One of the toughest things that a person who is in debt and is getting calls from creditors has to do is get in touch with those creditors. It's so easy to just bury your head in the sand and ignore the problem, hoping that, somehow, the calls will just stop and your debt issues will go away. It should also be noted that most people don't take this approach out of some sense of entitlement or laziness. To the contrary, they do it because they can't pay off their debt -- even though they want to -- and they are just embarrassed by their debt.
It's a perfectly human reaction, and on many levels it is understandable. However, it simply isn't the right way to handle the situation.
Though this advice has been around for a long time, it behooves anyone who has debt and is being contacted by creditors to get in touch with those creditors as soon as possible. Don't run away from the situation -- just handle it. It will be better for you in the short- and long-term, relieving you of some stress while also giving you an effective path to eventually eliminate the debt that you owe.
Remember, even though it may seem as though your creditors will roll their eyes at you if you bring up a serious life event that is crippling you ability to pay your debt, creditors will actually work with you to try to reach a solution regarding your personal situation and your debt. Be proactive with your communication and, if you must, bring an attorney on board to protect your rights and help you out with your creditors.
Source: Michigan State University, "Communicating with creditors," William V. Hendrian, Aug. 29, 2014
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