So your financial obligations have migrated from tense to total chaos. You have sat down and carefully made the decision to seek debt relief as you don't feel you can handle it on your own. So where do you go? Who do you turn to? Maybe the following will give you a little direction. First of all, it would be good to get resolve within yourself that when you seek debt relief you are stepping out into a crocodile-infested swamp where the crocodiles are those who are trying to take what little you have while telling you they are "helping you." Some businesses that advertise debt relief are in actuality covering up what is in reality a bankruptcy plan. One advertising slogan that should make you suspicious when seeking debt relief is the slogan that promises to consolidate your debts without a loan. That could be bankruptcy. They just don't want to use that "b" word. Be careful. There is a lot of negativity associated with bankruptcy and it is most cases it is not the answer.
Another agency that you can turn to when seeking debt relief is a credit counseling service. These services will require you to pay some money each month and they will disburse it to your creditors. Many times they can negotiate lower interest rates with the creditors and help you get out of you nightmare. There are actually nonprofit organizations that charge very little for this service. But be very careful to know exactly who you are dealing with. Try to determine how they are making their money and what cash flow keeps them in business.
You may not want to talk to your creditors when you get behind on your bills but you can rest assured they will want to talk to you. It's okay to just tell them that you are having some trouble paying, that you have every intention to pay, and are willing to work with them. Don't get angry. Don't throw insults at them. Talk to them. Although be a little suspicious if they get overly friendly with you and start trying to convince you that they are on your side and understand. Keep things professional. They want repayment of your debt and they know that they have to work with you in order to get anything at all. Even when an unsecured debt gets turned over to collections, the people work with you to recover what is owed.
Not all credit card companies are friendly when you owe them however. This day and age one must be very careful not to expose too much information about their situation. If you don't have the money to pay them right now then just tell them you don't and stop right there. See if they make an offer but if they don't then remember that no matter what, credit cards are unsecured debt.
So seeking debt relief should be approached with caution because you really never know the person you are dealing with on the other end. Just do your best to pay your obligations and make no new debts and it may minimize your need to seek outside debt relief.