Financial counseling available

By PIPER JONES CASTILLO

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 20, 2000

Some are suffering a temporary job loss. Others are battling financial woes while they grieve from losing their spouse. Some simply let frivolous spending catch up with them.

"We see people from all walks of life during the financial counseling sessions," says Linda Rady, director of education for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Florida Suncoast. "All types of people need lessons in managing money."

On Tuesday, counselors from the service center will be available at the St. Petersburg Business Development Center, 1045 16th St. S. The counselor will meet with individuals in need of financial help, whether it's simply setting up a budget or looking at ways to consolidate out-of-control debt through the center's debt management program. The sessions are free. For those who qualify, the center provides loans. "Clients can sometimes repay their debt through our consolidation programs," Rady said. "We set up a monthly payment plan with the person's creditors. We pay the creditors, and the client makes once-a-month deposits to us."

Along with the consolidation program and budget advice, the center offers mortgage delinquency counseling. "We would much rather have people come in before they let their mortgage go later than three or four months," Rady said. "Most people seem to let things go until it's out of control, however. It makes it harder when you have to play catch-up."

Funding for the center and its programs comes from the United Way, the Juvenile Welfare Board, creditors that the clients pay off, as well as minimal fees charged to the clients.

Financial counseling sessions by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service will be offered from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the St. Petersburg Business Development Center, 1045 16th St. S. Other appointments are available through the main office of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Florida Suncoast Inc., 300 31st St. N, St. Petersburg. For an appointment or information, call (727) 585-0099.

Bayside Multimedia and Video has opened at 9455 Koger Blvd., Suite 103, St. Petersburg. Owner John Calabrisi, who moved the full-service production company from Binghamton, N.Y., specializes in corporate video production, audio projects, CD-ROM production and 3D animation. James Hahn has been named director of marketing and sales for the firm. Hahn will continue to operate Beat Zero, a 7-year-old digital audio recording studio in Clearwater.

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic Inc. has appointed Bruce W. Boore and Norman Bungard to its board of directors. Boore is the purchasing and special sales manager for GA Food Services Inc. Bungard is retired from the Social Security Administration. He serves on the Leadership and Allocations Committees of the United Way, council of Heritage Presbyterian Apartments and Council of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Fisher and Sauls, St. Petersburg, has been awarded the Law Firm Commendation from the Florida Bar and the Florida Supreme Court.

Pinellas Park/Mid-County Chamber will host the Trade Show and Job Fair at Country in the Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 18 at 5100 81st Ave. N. To showcase your business's products and recruit employees, call 544-4777.

-- Please send your business news items to Piper Jones Castillo, Neighborhood Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. e-mail: piper@sptimes.com. Phone number: 893-8827.

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