Consolidated Credit Offers Advice To The Unemployed This Holiday Season

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nearly 13.3 million jobless Americans prepare for the holiday season Consolidated Credit offers advice and tips to minimize stress and make the best of the holidays.

"Many people underestimate the time it will take to financially recover from a job loss. People continue living a lifestyle that they had while they were working and often use credit cards to fill in the gaps," said Howard Dvorkin, CPA and founder of Consolidated Credit. "Credit card debts can quickly add up and become unmanageable if it takes longer than expected to land a job at their previous income level."

Consolidated Credit's holiday unemployment survival guide:

• Apply for seasonal or freelance jobs – Retailers, warehouses, restaurants, hotel and hospitality industries all need extra staff at this time of year.  Seasonal employees are expected to earn roughly $10.70 per hour, unchanged from last year. Also consider freelance work. Register on free websites like freelance.com, where employers connect with freelancers.
• Utilize non-profits –For help with holiday meals or toys reach out to organizations like the Toy Industry Foundation, the United Way and local churches for assistance.
• Don't stress – "Our credit counselors advise people to focus on the positive aspects of their lives like health, family and friends. Keeping a positive attitude is essential to finding a job in this economy. The positive outlook will shine in job interviews helping the person land a new job sooner," says Dvorkin.
• Volunteer –Volunteering at a nursing home or homeless shelter often makes people appreciate what they have and helps them to refocus negative energy. This is also a great way to show support for the local community.
• Network – The holidays offer many networking opportunities. Attending parties, gatherings, and church events could be the key to finding a new job.
• Don't charge holiday expenses –Using credit cards when unemployed will only dig you deeper in debt. In the long run, holiday gifts and meals could end up costing you up to 30 percent more than what was originally paid after interest and penalty charges are added on.

For more tips and advice to surviving a layoff and making it through the holidays without getting into debt, read our free educational booklets.

About: Consolidated Credit, founded in 1993, is one of the nation's largest credit counseling organizations in the country and has helped over 5 million people with financial issues.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Howard S. Dvorkin | http://www.profnetconnect.com/howard_s._dvorkin

SOURCE Consolidated Credit

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