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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'''). You need to collect this the following information for each debt:
:*the name and address of the creditor,
:*name of the person you have been dealing with at each company,
:*the account or reference number, and
:*a copy of the original loan agreement you signed
:*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 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.
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==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 Credit Counseling Society may be able to help you get into a debt repayment program to help you pay off your debt.
'''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 will tell them when it changes.
If you have problems that are preventing you from paying your debt, such as health issues or job loss, you should provide proof, such as:
'''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.
'''Mail the letter, documents , and budget to your creditors'''
Send your letter, any documents, and budget to your creditors by registered mail or fax or e-mailemail. You want proof that they received it.
'''Keep notes'''
If you speak with any of your creditors about your situation, write down their name, number, the time of call, and what you discussed.If the person you were talking to suggests a payment plan, ask them her or him to send it to you in writing. ________________________ Sometimes the person you owe money to has turned the debt over to a debt collection Agency.
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 XXXXX "[[Helpful Information and Link|Helpful Information and Link ]]" section of this publication.
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