Workshop Eleven

Job loss, divorce, illness, caregiving, or major moves can put huge pressure on your finances. During these times, the goal is to protect your credit as much as reasonably possible.

That might include contacting creditors early, asking about hardship programs, temporarily lowering payments, or restructuring certain debts. Communication is more powerful than silence.

You may also adjust goals—focusing on staying current rather than aggressive payoff, or pausing new applications until your income stabilizes. The key is to avoid long periods of missed payments and total disconnection from your accounts.