How Facing Debt Troubles Can Make the Holidays Merrier for Atlanta Consumers
Your waistline isn't the only thing at risk of expanding this holiday season.
Most folks ring up more debt in November and December than any other time of year, thanks to grocery shopping for holiday meals, gift shopping for family and friends and desperate retailers pulling out all the stops to get us to buy things we don't really need. At the same time, employers are cutting hours and paychecks, making our already unsteady income more volatile than ever, say Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys.
If money is so tight that one slip-up could keep you from paying the credit card bills or your mortgage, you've got to make a change. Life is unpredictable - you never know when it's going to throw the curveball that finally puts you out of the game. So it's important to use the time when you're still squeaking by to actually get a little bit of a lead.
One way to make things easier? Simply ask. If unpredictability at work is making it difficult to pay the bills this season, call up your creditor, explain your situation and request lower payments for a certain period - say, six months - until you can get back on your feet. They just may go for it. Asking for lowered rates may also work for your cable, Internet, phone and other bills.
Your next step is to make sure that you can afford to pay the bills when your payment goes back up - or when you're faced with any unexpected expense. At DebtStoppers, you can find free advice on making a budget, saving money this season, and cutting back on everyday expenses.
Meanwhile, how about finding a way to lower the bills for good? If you're only making minimum payments, you're probably paying mostly interest - meaning your debt balance can continue to snowball. Can't afford to pay more than the minimum? Bankruptcy can help by offering a payment plan that works with your unique financial situation. Find out if bankruptcy can help you overcome debt - and better enjoy the holiday season - when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a professional Atlanta bankruptcy attorney.