These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Put every bill on one list
Write who is owed, amount overdue, next deadline and what happens if unpaid. Separate a current bill from collection letters and possible errors. Keep notices.
2Protect urgent needs
Consider housing, utilities, food, medicine and the costs needed to work. A court notice, eviction or shutoff needs prompt attention. Search the help directory for legal assistance if you have a legal deadline.
3Ask for a manageable arrangement
Use a phone number from a trusted statement or the company's official website. Ask about hardship assistance, fees, interest and how payments are applied. Request the terms in writing.
4Check before paying a collector
Verify the company and request information about the debt. If a debt may be old or disputed, get legal guidance before acknowledging it or making a payment; that can affect your rights. Never ignore court papers.
5Write down one next step
Example: You have $40 left after essentials but are offered a $100 payment plan. Explain that it does not fit and ask for another option.
Today: Make the call tied to the nearest serious deadline.
6Separate the current month from the overdue balance
A payment arrangement may ask for the new bill plus an amount toward arrears. Write both. Example: $80 for this month's bill plus $20 toward the overdue balance is a $100 commitment, not $20.
Ask when the account becomes current, whether service continues, how payments are applied and what happens if a payment is late. A partial payment does not automatically stop eviction, shutoff or collection activity.
7Keep an evidence trail
Write the date, company, person or reference number, amount offered and exact response. Save notices and confirmations. If a caller refuses to identify the debt, pressures you to pay with gift cards or requests a security code, stop and verify independently.
A written demand or court paper can have a deadline even when you dispute the bill. Ask legal assistance how to respond rather than waiting for a phone negotiation to finish.
8Use help that explains its fees
NFCC connects people with nonprofit member credit-counseling agencies: 800-388-2227 or https://www.nfcc.org/contact-us/. Ask whether the first session is free, what any plan costs and whether you can receive counseling without enrolling in a plan.
If a financial company will not address a documented problem, the CFPB accepts eligible complaints at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/. A complaint does not replace a court response or guarantee that a debt is erased.
9Sources and more help
Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.
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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.