Having trouble paying your bills? Getting threatening letters from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?

You’re not alone. Many people face financial crises at some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or simple overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. The fact is that your financial situation doesn’t have to go from bad to worse.

If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counselling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or personal bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.

Self-Help

Developing a Budget.

The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your “fixed” expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.

Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your check book, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.

Contacting Your Creditors

Contact your creditors immediately if you’re having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it’s difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.

Dealing with Debt Collectors

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you’re at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn’t approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honour a written request from you to stop further contact.

Credit Counselling

If you’re not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can’t keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counselling organization. Many credit counselling organizations are nonprofits and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that just because an organization says it’s “non-profit,” there’s no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counselling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or pressure consumers to make large “voluntary” contributions that can cause more debt.

Most credit counsellors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counselling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate non-profit credit counselling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.

Reputable credit counselling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counsellors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counsellors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counselling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.

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