For local help, just enter your zip code at the following web sites: United Way http://211.org or the Salvation Army http:// salvationarmyusa.org. 
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) www.nfcc.org 
From the NFCC web site located at www.nfcc.org users can receive practical individualized plans for 
 
Money Smart www.fdic.gov 
Money Smart is a friendly and easy to use learning tool that teaches the 10 modules of the Money Smart curriculum. The modules include advice on opening a checking or savings account, managing credit cards, setting up budgets, improving your credit history and more. Each module generally takes between 20-30 minutes to complete. Users receive ongoing feedback and, upon successful completion of each module, can print out a personalized certificate of completion. An online version is also available at www.fdic.gov in English and Spanish. 
Money Management International 
(MMI) - Non-Profit Credit 
Counseling and Education 
www.moneymanagement.org. 
Whether you are facing an immediate crisis or just want to learn how to improve your financial health, MMI can help! Go to www. moneymanagement.org for information on financial solutions. Email or call their representatives for answers to additional questions. 
 
Visit our website at dol.georgia.gov 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program l Auxiliary Aids & Services are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities 
DOL-4456 (R-1/21)