My husband died in 2004, and since then I have not been able to get my credit back to where it was when he died. I am a month late on my auto payment. I have credit cards that I have not paid on in months. I do not want to lose my auto and I really need some advice on where should I start. My husband always took care of the bills.. I am just lost and do not know where to begin. Please Help!!

Valerie

I am so sorry for your loss.

Are you listed as a joint holder of the credit cards or are they in your husband's name only? Are you making payments on your car, but just got behind a month? Some loan companies will allow you to do an extension and pay the interest only that way you no longer appear in arrears.

Is the problem that you can't manage your finances because your husband always did it or that you don't have enough money?

Ok, at this point your credit is bad and getting worst every day while you have unpaid past due bills.
You need to sit down and work out a budget and first see if you even havve enough money coming in to pay bills.

If you are just lost, see if you can find a trusted friend, or perhaps even ask your local banker, or pastor if they can help you work out a budget or see if one will work.
If after losing husbands income you have 2000 a month of bills but only make 1500, something won't work, If you havve 1500 in bills and make 2000, then it is just poor planning.

And not all of us are good at budget and paying bills, and just need some help.

This will help you

Paying your bills: Which bill to pay first when money's tight (Page 1 of 2) (http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20030519e1.asp)

Food, shelter, clothing, utilities, are first... and your car... need that to be current to get to work... credit cards will have to wait... or if you can not pay credit cards in full, send something every month... $10 even...

Also check out links in my sig for help. :)