Keep Your Good Name Every month, go back to your budget and plan carefully to ensure your bills are paid before their due dates. You can keep your good name by being a planner.

If you believe you are too deep in debt:

Discuss your options with your creditors before you miss a payment. Seek expert help, such as Consumer Credit Counseling Services, listed in your local telephone directory. Avoid "credit repair" companies that charge a fee. Many of these are scams.