What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Credit Card Bills?

Contact Your Credit Card Companies

• Contact your credit card companies before you miss a payment. This is a good-faith gesture that shows that you are serious about repaying your bills. Ask about setting up a payment arrangement or getting a reduction in your interest rate to help you pay your bills.
  
  

Debt Counseling

• A good debt counselor can help you evaluate your finances and set a workable budget for yourself and your family. In some cases, a debt counselor may be able to help you consolidate or negotiate your debt so that your payments are manageable. Be aware, however, that settling or consolidating your debts through a debt counselor can effect your credit score.
  
  

Bankruptcy

• While bankruptcy seems dramatic, in some cases it is your best option for getting your finances under control and your life back. Bankruptcy can seriously damage your credit score, though by the time most people consider it, their credit is usually already pretty bad.