How do I decide which bills to pay?  If you have lost your job, or had a cut in overtime, whatever the reason for less money coming into the house you need to decide how to prioritize the bills you pay.  This information is base upon which creditor can take action against your first.

If you rent, you rent should be paid first.  If you are late paying your rent; the landlord simply has to post a 5 day quit or pay notice and can then begin eviction proceedings.

Next, you should be concerned about your car.  If you make monthly payments on your car once you miss a payment; 10 days later you are in default.  Once you are in default, the creditor simply has to mail you a notice “Notice to Cure”, then 15-days later you’ll wake up and find your car gone.

Next, utilities.  Now this is seasonal.  WeEnergies cannot disconnect you service from Mid-November to Mid-April.   After that once the disconnection notice time period expires, they will disconnect your service.

Next, your mortgage.  In order for the creditor to remove you from your home they must get permission from the Courts.  This can take anywhere from 8 – 10 months.

Finally, credit cards.  While theses will be the most aggressive trying to collect from you, they are the last creditor you should consider paying while you are experiencing financial difficulties.