Credit Card Debt $ Select One 0 1 - 2,499 2,500 - 4,999 5,000 - 7,499 7,500 - 9,999 10,000 - 12,499 12,500 - 14,999 15,000 - 19,999 20,000 - 29,999 30,000 - 39,999 40,000 - 49,999 50000+ Other Unsecured Debt $ Select One 0 1 - 2,499 2,500 - 4,999 5,000 - 7,499 7,500 - 9,999 10,000 - 12,499 12,500 - 14,999 15,000 - 19,999 20,000 - 29,999 30,000 - 39,999 40,000 - 49,999 50000+ Number of Creditors    Select One 2 3 4+ Status of Bill Payments    Select One Up to Date About to Fall Behind 1 Month Behind 2 or More Months Behind I want to    Select One Eliminate My Debt Consolidate My Debt Seek Advice Own a Home?    Yes  No

Getting Debt Management Help

What is debt management? Of course, it means paying bills on time and managing your spending, but it also means considering how you handle debt in the context of your current finances and future financial goals. Effective debt management can help you control spending, use credit wisely, and maintain good credit standing.

Owe Too Much? Debt Management Can Help
If managing your debt seems out of reach, don't worry. Help is available, and in some cases you may be able to resolve your own credit and debt problems. Here are some tips for getting debt management help:

Know what you owe: It's easy to say "I don't want to know" when dealing with excessive debt.  Make a list of your creditors, how much you own, the minimum monthly payment, payment due date and total balance for each account. Add up all of the minimum monthly payments. If this amount is more than you can afford to pay each month without using credit cards, you may qualify for a credit counseling program.

Don't be afraid to get help: Out of control debt can be embarrassing, but worse is the risk of ruining your credit history by having to file bankruptcy or losing your home through foreclosure. Contact a reputable credit counseling service; these agencies work with creditors and debtors to establish debt management plans.  They also offer counseling about how to avoid future credit problems.

Understanding the big picture: People get into debt for many reasons, but if your credit problems are caused by overspending, you could be at risk for repeating this behavior and incurring more debt. Understanding the reasons for overspending can help control it. Credit counseling, self-help programs and family counseling can help you establish effective debt management strategies.