​​​​​Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices 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 a financial crisis at some point in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. 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: developing a realistic budget, seeking credit counseling from a reputable organization, exploring debt consolidation, or filing for 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 checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt. Be aware, however, that some software is overly priced and of low quality. We recommend you search for free programs on the internet or purchase one from local retailers.

​Credit Counseling:

​If you are seeking help with creating a budget or working out a repayment plan with your creditors, then consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Through education, budgeting, and the use of a variety of tools, credit counseling organizations can help you reach your goal of ultimately eliminating your debt.

Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial difficulties; however, be aware that just because an organization says it is a “nonprofit" organization, there's no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make "voluntary" contributions that can cause more debt. For these reasons, it is important to choose a company that is licensed. Adjustment service companies that are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions are required to follow laws that limit the fees that can be charged. 

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

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

Debt management plans: 

If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization can still help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.

In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you’re participating in the plan. 

Dealing with Debt Problems (Continued)​