For a long time my job was good, credit card interest was low, and it was easy to pay my bills each month.  Then suddenly my interest rates sky rocketed at the same time my hours were cut at work.  Suddenly I needed financial help.  I called a company which offered debt counseling.  They taught me to manage my money as well as work out a repayment plan.  The counselor taught me to use credit wisely, to write out my budget and stick to it, and to save for emergencies so I wouldn’t use credit cards.  It has not been easy staying on a budget, but I love seeing my balances go down and not worrying about money.