I watch and listen to commercials about solving credit card debt all the time.
It is about consolidation, elimination, solution, you name it.
There are even special shows on TV, that proclaim their knowledge and expertize.
I remember one show in particular, where they were talking about "what not to do in order to avoid falling deep in debt".
They were going back and forth about prevention strategies.
At the end, there was a questions and answers part.
One of the questions was what do if someone was already in the debt hole.
The answer was to try and win the lottery.
I could not believe my ears.
The reality is that even from the place you should expect help you find sarcasm.
Both sides - the violent credit card industry and the newly proclaimed debt elimination companies have the same goal.
You find yourself squeezed in between and nowhere to turn for help.
The only place to go and really find help is you.
You are the best advocate to yourself and your family.
I hear you saying now that you do not know what to do and how to do it.
This is exactly the state they want you in.
I know your most common objections and something to say about them.
1.
First objection: "I do not know what to do".
Here is the answer: Do something.
Do the best you know at the moment.
I am not saying that it will be the right thing to do, but you will get a feedback.
Next action will be better.
For example: Write down all of you credit cards on a sheet of paper.
Call the credit card lender and talk to them.
Talk to you relatives and friends.
2.
Second objection: "I am not knowledgeable to know how to do it".
Even if it is a true statement, which I doubt, there is a solution.
It is very simple: ASK.
Start with your lender and try to find out.
If they try to scare you, do not listen.
This is just part of their job.
I will give you a priceless tip.
Target 0% interest rate and get on a 5 year payment plan.
The second option is a settlement.
This works out beautifully, just be persistent and know what you want.
3.
Third objection: "It will not work out anyway".
If you approach it with this hidden negative intention, it will not work for you.
You must change it with a plan for a positive outcome.
You might think that this has nothing to do with your credit card situation, but it does.
Convince yourself that what you do will lead you to your goal (payment plan or settlement).
The most difficult decision is to take the first step.
I know that there will ba a lot of self talk against it, but do it anyway.
You will feel so proud of yourself after you first settlement.