When do you decide that your finances are in such disarray that you need outside help? Is it when you can’t stand to hear the phone ring because you don’t want to talk to a debt collection agent? Is it when you have bills you can’t pay? Seeking outside help for these problems can be free for you.

Generally this help is needed at a time where there isn’t any money left over for additional expenses. Some people seek debt settlement companies. They can negotiate and reduce amounts owed, but they also get into trouble by advising you to stop paying your bills.

Where can you turn to get help from a non-profit organization? The AAA Fair Credit Foundation, founded by Preston Cochrane of Salt Lake City, Utah provides personal financial credit counseling at no charge. They give people help with budgeting and showing them the options they have to improve their lives. They have helped thousands of people learn to live debt free when they practice what the credit counselors advise them to do.

Everyone is different, but one thing that we all have in common is that we all spend money. Some are more aware of their spending than others. Those who are highly aware of their spending habits are so for one of three reasons: they follow a budget, they have little to no income, or they are living paycheque to paycheque because they have extended their credit, beyond what they can afford.

A personal budget is the key to effective personal money management because it creates awareness of each and every dollar you spend. Outside of a loss of income, the most common reasons that folks cannot make ends meet are:

1. Lack of awareness of spending