During the past year, the staff at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern West Virginia has noticed an increase in the number of people with credit problems.

"We're having economic problems, prices have gone up, people can't get credit," said Jeff Wise, president of the nonprofit organization. "People are concerned."

The organization has seen an increase in the number of people having trouble making credit card and mortgage payments, people whose retirement is in jeopardy because of the way the stock market has affected their 401(k) plans, and retired people who are struggling to make ends meet, he said.

Despite the turbulent economy, there are some steps consumers can take to help make sure they won't need the services of Consumer Credit Counseling in the future, Wise said.

"Our main suggestion is ... contact your mortgage company, credit card company or a credit counselor," Wise said. "Don't wait until they're foreclosing on your house ... Try to take action early."

Because of the slumping U.S. housing market, mortgage companies today are more willing to work with those who have gotten behind on their payments, he said.

"Mortgage companies right now offer a lot of options," Wise said. "Now a days, it's easier to work with them. They don't want your house."

Mortgage companies have helped homeowners by putting any missed payments on the end of the loan, he said. Also it is easier today to change an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate one.

As far as credit card debt goes, Wise recommended living within your means.

"Try to avoid using your credit card for everyday, living expenses," he said. "If you can, pay it off each month."

A lot of credit card problems have been caused by people who are finding it difficult to afford fuel, which has seen a huge increase within the past year. And the fuel increase has caused nearly every other consumer good to increase in price as well, he said.

As with mortgage companies, it is important to communicate with credit card companies, Wise said. Although they might not give you the deal you want, they are willing to work with consumers.

"Credit card companies really just want their money," he said. "Try to keep the lines of communication open with them."

As far as those living expenses are concerned, when times are tough like they are for so many today, it is time for sacrifices, Wise said.

"We live in a time when cell phones and cable TV are considered necessities," he said. "But they really aren't."

When it comes down to a choice between paying the cable bill or buying groceries, it's easy to see what is more important, Wise said.

Many of those nearing retirement have found themselves in a unique and difficult situation, he said. A lot of 401(k) funds have been hit recently because of the volatility in the stock market. Some of those who have visited Consumer Credit Counseling recently have decided to put off their retirement until their retirement plans have rebounded, he said.

Those who already have retired and are feeling pinched often must make sacrifices to make ends meet, Wise said.

"If they're retired already and living off investments, we can show them where they can cut and can work with their creditors to reduce expenses," he said.

Information about Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern West Virginia is available online at www.cccswv.com.