1. If you spend more than 50% of your credit limit every month, this indicates to the Credit Bureau that you do NOT have enough cash on hand to meet your monthly expenses. This will term you as a high credit risk and will actually reduce your credit score by 60 - 70 points overnight (Fair Isaac).

2. If you miss 1 or 2 payments on your credit card debt, the issuing company will skyrocket your interest rate to a whopping 27% - 30%!

3. Out of a random sample of 3 million American consumers (included in Experian's National Score Index), 51% of them have atleast 2 credit cards and 14% of them have 10 or more credit cards.

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Important insights on Atlanta nonprofit debt consolidation loans

Debt Destruction

Here is what high debt does. It keeps you a prisoner, unable to save, unable to enjoy life in Atlanta, unable to feel free, unable to sleep at night. This is no way to live, especially if you are working hard to stay afloat and to meet your debt obligations but cannot. There are so many reasons why people are in "over their heads," but that is not the salient point right now. You need to get fast help first. Then, you need to get on a plan that changes spending and savings behaviors so that you will be financially free for a lifetime. Nonprofit debt consolidation loans, or actually a debt management plan, can be obtained through the use of various agencies in Atlanta.

Finding the Help

Your fist step is to discover how you can find solid, reputable debt relief agencies. They seem to advertise all the time on television and radio, but which ones can be trusted? You have heard horror stories, and don't want yours to be added to the list. First check the Atlanta Yellow Pages for those which advertise as nonprofit. As well, do a "Google" search for nonprofits in your town. You can also go to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website (www.nfcc.org) and check out their affiliated members in your area. Using an agency that is affiliated with a national association means that they adhere to that association's guidelines for fees and services. Two such agencies in Atlanta are CCCS of Greater Atlanta (www.cccsintl.org) and MMI (www.moneymanagement.org). You will find others that perhaps belong to other associations, but be certain that you carefully check all fees before you sign anything

Additional Tips

Good consolidation agencies will offer an array of free services, and you should participate in all of them. A counselor will thoroughly analyze your financial situation, help you establish a realistic budget, provide education and training in personal finance management strategies, and be involved in follow-up work and assistance with you after the debt management plan has been put in place. Take advantage of all of the services.

Find ways to cut yourself. Instead of your car, use the MARTA. This city-wide light rail system gets you anywhere, and you should be taking it to work. Be kind to your wallet and your environment both! For $13 you get a week's pass, including weekends. How much do you spend in gas and parking driving to and from work everyday?

Touring Atlanta on a Budget

Atlanta is a modern progressive city with a rich history. Any visitor should definitely take one or more of the walking tours available at very moderate prices. Other low-sot but valuable experiences would include the Botanical Garden, Centennial Olympic Park, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, Piedmont Park, and the Zoo.

Accommodations in Atlanta for budget-restricted tourists include the Atlanta Hostel which receives rave reviews, or, if more traditional accommodations are desired, the Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn Express.