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While it is important to pay obligations, you are more valuable than your debt. You are not obligated to answer your phone to someone who is hostile to you over an overdue bill, unpaid taxes, car payment or mortgage, no matter how much. If you sincerely cannot pay a bill today, you will keep living, and pay it later.

Don’t get distracted by bill collectors; focus on possible solutions. Here are a few to consider.

 

§         KEEP PROPER PERSPECTIVE. In most cases, bill collectors are in more debt than you are, and that is the frustration they express to you on the phone; their performance in collecting someone else’s debt will determine their ability to pay their own bills. Even though, your bills are your personal responsibility, don’t take your current situation personal. In order to move forward, think of your debt as a business transaction that went bad. You will recover. Focus on problem solving, rather than irate bill collectors.

§         This is a perfect time to make sure you do not have waste in your budget. Sometimes, your money problem requires better money management. (See, “Think like the Wealthy” and “Saving Money.”)

§         KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. Does a debt collector have a right to harass you? Can a debt collector garnish your pay? Check your consumer rights at the Federal Trade Commission website. If a debt collector goes beyond their limit in trying to collect a bill, it is up to you to stop such action by knowing your rights.

§         Sell any material items you can (furniture, jewelry, lawn equipment, etc.) to generate money to pay off debt. You can replace these things later. If you need to sell your vehicle to avoid a car repo, then do so. Material items are not more important than your peace of mind.

§         If you can pay a portion of your overdue bill each month, do so. Do not obligate yourself to pay on a monthly basis, if you are not sure you can.

§         Do odd jobs specifically to pay your debt. The worst thing you can do is work odd jobs, or a second job, and accumulate more debt. Sit down and figure out how many weeks or months you need to work to pay off your debt, so that you have a real plan of action to accomplish your goal.

§         BE CREATIVE IN YOUR THINKING. Try to think of a way to earn money outside the box. There are always commission-based sales jobs, which allow you to work flexible hours and make good money. Determine what you would LOVE to sell (houses, cars, airplanes, etc.) and then research (Google.com) the possibility. “Sales” has gotten a bad reputation. Selling items that are of no interest to you is painful, but selling something you enjoy is usually exciting and fun.

§         If you cannot pay a debt because you are unemployed, ask the company you owe for a j-o-b. This will not work or be feasible for most people, but it might be the “out of the box” solution for someone. If you make this request, make sure you have done your research and be prepared to follow through.

§         LET YOUR DEBT MOTIVATE YOU INTO A NEW WAY OF THINKING AND INTO A BETTER WAY OF LIVING. Think bigger and better! Debt is often a motivation for people to start their own business; owning a company gives you a greater cut of the pie than working for someone else. (See, “Start a Business for under $500.”)

§         LOOK FOR GREATER PURPOSE IN LIFE. Debt can be the result of an underlying problem, such as a lack of fulfillment in life. Your talents and gifts are needed to make a difference in the world. The cure to your financial problem is to find your niche to help humanity, by which you can get paid.

§         By now, we all know, the world’s financial system (of credit and debt) does not work to the public’s advantage, so get on God’s system. Learn the ways of God for a more fulfilling life. Do not let money control or overpower you.

 

Whatever approach you choose to handle your credit card, IRS or mortgage debt, never pay your debt with your life. Suicide is never a viable option. Jesus Christ died for you to live, not die because of money issues. If you think you have no solution to your problem, God always knows something you do not know. People have had their debt completely wiped out. And when debt is not wiped out, there are opportunities to earn money and learn from your experience to go forward. Seek God for that one thing you do not know, to change your money situation. Even though, a company rightfully deserves their payment, they never have the right to harass you and you never need to give into harassment by taking your life.

 

For more info, read “How to Hear God to Prosper” by VC Edwards.

 

© Found Treasure Publishing 2010

Christian-secrets.com

 

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Tags: A Second Chance, Bill Collectors, Car Repo, Consumer Rights, Credit Card, Debt Collector, Depression, Federal Trade Commission, Foreclosure, Google.com, IRS, Job Loss, Late Bill, Life Savings, Money Management, Money Problems, Money Solution, Overdue Bill, Pay Garnish, Recession, Short Sale, Starting Again, Suicide, Think Bigger and Better, Unemployed, Unpaid Taxes, Wall Street

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