If you have trouble meeting your financial obligations, contact your creditors right away. You may be able to work out an alternative payment schedule that can help save your good credit. Ask about the following options:

• Due date change: Switch the monthly due date of your loan or credit card payment
• Deferment: Your lender may allow you to postpone a payment or two if your financial crisis is temporary
• Refinancing: You may be able to extend the term of your loan to produce lower payments