Manage Your Credit

With home foreclosures skyrocketing and individuals falling behind with their credit card payments, there is no shame in asking for help.

We would all like to believe we can handle any situation, any crisis. But all too often our pride gets in the way and the hole we are in gets deeper and deeper.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your bills, talk to your family members to see if you can work out an arrangement with them. After all, your peace of mind and your health is at risk if you do nothing.

In addition, call the credit card companies and ask to have your interest rate lowered. This can save you additional money over the long term.

Revisit your household budget and determine where you can make additional cuts. Call the telephone and cable company and eliminate anything you do not need.

Cancel magazine subscriptions and newspaper deliveries. Start using grocery coupons and online coupons as well.

Once you have begun the process of decreasing your monthly expenditures, you can tell your family members what you have done to minimize expenses.

Asking for help is not easy for some. Having to relinquish control is also not easy. But if you take the time to implement the aforementioned suggestions, you will be able to say you did all you could, and then some.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when things get rough. You have people in your life who care about you and want the best for you. Let them help you if they can.

Think of it this way – if someone you loved were in the same situation, you would help them, right?