Related Services - The following company listings on the Debt Consolidation Loan Directory are offered to assist you with handling your credit card bills and other monthly payments. Also, in addition shop for other financial services ranging from credit card offers to home and car insurance.

• Debt Management Programs - Having trouble keeping up with your monthly credit payments? Compare debt management companies in this online list that can try amd help you get a grip on your personal financial situation.
• Need Personal Loan - Looking for a smaller loan for the consolidation of debt? Start your search at the directory of personal loans, where you can compare and apply online with different lenders and related companies.
• Debt Consolidation Settlement - Too much debt? List of companies providing this alternative to bankruptcy that provides for debt negotiation and arbitration services for those that need to eliminate debt.

Any time is a good time to prioritize your financial goals and begin taking steps to achieve them. Here are suggestions to consider for your financial to-do list.

If you're having problems making loan payments or meeting other financial obligations, get help as soon as possible. Recent news reports have focused on people at risk of losing their homes because they had adjustable-rate mortgages that were resetting at higher, unaffordable monthly payments. But even in the best of economic times, people can have trouble making ends meet, especially after a job loss, divorce or separation, or a death or illness in the family. The most important thing you can do is address the problem.

"A financial crisis doesn't happen overnight," noted Eloy Villafranca, a Community Affairs Officer with the FDIC. "Unfortunately, many times people don't see the warning signs until it's too late and they face the prospect of spending several years getting back on track."

If you answer "yes" to one or more of the following situations, you could be in danger with debt:

• You will be unable to make your mortgage payment.
• Your credit cards are close to or over the limit.
• You can only pay the minimum monthly amount due on your credit cards.
• You are borrowing money to pay some of your monthly bills.
• You have started working overtime or a second job just to cover food, housing, and other basic living expenses.

When it comes to a problem paying an existing loan — whether it is a mortgage, a credit card, an auto loan or any other substantial debt — contact your lender as soon as possible, preferably before you miss any payments. "Explain your situation and indicate your interest in continuing to make payments to avoid defaulting on your loan," said Janet Kincaid, Chief of the FDIC's Consumer Response Center. "Lenders would much prefer to work with a borrower on a new repayment plan than have to foreclose or repossess a home or a vehicle."

For help negotiating with a lender or otherwise getting a debt problem under control, consider asking an attorney, accountant or another trusted advisor to refer you to a reliable credit counselor who, at little or no cost, can help you develop a recovery plan. But be very careful to check out the qualifications of a credit counselor before signing an agreement. Some people holding themselves out as counselors may offer questionable or expensive services, and others may be scam artists. For more guidance on where to turn for help if you're having problems paying your mortgage, see the last page of this issue.

FDIC Consumer News is published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FDIC Consumer News is produced quarterly by the FDIC Office of Public Affairs in cooperation with other Divisions and Offices. It is intended to present information in a nontechnical way and is not intended to be a legal interpretation of FDIC or other government regulations and policies. Mention of a product, service or company does not constitute an endorsement.

Find current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News at http://www.fdic.gov/consumernews. Refer to this same index to locate the issues that are specially formatted for being reprinted in any quantity.

To receive an e-mail notice about each new issue of FDIC Consumer News posted on the FDIC Web site, with links to stories, follow instructions posted at www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Last updated on 02/12/2008

Make educated decisions when shopping for bank services, consolidation of debt, mortgages and insurance. Read up!

DebtConsolidationLoan.com has a growing list of free informative and educational financial articles for consumers shopping for many types of financial services related to the management of your money, such as bill consolidation, fraud alerts and auto insurance. There is no better way to make decisions regarding your personal finances than to read and understand how they work, fees you will be charged, etc. Please feel free to visit our consumer library to learn more.

• Interest Only Mortgage Loan Financing - Interest only mortgage loans are a unique home loan type, and they are certainly not recommended for everyone. Read this quick article to determine if they are the right fit for you. 
• What if You Can't Pay Your Bills? - Making the payments on your monthly bills on time is always the most important thing you can do to ensure that you retain a good credit rating. But, in case you run into trouble, there are some things you should do immediately. 
• Your Bank as a Financial Supermarket - Today's banks are increasingly becoming financial supermarkets offering investment and insurance products in addition to insured savings accounts. Learn the difference between traditional bank products and newly offered services, as well as what is insured and what is not.
• Home Equity Loan Products: How to Borrow Safely - As values increase in many housing markets, Americans are increasingly tapping their home's equity for an equity loan or an equity line of credit. Learn more and make the right decision for your needs.

debtconsolidationloan.com is a free online directory and not a financial services provider. All information regarding debt consolidation loan companies and other services is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. debtconsolidationloan.com is not responsible for the content and services, that may be provided to you, by following the links from this website. Use this site at your own discretion. Last site update: 2012-02-02.