Debt Warning Signs

Money worries are a significant cause of stress. The pressure of being in debt makes it hard to worry about everyday living expenses. If you've been receiving phone calls and letters from creditors it makes even worse.

Before debt begins to pile up, there are some common warning signs that you could be headed for financial trouble.

• Difficulty paying everyday bills and expenses.
• Difficultly making ends meet each month.
• Spending more money than you earn.
• Using credit cards to pay for normal expenses such as gas or groceries.
• Credit card balances continue to increase.
• Being near or at the credit limit.
• Begin decreasing your monthly credit card payments.
• Juggling credit card payments, delaying one payment to pay another.
• Using savings to cover non-emergency expenses.
• Receiving calls and/or letters from creditors and debt collectors.
• Unaware of how much you owe and are fearful of finding out.
• Credit cards become a necessity rather than a convenience.
• Have to borrow money to pay your monthly bills.
• Apply for new credit cards because you don't have any money.
• Hiding how much you are spending from your family and friends.
• Recently been denied for a credit card or loan.
• No way of paying for unexpected expenses like car repairs.
• Considered filing bankruptcy.
• Can't go to the doctor or dentist because you cannot pay the co-pay.

If you answered yes to one or more of these warning signs, then you should speak with a Financial Counselor immediately. Hopefully, you are early enough in the stages of debt that you can take preventative action. Call 1-800-351-4195 for immediate assistance.