The holidays are over, and you are ready to get back into your normal routine. However, like many, you may be feeling the consequences of your holiday spending for months to come, especially if you used your credit cards for gifts and other purchases. For some, this post-holiday debt is something they can handle with a few adjustments to their budgets. For others, however, it is a bigger challenge.

You may be like many who assume their financial struggles are typical and that everyone is having the same problems with debt. However, it does not have to be this way. If you are overwhelmed with debt, there are options for relief. The first step is recognizing that you have a debt problem.

Does this describe your situation?

Perhaps you really aren’t sure how much debt you have. You may be surprised to know that this is one sign that you may need help with your debt. If you do not know how deeply in debt you are, it may be because you are too afraid to look. You may know deep down there is a problem, but you can’t face it. Other signs that you may be in serious financial trouble include the following:

• You are using your credit cards or cash advances to pay your bills or to buy necessities like groceries.
• You are only able to make the minimum payment on your credit card accounts, and you may still have to skip a month.
• Your credit cards are maxed out or nearing the limit, but you can’t pay them down because you continue to use them.
• Credit card companies are starting to refuse you more credit because your debt load is too high.
• You frequently overdraw your checking account.
• You have no savings and no emergency fund.

Have you received notices that creditors are going to garnish your wages or sue you for nonpayment? Are you in danger of foreclosure on your home or repossession of your vehicle? Have you stopped answering the phone or opening the mail because you don’t want to deal with warnings from your creditors? Is your financial situation affecting your relationships or distracting you from doing your job well?

Any of these could indicate that your finances are out of control. Before things get worse, you would be wise to explore your alternatives for debt relief, including the option of bankruptcy. A Wisconsin attorney can provide information and advice about the best course of action for your situation.