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Families forced to trim budgets to pay bills.
Story by Jack Kane
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CHARLESTON -- Experts say, one of the first things you should do when facing a credit crisis is assess your budget.
Misty Pauley of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of West Virginia recommends making some changes so you can maintain your monthly payments. Pauley said.
"We sometimes forget what are needs and what are wants in our everyday budget," she said. "So, go on back through and see, can I reduce my cable bill? Can my cell phone be reduced to a plan so I can save $30 or $40 so I can pay another additional bill?"
Pauley also said you should call your creditors and explain your situation before you become delinquent. She adds, even after you've spoken with your creditors, explained your situation and made arrangements, don't avoid their calls.
"When the creditors are calling, you need to answer your phone," she said. "Sometimes, once you do make an arrangement, the creditors might have a policy that says they have to maintain contact with that consumer weekly or monthly. So, you want to make sure you do maintain contact."
If you make a promise to the creditor, keep it. Don't make a promise you can't keep just to get them off the phone. If you tell them you'll make pay a certain amount by a certain date, make sure the payment is there.
"If you see that you're not able to fulfill that obligation, call them and talk to them," Pauley said. "Don't wait for them to call you and say that you didn't fulfill the obligation. Call them first."
If you know your situation is changing due to a job loss, lay off or reduced income you might want to seek professional help from an organization like Consumer Credit Counseling Services of West Virginia.
Copyright 2009 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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