How Do I Know If I’m In Financial Trouble?

Determine Your Level of Financial Distress

Many individuals and families bury their heads in the sand, ignoring the fact that their credit card balances are growing, their savings account balances are diminishing, and a recession is possibly on the economic horizon.

CCCS of Hawaii suggests that consumers take the following quiz. The results will reveal whether or not they need to seek professional help to avoid falling into deeper financial trouble.

The first step toward a financially stable tomorrow is facing your situation today. Answer True or False to the following questions, and then tally your score. See the suggested scoring at the bottom to determine whether or not you are a candidate for credit counseling.

  1. I normally pay only the minimum amount due on my credit card bills.
  1. My credit card balances increase each month.
  1. There are arguments in my home about money.
  2. I sometimes hide purchases from my spouse.
  1. I frequently charge items that I used to pay for with cash.
  2. I have thought about filing for bankruptcy.
  1. I have begun using cash advances to meet my obligations.
  1. Most of my credit cards are near the limit, so I’ve begun applying for new lines of credit.
  1. I do not know the total amount that I owe.
  1. I skip paying my bills some months, or pay late.
  1. I have depleted my savings.
  1. I am consumed with thoughts of my debt.
  1. My debt interferes with my job and/or home life.
  1. Collectors have begun contacting me.
  1. I have taken money from my retirement account to satisfy debt obligations.
  1. If I lost my job, it would mean an immediate financial crisis in my life.
  1. I use balance transfers.
  1. I have no emergency savings account.
  1. Next month’s bills arrive before I’ve paid this month’s.
  1. I do not open my bills when they arrive, or soon thereafter.

Most people will answer True to two or three of the above questions. If you found yourself answering True more than that, you would benefit from credit counseling with a trained and certified counselor. Whether the problem stems from a lack of financial education, financial mismanagement, concerns over meeting the mortgage payment, or if bankruptcy is being considered, sitting down with a trained third party will add insight to the situation.

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Our Mission is to:
  1. Provide confidential debt management and credit counseling to families and individuals of Hawaii.
  2. Educate individuals and the community at large about the intelligent and responsible use of credit.
  3. Help over-burdened families regain control of their financial lives.
  4. Promote financial and social responsibility.