Sometimes, even when we try our best, we are not able to pay all our bills. This may be due to a variety of reasons. People can fall ill, or lose a job, or have unexpected expenses, like a rent increase. This section of the booklet provides information on where to get help and how to communicate with the people you owe money to.

==Where do I start?==

It is a good idea to keep the latest letter or statement for each debt together in one place so that you can easily find them if you need them.

==What do I put in my budget?==

The next step is to work out your budget. Your budget lists how much money is coming into your household and how much you need to spend.

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'''Expenses:''' the next thing you need to do is list all your expenses. Make sure that the amounts are realistic. Figure out all of your expenses on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis. Make sure you remember to include personal expenses, such as loans, restaurant meals or gym memberships, and household expenses, such as rent, groceries, cable, and utilities. When you make a list of your expenses, think about whether you may be able to make any cutbacks. If you can make cutbacks, this will make more money available for you to pay back your debts. When you have listed all your income and expenses, add up the figures and see if you have any money to spare to pay your creditors. If you have any money to spare, decide which debts are the most urgent ones, and which debts are less urgent. Pay off the most urgent debts right away. Then make a plan for how you are going to pay the less urgent debts.

==What can the Credit Counseling Society do to help me?==

You may wish to contact the Credit Counseling Society for help in developing your plan to pay off the debts. You may also wish to write a letter to your creditors that explains what you have decided. You can contact the Credit Counseling Society online at [http://www.nomoredebts.org www.nomoredebts.org]. They will look at your finances with you, and suggest options. You can call them toll free at 1.888.527.8999. The Society may be able to help you get into a debt repayment program to help you pay off your debt.

You need to provide enough information so that your creditors understand your financial difficulty. Tell your creditors that you would like to pay your debt but cannot do so in full right now. You could offer to pay them an amount you can afford if you have the money to do so. If you have to stop making payments, let your creditors know about your financial situation and that you will tell them when it changes.

=== Step 2: Attach any relevant documents===

For more information about debt collectors, contact the Credit Counseling Society. Toll free at 1.888.527.8999. Find more helpful information and links on "[[Helpful Information and Links|Helpful Information and Links]]" section of this publication.

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