Following the recent economic downturn, how do you know whether your finances are in danger? Would better information help? If so, here’s 10 signs of the potential danger and how to avoid them!

1) You’re only paying the minimum monthly repayment on your credit cards

Minimum monthly repayments are typically set at ridiculously low levels. This means that if you’re only managing to pay this amount, it’s going to take you a long time to pay off your credit card debt in full. Not only that, but you’ll end up paying far more in interest before you clear your balance.

2) You don’t know how much you owe and you don’t want to find out

If you’ve lost track of how much you owe and have no idea how you ended up in debt, you’re probably overspending. Losing track of what you’re spending where is not a good idea, especially if you’re spending large amounts. It indicates you’ve really got no control over your finances.

3) You’re borrowing more to pay off your debts

Borrowing more and getting further into debt to meet your other debt payments is a dangerous path to follow – particularly if you’re using payday loans, logbook loans or credit card cheques.

Equally, if you’re taking money out on your credit card just to cover monthly payments on other debts, you could find yourself in serious trouble in the future. Find out more in our article ‘Six dangerous ways to borrow’.

4) You’re spending more than you earn

If you have no idea what your budget is and you’re spending more than you earn each month, or you’re not sure whether your salary is covering your expenses, you could be in serious trouble.

5) You use your credit card to pay for everyday spending

If you regularly use your credit card to pay for necessities such as food or petrol and can’t afford to clear the balance each month, your debts will continue to build up and put more strain on your finances.

6) You’re regularly late paying bills

If you regularly fail to make your bill payments on time, your cheques bounce, or you overspend on your credit card or overdraft, you’ll incur extra fees and charges from your bank. This will drive you further into debt and could also damage your credit rating.

7) You don’t have any savings

If you’re unable to put even a little money aside into a savings account each month because your debts are too high, that’s not a good sign. Having said that, it is usually wise to pay off your debts before starting to save – so it’s the right strategy, but don’t be blase about it: it’s a sign that you are struggling.

8) You find it hard to talk about your situation

If you find it difficult to be honest with your friends and family about your debt problems, or you’re lying to them about your spending habits, you could be in denial about your debt.

9) You’ve been rejected for credit

This could be because you’ve already got too many credit cards – even if you no longer use them – or because you’ve missed payments in the past.  All of this can damage your credit rating. Find out more in ‘What really damages your credit rating’.

10) You’re constantly worried about your finances

Research from talkaboutdebt.co.uk has revealed that 61% of people in serious debt aren’t sleeping due to debt stress, and 29% have taken up to six months off work. If your money problems are affecting your working life, leisure time, and how you sleep, it’s time to seek help.

Note: This artical is abstracted from http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/19082010/389/10-signs-re-financial-danger.html.