THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604030148
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
When people come to see financial counselor Leah-Beth Williams, they're looking for a way out of money misery and for a budget they can live on.
Williams offers free budget counseling for those who need help working out a livable budget. For those who need to get out of debt, there's debt management counseling for $5 a month.
``Many come behind on their payments with one or more creditors,'' said Williams, who works for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Tidewater in Franklin. ``Some are in debt up to their ears, and others aren't as bad off as they think they are.
``In debt management, I ask the creditor to take a reduced payment from the client so they can meet their monthly living expenses.''
Although Williams works in Franklin, many of her clients come from Smithfield and Isle of Wight.
Williams said some of the most common financial problems are caused by liberal use of credit cards or outstanding medical bills.
For those having financial difficulty, Williams suggests several ways to cut expenses and catch up.
``If you have cable, can you do without it?'' she asks. ``If you're used to going out a lot, can entertainment costs be cut? Even a food bill can be cut by buying store brands instead of name brands, or just by planting a garden instead of buying from a store.''
But Williams says the real key to financial success is usually learned early in life as a child.
``It's important that kids learn early in life about how to save, how to spend and how to give,'' she says. ``What it really boils down to is how did your family handle money? If they did OK, you'll probably do OK, too.''
Consumer credit counseling also is offered in Suffolk at the Lakeview Executive Center on Gittings Street. For more information on financial services, call 562-3306 or 539-8616.
Name: Leah-Beth Williams.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? I've lived in this area most of my life.
Birthdate: March 13, 1959.
Hometown: Courtland.
Fondest childhood memory: Learning to cook with mom's help.
Marital status: Married to Ralph.
Children: Ryan, 11, and Leannah, 6.
Pets: Two dogs, Astro and Belle.
What was your first job or worst job? A gift-wrap clerk at Thalhimers.
Occupation: Financial counselor for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Tidewater.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? A stay-at-home mom.
What's your favorite hangout? Home with my family.
Favorite night out on the town: Going out to dinner with my family.
Favorite food/drink: Seafood and iced tea.
Favorite movies/TV shows: I don't really have a favorite movie. I enjoy watching anything that's funny. I also enjoy watching ``The Nanny'' with my children.
Book you wish everyone would read: Anything on personal finance.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Spending time visiting with family.
I can't resist: Chocolate.
Few people know that: I have a degree in home economics education.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Save and invest for the future, and buy property on a lake with a cabin.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? From my grandfather: Buy only what you need and only what you can pay for.
What's the best thing about yourself? I enjoy helping others.
What achievements are you most proud of? My children. I really enjoy being with them.
Something you wish to say but haven't: I help people in financial crisis, and I'd really like parents to teach their children very early in life how to spend wisely, save for items and give to others. If children can learn this, financial responsibility will follow. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Leah-Beth Williams
by CNB