Unfortunately, it's very easy to overextend yourself financially. Credit cards can lead to impulse buying because you feel like you have more money than you do. Or you might be laid off or become ill and be unable to pay your debts.

Know the credit warning signs that you're in too much debt. You know you're in trouble if:

• You're not sure how much debt you owe.
  
• You're making only the minimum payment amount.
  
• You are consistently late with your payments.
  
• You are denied credit.
  
• You're at the maximum credit limit on your credit cards and other loans.
  
• You get occasional calls from collection agencies.
  

The most important thing in these instances is to ask your creditors for help. Most are willing to set up a new payment schedule to fit your situation. They'd rather receive part of the money now than none of it. Perhaps a debt consolidation loan could help. This kind of loan gives you money to pay off all your other debts, and you then pay back the amount you borrowed to one lender.

If you are unable to make arrangements with your lender, or you need help handling or budgeting expenses, the National Foundation for Consumer Credit, a non-profit organization, can help. The NFCC is a network of 1450 non-profit agencies that provide money management education, confidential budget, credit, and debt counseling, and debt repayment plans for both individuals and families. You may reach them by calling 1-800-388-2227.

Remember, the best way to stay out of credit trouble is to set up a budget and stick to it. Most people in trouble are spending much more money than they earn each month.