HONOLULU -- With bankruptcies and cut backs folks are looking for answers on how to help make ends meet.

Non profit Consumer Credit Counseling service offers workshops on the wise use of credit.

Maui County has taken up their invitation offering the workshops free for their employees.

A recent Maui county workshop included two dozen employees from all branches including Tina Chun, a county finance worker, and Joe Prutch, a county planner, who will be furloughed next summer.

"I'm throwing a little money away in the savings account every month just to have a little rainy day account in July of next year see if that helps," said Prutch.

"I spend money unwisely and I need to learn to curb that appetite," said Chun.

John Nabors, of Consumer Counseling Credit Service, lead the workshop. Nabors said the road to financial security begins with a budget and knowing where your money is.

He said, subtract outgoing dollars from income and be able to pay your bills and if you're not quite there, then start cutting down on expenses.

The single most important factor is payment history. So it's extremely important to pay your bills on time, he said.

Also, reduce your total amount owed, he said. Consumers should never borrow more than 50 percent of their available credit on any one card or loan. Ideally, it should be below 30 percent.

Keep credit cards open. Consumers only need to use it once a year to do so. Length of credit history is important in determining your credit.