If you're deep in debt, getting out may
take more than
just getting lower interest rates on credit cards, sticking to a
budget, paying more than the minimum balance each month, or closing
lines of credit. You may need professional assistance but if you still
feel apprehensive about asking for it:
-
Understand
that you are not alone. There are many people in your situation who
feel like they're drowning in debt, yet are too anxious to ask for
help.
-
Realise that there are trained professionals available to
help people in your situation.
-
Research
budget advisors. You can find budget advisors in your White Pages under
the heading “Budget Advice Services.” You could
contact a budget
advisor that is affiliated to the New Zealand Federation of Family
Budgeting Services. These are listed under the sub-heading
“Affiliated
Services of the NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services
(Inc).”
There is also an online directory of affiliated budgeting services at http://www.familybudgeting.org.nz/home/home.htm
which contains about half of the affiliated budgeting
services. More information on budgeting advice is available
at www.familybudgeting.org.nz
or from your Citizens
Advice Bureau.
-
Pick up the phone and call a professional.
To
find help, seek out those you trust. Your financial institution,
consumer protection agencies, and friends and family may be good
sources of information and referrals. If you choose to go the route of
hiring a professional such as a budget advisor or lawyer, the following
advice could save you precious time and money.
