Profile of a typical debt spender -- how close are you?
By Julie G. Bandy • Bankrate.com

Unfortunately, too many American families are caught up in the "charge-it" mode. In fact, the average credit card holder is revolving more than $4,000 in high-interest debt. The National Foundation of Credit Counseling, the parent association for the 1,448 or so consumer credit counseling services across the country, knows this too well.

More than 1.5 million of us streamed through their doors last year seeking guidance for our financial situations. Thankfully, not everyone was in dire straits -- just a little more than half were in serious trouble.

Ken Scott at the NFCC says it's much better to reach out early for assistance -- before your situation is desperate. It's easier than one might imagine to straighten the course to financial success, but you need to take action before any changes can occur. The counselors are quite flexible and will work with you over the phone, face-to-face or via their Web sites. To find an NFCC office nearest your home, you can either call (800) 388-2227 or visit its Web site.

Here is a profile of the typical person who seeks assistance through the NFCC. How closely does it resemble your situation?

-- Posted: May 18, 2001