Don't suffer in silence, take action and get help

Call your creditors or seek helpful credit counseling. Don't be afraid to call your creditors. As soon as you know you're going to have problems contact your creditors and explain your situation and what you're doing to meet your debt obligations. Depending on the creditors’ policies and your situation, credit and payment history, you may be able to negotiate your next payment or a lower interest rate.

Remember, your creditors would rather keep you as a customer than lose you to bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Consumers should review credit counseling services carefully, before choosing help. Find out if the agency offers money management advice without signing you up for a debt repayment plan. Ask the agency to explain their fees, services and national affiliation. Find out if they are a member of the NFCC, which signifies that the agency offers quality, reputable services. Check (your agency's) Web site or NFCC's Web site at www.nfcc.org for additional questions to ask before entrusting any organization with your financial future.