Take this test to see if you might need credit counseling.

Yes No

1. Are you using your credit cards to buy groceries or gas?

Yes No

2. Have you hit your credit limit on one or more cards?

Yes No

3. Does the pressure of your debt distract you from your daily work?

Yes No

4. Are you unable to save money for anticipated annual and occasional expenses? i.e., taxes, insurance premiums, auto repair, birthdays or holidays.

Yes No

5. Are you screening your calls because of constant collector (creditor) calls?

Yes No

6. Are you overwhelmed with medical debt?

Yes No

7. Are you behind on your rent/mortgage and/or utility bills?

Yes No

8. Have you borrowed money without giving consideration to the rate of interest you are required to pay?

Yes No

9. Do you anticipate difficulty in paying monthly minimums on current credit card debt?

Yes No

10. Are you unable to keep up with everyday expenses due to a recent job loss, reduced income and/or fixed income, illness or divorce?

Yes No

11. I am unable to save at least 5-10% of my take home pay.

Yes No

12. I do not know what I spend monthly on living expenses. i.e., food, kids, clothing, entertainment.

Yes No

13. Have you ever transferred a credit card balance only to find yourself still unable to meet financial obligations?

Yes No

14. I do not have at least one month of my net income in reserve for emergencies.

Yes No

15. I am not able to pay more than the required minimum on my credit card.

Yes No

16. Do your charge account balances grow each month?

Yes No

17. Are you borrowing more money before the old loan is paid off?

Yes No

18. Do you know why you always get turned down for credit?

Yes No

19. Is there an increase in money arguments in your household?

Yes No

20. Are you borrowing money on your credit cards to pay current bills?

If your answer is yes for any one of the questions above, you should take a closer look at your budget-it may suggest a need for credit counseling.

More than one yes may mean you need help in preventing debt problems.

A yes answer to four or more questions means you are in trouble.