Talking about money is taboo in this society. We’re taught we’re not supposed to discuss salaries with co-workers. Asking people how much their homes cost is considered gauche and we never discuss our debt with others.
Here’s the thing though, if you don’t talk about a problem with someone, it can be very difficult to get help. When it comes to seemingly insurmountable financial obligations, there’s also an embarrassment that goes along with having it. When you combine debts and regrets, it can be difficult to learn how to overcome your financial past.
Collection Calls
One of the most embarrassing things about having debt you can’t manage is the collection calls. They come from a seemingly unending series of phone numbers and the people on the other end of the calls are seldom empathetic. In fact, you can almost hear the condescension in their tone.
Keep in mind though, they have no idea what got you into this situation. To them you’re just another name, number and amount on the list through which they have to work that day. As personal as it feels, they don’t know you. Don’t let them push your emotional buttons.
Denied Charges
The anxiety of handing someone a credit card you think might have just enough room on it to make a purchase can be extremely debilitating. Your stomach is filled with butterflies, your underarms itch as they struggle to defeat your antiperspirant; all while you’re trying to keep a confident smile on your face in case the card is declined. The cashier seems pleasant, but they’re just as embarrassed for you as you are at the situation. Meanwhile, you have to bring food home for the family. So you set about removing items from the bag to get the total down—in front of a long queue of people whose eyes are boring into your back.
Financial Shame Is Real
These two scenarios – and the others that go along with finding yourself in the shallow end of the revenue stream – can be mortifying. You’ll feel regret for your past financial decisions and embarrassed about the situation as again, we’re trained to avoid asking for help. The judgment of others, reluctance to make decisions and the shame of having “underperformed” leaves you feeling like a failure. All of which can lead you to ask yourself, “How did this happen to me?’
There Are Ways Out
Rather than asking that question though, ask what you can do to get out of the situation. One ready answer is working with a debt settlement company. These firms negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe and get rid of that anxiety once and for all. To find a good one, look for a company with a strong reputation such as the one touted in these Freedom Debt Relief reviews.
Another option is bankruptcy, though that carries a lot more stigma, and additional stigma is the last thing you need in your life right now. By and large, most people want to do what’s right and stick to their commitments. This is one of the reasons debt can be such an emotional grindstone. One of the advantages of debt relief over bankruptcy is you do pay back as much as you can afford, leaving you feeling somewhat better about the situation.
When it comes to easing the regrets of your debt and learning how to overcome your financial past, debt settlement can be a very useful tool.
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