BOTHERED BY MONEY TROUBLES?

If you are bothered by money problems, you are not alone. Many families have difficulty making ends meet. Some are just a bit behind while other are deep in debt.
We get into financial binds for three main reasons:

1. Rising expectations: As our income increases we may want more and we may expect more for ourselves.
2. Causes of debt that are usually beyond our control: Illness, lay-offs, and strikes are common interruptions in buying power.
3. Credit: We fail to save money and are all too willing to spend money we don't have.

The credit trap

With easy access to credit cards (plastic financing), we can fall easily into the trap of buy now, pay later. Without realizing it, we can drift into debt so deep it takes years to recover. Some families are in financial trouble and don't know it. Other families are painfully aware of their situation and of how it affects their attitudes, hopes, and lifestyle. As past-due notices mount up, so does the anxiety and tension. Anger and fear take over with bill collectors' harassment. Family relationships and job performance both suffer.

How serious is it?

If you are among those feeling the strain of money problems, now is the time to take stock of your situation. If you deal with the problem now, you might save yourself and your family an even worse situation. Determine how serious your situation really is. Then see whether you can fix it yourself or whether you will need professional help to hold off creditors, design a repayment plan, and develop the discipline that is required to stay out of trouble.

Help is available

Whether you are just a little behind and want some suggestions about getting out debt, or are seriously in debt and need legal counsel, help is available.

Contact your assistance program, local mental health center, or community resource center. You owe it to yourself to explore ways you can get help and relief. You don't have to struggle alone. If you take advantage of the help that is available, your family morale will improve as well as your credit rating.

Remember your Employee Assistance Program is:
• Confidential: All information is kept strictly between you and your counselor
• Informal: A simple phone call starts the process and there’s no red tape.

For assistance call Hidalgo Health Associates at:
800-448-4470

Used with permission © 1987, 1996 by Hazelden Foundation, Revised 1996. All rights reserved. For more information about the Hazelden Foundation please visit: http://www.hazelden.org