Public service info, pass the word: Helping families get untangled from overwhelming debt

Folks - there's a big issue facing more and more families as they grapple with costs for family members due to medical bills, aging parents needing help, etc. Please pass the word about these resources to help. "Now" is always the best time for struggling families to reach out and get help:

Families facing overwhelming debts from credit cards and other forms of debt have an alternative to mere interest-rate reduction, or bankruptcy. There are companies that really help reduce the total amounts owed. Sometimes families get into trouble because they're trying to help other family members, but the debt spreads; or other reasons make it imperative to get help. This article at Caring.com gives info and a link to find one of these good companies:
Is Debt Becoming Contagious in Your Family? Five Debt Triggers -- One Simple Solution at Caring.com. Below is a quote from this article:

Here are some of the common problems entangling families nowadays:

1. Medical bills. Who wouldn't help a family member out in a health crisis? But the need can be so great that it sinks everyone.

2. Mortgage payments. When one family member is about to lose a house, it's natural for another to step in. But co-signing loans or loaning money to make payments can make one disaster into two.

3. Property taxes. In my family this was what tipped the scales; my sister had to borrow $20,000 to cover my mother's unpaid property taxes and keep her house off the county auction block. Luckily, this was before the downturn, and my mother was eventually able to pay her back by refinancing her house.

4. Credit card debt. While this type of debt is individual, we've heard from many Caring.com members about parents deeply in debt and adult children wondering how to help them.

5. Gambling debts. Lonely older people are vulnerable to casino policies that can rapidly turn small debts into big ones.

If you're in this situation, I'm hoping that reading this list is making you feel better. You're not alone, and it's important not to let shame keep you from getting help.

I echo that sentiment. So I urge you to click and read the article and follow the link to find help. Share this info with others needing help, too. Do it now!

PS - Caring.com is a great resource for families with caregiving issues around aging parents, disabled family members, and the many related concerns.