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Beginning To Heal

Healing is a slow process; some days are going to be good, and others bad. The most important thing is knowing that you are regaining control of your life, and the best way to do that is to maintain financial goals in a realistic timeframe. If you have spare time choose fun activities that do not require you to spend lots of money. Sometimes going for hikes or just being outdoors is a very effective way to begin the healing process. Being with friends and family is perhaps the best way to start smiling again. Many of our clients have told us that working out really does the trick for them. Spend time prioritizing what is important in your life and try to place less emphasis on material things. We do, however, encourage you to treat yourself to a nice meal or go out with friends and spend a little from time to time. The healing process takes time, and at Credit Exchange Center we can get you started and help you every step of the way. If things get rough, call us anytime toll free 1-888-299-9989.

Depression

Many people have biological and chemical tendencies for depression, but what can trigger those tendencies? The National Depression Campaign has found that close to 90% of depression cases are prompted by financial problems
(http://www.depressionalliance.org/).

Depression is much misinterpreted by the public, and yet it affects as many as 1 in every 5 people, regardless of sex, age, income or color. It is a sickness, like the measles, flu or mumps and can be treated.

Over the past 20 years scientists have been looking at how certain chemicals in the brain can effect the way we are feeling. Changes in the balance of these chemicals can effect a persons mood. Serotonin is one of these chemicals; depressed people appear to have low levels of it. Unfortunately, scientists still don't know what causes serotonin levels to change. The good news, however, is that they have found ways of correcting the imbalance.

Some of the symptoms of depression include:
 
Being over-sensitive, consistently questioning thoughts and actions, lack of concentration, forgetfulness, suicidal thoughts, delusions/hallucinations, helplessness, hopelessness, useless, inadequate, bad, guilty, self-hatred, self-harm, loss/gain of weight, loss of energy/motivation, loss of sex drive, physical aches and pains.
 
If you experience some of these symptoms in any combination for more than two weeks, you should consult a health professional.

At Credit Exchange Center we want to remind you that depression is common. It is not a sign of weakness. It is nothing to be ashamed about. It does not mean you are going mad, and it can be treated. We understand the mental hardships of depression and we treat all of our clients with care. Anytime you feel the pain of your debt, please do not hesitate to call us toll free at 1-888-299-9989.

Stress

Stress is a normal reaction to something that is considered a challenge or threat. Everyone gets stressed at times. It is important to understand that the same situation can produce different levels of stress in different people. For example: Negotiating over a price is very stressful for some people, yet positively enjoyable for others.

Stress is also a natural part of life and is even healthy in small doses. When it builds-up, it can start to do more harm than good.

When under stress the human body prepares for action. This preparation is often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. In the short term, the physical changes it brings about makes a person stronger and more alert. This natural response is designed to help a person get out of trouble. Other times it can help get someone through a job, or adjust to a major change, like the arrival of a new child. As debt builds up, it's easy to feel stressed out, When we talk to new clients it is very easy to hear the pain and frustration in their voices. It's also a great experience to talk to the same clients after a couple of months and hear the difference: from frustration to confidence. Anytime you feel the frustration of your debt, please do not hesitate to call us toll free at 1-888-299-9989.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be tough. It often comes on fast and can sometimes be unbearable. Many of our clients have told us they often get anxious when opening their bills or have to look at bank statements. Debt problems cause a lot of anxiety. Most people become so wrapped up in their own problems that they forget about everyone else. At the same time they begin to take out their feelings on family and friends. The result can be bad feelings between family members, along with a loss of friends. Many of our clients have told us about hurting those closest to them, and every story we hear like that is really tough to deal with. Anxiety will limit your effectiveness at work. Over a long period of time, it will gradually wear you down. You will become physically weaker and begin to tire more easily. At the same time, you will find it harder to concentrate. Anytime you feel anxious about your debt, please do not hesitate to call us toll free: 1-888-299-9989.

Unsecured Credit Cards

Unsecured credit cards are the most common type of credit card. They are easy to get as long as you have a decent credit rating and they do not require you to put down any collateral. These cards usually have an annual fee or high interest rate to allow banks to cover the risk of offering a card to people without any collateral or to someone with imperfect credit. Many unsecured credit cards are offered to college students with a great deal of ease, but this can sometimes result in very damaging consequences. Once the student graduates, they find themselves with a large college loan to pay off a credit card balance with high interest rates. It can sometimes take up to 20 years to pay off all this money.

Not only has Credit Exchange Center helped many people with debt stemming from their college years, we have given them the freedom to enjoy that hard earned education without the mental burdens of debt.

At Credit Exchange Center we have seen the effects of credit card use. In our experience of dealing with clients we have realized that it can happen to anyone and the results can be nasty, both mentally and physically. If you think that you are suffering with depression or stress… click here to find out more and take control of your life again.

Secured Credit Cards

If possible please, avoid secured credit cards. Unlike unsecured credit cards that require no collateral, secured credits do require collateral. Many are deceptive, requiring you to have money in the bank to cover them, or you can only buy products from certain catalogs with expensive items.

Unsecured credit cards are fairly easy to get, even if you have imperfect credit. But if you have imperfect credit and you are already in debt be very careful; at Credit Exchange Center, we suggest getting advice from a professional credit advisor before obtaining a secured credit card. At Credit Exchange Center we offer free information on alternatives, so make sure you are making the correct decision and call us today at 1-888-299-9989.

Department Store Credit Cards

Department store cards are great when you get 10% off all purchases on the day you sign up for the card. After that… watch out! You should expect to pay 18-31% on interests rates with department stores. Often that number is far higher than many credit cards. That 10% only goes so far, and if you do not pay it off, expect to pay 18% or more on future bills. If you have a 6-15% APR credit card, choose that over the 10% discount.

Annual Fees

Some cards offer annual fees in exchange for a lower APR. If you have good credit and your payments have been on time, call up your creditor and let them know you would like them to reduce your annual fee. This strategy often works; remember credit card companies only make money if you have a balance with them, and they want to keep you happy. If your creditor is not willing to remove the annual fee, you always have the option of finding another creditor who can offer a deal closer to what you are looking for.

Offers with Low APRs

Creditors will offer low APR's to gain more customers, enticing them to transfer balances. Most of these low APR's last for about 6 or so months before moving to a more typical APR. Transferring money to a low introductory APR can be beneficial if done correctly; however, at Credit Exchange Center we urge our clients not to maintain any balances to begin with. If your existing creditor is aware that you are going to transfer a balance, they may even lower your current APR in the hopes of keeping you as a customer (Boy! Doesn't it feel great to be in control again?) Sometimes a new APR may work out better. You may even be able to transfer balances every six months between different creditors to maintain a lower APR until you pay off your balance.

Alternative to Credit Cards

The best alternative to a credit card is to have no credit cards at all. Make sure you set financial goals for yourself every month and only spend money when you have money. Using a check card is one of the best alternatives to a credit card. The money comes straight out of your account, so always make sure you are aware of your daily balance. Software programs like Intuit Quicken or Microsoft Money can help you keep track of your daily expenses, or you could use the old fashion method of just balancing your check book. Most banks also offer online banking to give you up to date financial information. Always remember the bills that have to get paid each month and stay on pace with your goals. You can reclaim your future.