Credit counsellors predict post-holiday rush in Calgary

Now that the throngs of holiday shoppers are starting to dissipate, there's another rush in the works: credit counselling.

Nadia Graham with the non-profitCreditCounsellingSocietyexpects to see more clients in the new year as the economyremains weak and severance payments to laid-off workers run out.

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"It's been very busy, which in some ways is a bad thing in terms of there's a need in the community, but in some ways it's a good thing if we're seeing people be proactive with their situations and before they're on that last EI cheque, they're coming in to see us for a plan," she said, adding there's a lull over the holiday season.

Her organization can help individuals navigate debt, whether accrued at the malls or not, with several programs that can help in negotiations with creditors.

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It's an important service asconsumer debt delinquencies spike in Calgaryand Alberta, while the rates fall across Canada.

Of course, Graham'smain recommendation is not to get into substantial debtin the first place.

"The key is budget, budget, budget," she said.

Shout from the rooftops

She says those without work and facing a dwindling bank account, shouldshoutfrom the rooftops thatthey'reunemployed, rather than trying to hide the fact.

As for holiday shoppers? Most of those outside a northeast strip mall said they managed to stay in the black, though not everyone was successful.

"Had a budget, so went over it, yeah," said one shopper.