Are you in debt trouble? There are several warning signs that can help you learn when debt can become an issue. Read each item to learn the warning signs.

  • You’re always late paying your bills.
  • It takes you 60 or even 90 days to cover bills you once could pay monthly
  • You juggle payments to keep creditors satisfied.
  • Your checking account is frequently overdrawn.
  • You can make only minimum payments on your credit cards.
  • You race to deposit your paycheck because you’ve already written checks that require the money in your paycheck.
  • A small reduction in your income or an unusual expense would make you unable to pay all of your monthly bills.
  • Your credit accounts are usually at their maximum limits.
  • You apply for more credit cards because you have reached the limit on the ones you have.
  • You are spending more than 20% of your take-home pay on credit payments (not counting your rent or mortgage).
  • Your loan or credit card balances stay the same or go up each month.
  • You ignore the telephone or mail to avoid dealing with creditors.
  • You’re still paying off purchases you made a year ago.
  • You put off medical and dental visits because you cannot pay the bill.
  • You sometimes wonder why you made certain purchases.
  • You feel free to spend more after clearing up a debt.
  • You are always worried about your debts.
  • You argue with your spouse or partner over bills.
  • Your checking account is frequently overdrawn.
  • You can make only minimum payments on your credit cards.
concerned man in front of computer

To help calculate the cost of a loan, use the calculator below. If you decide to consolidate your loans or credit cards, this is a great tool to help you figure out your new monthly payment.

Credit Calculator
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For more information and help on debt, visit the FTCs website on dealing with debt.