Do you have too much debt? If so, you could be heading down a path toward financial crisis. Before you've gone too far, here are five warning signs based on the observations of credit counseling representatives at Auriton Solutions

1) Making Only the Minimum Payment
If you make only the minimum payment on a credit card, it will be almost impossible to ever pay off the balance. For example, if you made the minimum 2% payments on a credit card bill of $2,000 at 19% interest, it would take you 22 years to pay off your balance. If you can't pay off your entire balance every month, you should make as large a payment as possible.

2) Using One Credit Card to Pay Another
If you use one credit card to pay off another, the money you owe will only grow over time. It's a juggling act, and the balls will fall to the ground soon. It is better to stop using a credit card altogether until you have the balance paid off.

If your debts become unmanageable, a debt management plan through a credit counseling agency like Auriton Solutions is usually much preferable to juggling credit cards.

3) Taking Cash Advances to Pay Other Bills
Credit card cash advances should only be used for emergencies, because the interest rate is very high - frequently over 20%. If you find yourself regularly using cash advances to pay bills, you are spending a lot on interest while increasing your debts. Incidentally, many casinos now feature machines that give credit card cash advances. These machines are much more costly to use than ATMs because of the fees charged, the high interest rates, and the fact that you are borrowing the money rather than withdrawing it from your account.

4) Hiding Purchases From Your Family
If you are hiding purchases from your spouse or family members, you could have a debt problem. Inevitably, your family members will discover your purchases. Honesty can be painful, but it is much better in the long term. It is important to keep an accurate record of the purchases you make, and to have a family plan for spending.

5) Receiving Collection Calls or Letters
If you have started to receive calls or letters about unpaid debt, you're in the early stages of serious trouble. You need a plan right now to start repaying your debts. If you do nothing, you can be assured that the calls and letters will get much worse.

The Good News
If you answered "yes" to any of the five warning signs, you need to act now to reduce your debt. The good news is that it's not too late. Millions of people with the same problems have turned their lives around. You can reduce or eliminate your use of credit cards. You can follow a spending and saving plan. You can talk to an expert about ways to reduce your debt and communicate with your creditors.

Some can take these steps with no assistance, but many others find that working with a credit counseling agency is a great help. Our counselors have worked with hundreds of people experiencing all types of financial problems and they may be able to help you.

If you answered "yes" to any of the five warning signs, you need to act now to reduce your debt. Waiting will only make your debt problems worse.

Call 1-877-332-8700 now to talk to a counselor or complete our on-line free consultation and a counselor will contact you.