The following are warning signs of an individual's financial stress:

• Making only the minimum payments month after month.
• Paying important payments (such as rent or mortgage) late.
• Using money from one lender to pay another.
• Using cash-advances to pay daily living expenses.
• Applying for or accepting new credit cards because the credit limits on your existing cards have been exhausted.
• Transferring balances to new accounts to avoid paying off debt.
• Running out of cash (often or always).

If your finances are in stress, seek professional advice and counseling.

• Talk to your local banker about managing your money and reducing debt. Your banker may also offer our Budgeting booklet to help you get on track.

• Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling for confidential advice at 1-800-388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org for a referral to an office near you.

• Remember that most creditors are almost always willing to work out alternate payment plans, especially in emergency situations such as job loss or major illness.

• Be wary of anyone who claims they can “fix” your credit for you. Some information may not be erased from credit reports. Use only reputable organizations as recommended by a trusted source.