Too many people wait until they hit rock bottom before seeking help from credit counseling agencies, says a New York credit counseling service. The consequence is that consumers end up limiting "the options available to them without having to make major, and often very difficult lifestyle changes. If they wait too long, debt repayment plans become unaffordable—leaving them more vulnerable to losing assets or having to file bankruptcy."

So how do you know when it's time to ask for help? If your monthly payments are exceeding your monthly income, it's probably a good time. To find an agency, check out wikiHow's How To entry, and use this list provided by Bankrate to ensure the agency will be able to provide the services you need.

"Don't wait too long to get credit help" [StarGazetteNews.com]

RELATED
"How to Choose a Credit Counseling Agency" [wiwiHow]
"12 questions to ask a potential credit counselor" [Bankrate]
Debt Free Today
(Photo: Getty)