Comments on: What NOT to Do When You are Behind on Your Bills

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:49 +0000

Thelma,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I do not assume all debts are caused by selfish longings. In fact some of the largest debts people deal with are related to medical issues outside their control. This doesn’t change the way you should deal with your debt, only the reason it exists. A creditor stands to gain nothing by alienating you and being served with a Cease and Desist order, which is what they should get if they are rude and unwilling to work with you. The biggest part of working with the creditor is to initiate the conversation and have a plan for dealing with the debt. If you show you are taking it seriously they will be much more likely to work with you.

By: Thelma

Thelma — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:58:38 +0000

Not all debts are caused by selfish longings nor are creditors that willing to work with people. Please wake up and look at reality before posting such foolishness.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:01:38 +0000

Unemployment doesn’t last forever, you make a good point though. I was actually referring more to those people who actually have 0 income coming in. When unemployment runs out you can’t just sit there and hope money grows on the trees.

By: Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:58:03 +0000

Lemme play a bit of the “devil’s advocate” here–on the point of flipping burgers ar McD’s, what happens when someone’s unemployment compensation is far more than what working at a fast food place earns? Is it financially “worth” it?

By: TJ Smith

TJ Smith — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:20:54 +0000

Excellent points. Avoiding bill paying is the worst. You are right to suggest working with your creditors. They will usually help you work out a payment plan and once you get this going, your stress level will immediately improve. The best approach to the affect on your psyche is a head on approach to a solution. I had to learn this through experience, of course.

By: Les

Les — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:19:54 +0000

This looks almost like the 5 stages of grief
1. denial (avoid it,lie, don’t take it seriously)
2. anger (be rude)
3. bargaining
4. depression (allow it to affect you, withdraw)
5. hopefully, acceptance

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:40:48 +0000

I agree completely that it is going to affect you, which is unfortunate. It is just money and yet we let it run our lives instead of allowing it to enrich our lives.

By: kenyantykoon

kenyantykoon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:41:49 +0000

i agree with all this but i think that it is easier said than done. more often than not, these are the same things that we do when the bills come a knocking. But all in all, these are nice things to think about

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:39:59 +0000

It’s impossible NOT to let heavy debt affect you. Good things not to do, but what are things to do? I guess the whole PF community is answer this question, so no need to answer

See you over at FS one day. Cheers

By: Vinny Financio

Vinny Financio — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:38:25 +0000

This is all so true. It’s amazing how people let their emotions lead them in financial decisions, especially when they’re in a tough spot.
It’s easier to blow things off at first but it can make everything so much more difficult later