| Do you get a cold, clammy feeling when you think about your credit card bills? If so, you're not alone. Feeling anxious about your bills is one sign that you.ve bitten off more plastic than you can chew.
Recognizing the signs of a credit crunch is the first step toward regaining control of your finances. Consider these questions:
-Are your credit card balances higher each month?
-Are you near the credit limit on one or more accounts?
-Can you only afford to make the minimum payment on one or more credit card bills?
-Do you pay for household expenses like groceries and gas with a credit card to stretch your paycheck a little farther each month?
-Have you made purchases on a .no interest for six months. offer only to miss the deadline and end up having to pay all the finance charges?
-Have you used one credit account to make another credit payment?
-Are you making late payments or missing payments because you run out of money before you run out of bills?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be in or on your way to a credit crisis. The good news is that you can take advantage of several strategies to reverse those troublesome trends. Start with these steps:
• Take stock. Make a list of your credit card balances, and compare the rates and fees for each account. Have any of the rates increased? Do you find any unexpected fees?
• Develop a household budget. With gas and grocery prices on the rise in recent months, basic expenses are taking more of your paycheck. Look for ways to hold the line on those costs. Also, think about other expenses. How much will you need for the holiday season? Will you need to make any major household purchases in the coming months?
• Set goals. Based on your basic costs of living, anticipated expenses, and credit balances, come up with a plan that works for you. For example, you may decide to focus on paying off card balances with the highest rates first. You may also need to stop charging on some accounts until you've paid down the balances.
• Consult with us. You can count on Angelina Federal Employees Credit Union as a trusted financial advisor. Our loan officers are trained to review your credit records and suggest ways to bring your bills back in line. Ask about whether consolidating your highrate, high-balance accounts on your credit union credit card might reduce your monthly payments and allow you to pay down the balance more quickly.
If you're losing sleep over worries about a credit crunch, look to Angelina Credit Union for guidance and solutions. | 
