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==Where do I start?==
To deal with a '''debt''' problem, you first need to work out how much money you owe. To do this, make a list of all the people and companies you owe money to (your '''creditors''').
[[File:ConsumerLawGuidePage10A.jpg|300px|thumb|right|link=]]
You need to collect the following information for each debt:
* the name and address of the creditor,
* the name of the person you have been dealing with at each company,
* the <span class="noglossary">account </span> or reference number, and
* a copy of the original loan agreement you signed.
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.
[[File:ConsumerLawGuidePage11A.jpg|300px|thumb|right|link=]]
'''Income:''' List all the income for your household. Make sure that the amounts are realistic. Include all of your current sources of income:
* wages,
* GST refunds.
'''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 <span class="noglossary">will </span> 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.
[[File:ConsumerLawGuidePage11B.jpg|300px|thumb|right|link=]]
==What can the Credit Counseling Society do to help me?==
You may wish to <span class="noglossary">contact </span> 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 <span class="noglossary">contact </span> the Credit Counseling Society online at [http://www.nomoredebts.org www.nomoredebts.org]. They <span class="noglossary">will </span> 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.
==How do I <span class="noglossary">contact </span> my creditors and what do I say?==
===Step 1: Write a short letter to each of your creditors===
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 <span class="noglossary">will </span> tell them when it changes.
=== Step 2: Attach any relevant documents===
* A letter from your doctor if you have health problems that affect your income.
* Documents that show changes in your job. For example, you may have had your work hours cut, or you may have lost your job, or your Employment Insurance benefits have ended.
* Documents that show changes in your family. For example, you may have a new child or you may be taking care of an elderly <span class="noglossary">parent</span>.[[File:ConsumerLawGuidePage10B.jpg|200px|thumb|right|link=]]
=== Step 3: Attach your budget===
Your budget shows the people you owe money to (creditors) what you can afford to pay towards your debts. If a creditor thinks the amount you spend on something is unreasonable, they may ask you to explain why you spend this amount.
=== Step 4: Keep notes===
Sometimes the person you owe money to has turned the debt over to a debt collection agency. There are laws that protect debtors from what a debt collector can do. For example, there are strict limits on contacting your family or your employer, and you have a right to tell a collector to stop phoning you altogether.
For more information about debt collectors, <span class="noglossary">contact </span> the Credit Counseling Society online at [http://www.nomoredebts.org www.nomoredebts.org] or toll-free at 1-888-527-8999. Find more helpful information and links in the "[[Helpful Information and Links Sources of Help for Consumers|Helpful Information and Links]]" section. {{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}}
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