More and more people are running into financial difficulties
nowadays.
WHAT TO DO IN SUCH A CASE.
Rather than have sleepless nights, approach your creditors
for re arranged monthly payments with smaller instalments or longer repayment
periods. Most of them will be glad to
assist should they see that you are still willing to pay and not just stop
doing so. Although you may be scared to
do so negotiating with them is really your best option.
You may have unexpected setbacks like huge medical bills or
other unforeseen expenses. Ask your creditors
if you can skip payments for a few months, or if possible pay reduced
instalments until you are back on track again, undertake to resume full monthly
instalments as soon as it is financially possible for you, or even try and pay
more than the instalments to make up for the arrears and thereby also save on
extra interest.
NEVER RUN AWAY FROM YOUR OBLIGATIONS.
By not addressing the issue you will make things much worse. Legal steps can follow, judgement and garnishee
can be taken against you resulting in instruction from the courts to deduct
from you salary monthly. This will harm
your credit score and overall credibility tremendously.
When receiving your bonus or any other lump sum settle your
debt before anything else.
ASK QUESTIONS.
Ask if you will have to pay higher interest and if so will
it be reduced again as soon as you start paying full regular monthly
instalments again. You may be charged higher interest rates however some
creditors may try and take advantage of you by charging extremely high interest
rates. Think carefully before signing
any new agreements should it look like it can worsen your situation.
WHAT IF THEY TURN DOWN YOUR REQUEST?
Do not give up hope; ask to speak to the superior of the
person you are dealing with who may have higher authority in granting your
request. If you and your creditor cannot
come to an agreement the first time around keep on pursuing the matter every
few days as this can just convince them you are serious to address the problem
and are not running away from your responsibilities.