Counselors at Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Dallas say they've seen a recent spike in the number of people who need help, especially with mortgage payments.
Calls to CCCS are up between 15 percent to 20 percent, and pleas from people in trouble with their mortgage payments have seen the sharpest spike, spokesman Todd Mark said.
Here you'll find the answers to questions that Mark said first-time callers often ask.
How do I know if I need help?
"If you're finding yourself behind on your mortgage, your car payment ... if you're concerned about keeping your utilities on during the winter season, you need help immediately," Mark said. He said losing sleep over finances is also a sure sign of trouble.
How does counseling happen?
"We're going to go over three basic parts of your finances," Mark said. " We're talking about your income, your monthly expenses and your debts." He said the first counseling session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
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What kind of help will I receive?
"You figure out how do you stop the bleeding first, and then we work at long-term relief and treatment," Mark said. He said specifics vary depending on the situation.
Does it cost anything?
"Starting Jan. 1, all of our counseling is completely free," Mark said. He said that includes help with credit card debt and delinquent mortgage payments.
Is it anonymous?
"It's between them and their counselor," Mark said. " Nobody knows about it but them."
One other word of advice from the experts: Make sure your counseling service is accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling:
Here's how to contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service:
