2. When will my creditors be paid? Some counseling services have a set date each month when they take money out and apply it to your debts. Sometimes, creditors wind up being paid after their due dates. Make sure that counseling service will work with your creditors to change due dates or will set up your payment schedule based on when you get paid. The best services will work around your payday and your bills’ due dates.

3. Can you take money electronically out of my checking account or will I have to send you a certified check or money order each month? You’re much more likely to stick with a repayment plan if making that single payment to counseling service is a “no-brainer.” If you’re pressed for time and don’t think you can get to your bank each month to get a certified check, make sure counseling service will take money out of your account electronically.

4. How often can I see statements of my accounts? Your counselor should send you at least monthly reports on your progress. The statements should show you how much of your payment is going toward interest, how much toward minimum payment and how much toward counselor for his/her services.

5. Will I always deal with same counselor, or at least get a live person on phone when I call during regular business hours? How long does it take for you to return phone calls? Make sure you’re comfortable with answers you get here, and that you’re comfortable with people you might be dealing with. After your free budget counseling session, call your counselor once or twice with questions you have about budget paperwork to make sure that you don’t have a problem getting your questions answered and your phone calls returned.

There’s no obligation or payment due to any good credit counselor until after you’ve determined what your monthly payment would be under plan and you’ve decided to join their program. I encourage you to explore all your options and then pick one that makes you feel most comfortable

4: SEE THE HIGHEST GOOD FOR EVERYONE. When you’re in a situation where you think, “they’re going to try and rip me off” affirm “I see highest good for both of us.” Then know this person will do right by you.

5: GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR DEBTS. When you pay your debts, hold them one by one in your hand and give thanks for whatever that debt represents. “Thank you Universe for Cable Television, which enables us as a family to watch movies together at home.” “Thank you Universe for this dental bill, which took away pain in my mouth.” “Thank you Universe for this mortgage, which lets us live in this home we love.”

6: DON’T BRAG ABOUT WHAT YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH OR |ABOUT THE PROSPERITY IN YOUR LIFE. Instead, imagine it as accomplished, then go about your daily business, putting stepping stones in place for your pathway to your goal. Then, once you’ve accomplished your goal, go inside yourself and give thanks for your abundance. And give back to those who have helped you achieve your prosperity.

7: DON’T LET PRIDE STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR PROSPERITY. You can be your own worst enemy if you refuse to accept your prosperity in whatever form it takes. As you practice laws of prosperity, people around you will suddenly start giving you things. Don’t refuse these gifts as charity or acts of pity. They are first evidence that your prosperous thinking is paying off. Joyfully accept these gifts. Stop yourself before you say, “Oh you shouldn’t have.” “This is too expensive.” “I couldn’t possibly accept.” Practice accepting gifts graciously. “Bless your heart!” “You’re an angel!” “Glory be!” “Thank you.”

8: BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AS YOU LEARN PROSPERITY SKILLS. Don’t be like farmer who planted corn, then cut off all tassels that appeared, because he was looking to grow EARS of corn, not tassels. Don’t dismiss results you get as weeds. Know that whatever grows in your life is for your highest good.

9: LOOK FOR THE LESSON IN EXPERIENCES. When a “negative” happens to us, it’s usually a nudge to help us choose a better direction for our lives, for our growth. Don’t waste your time and energy bemoaning an event. Stop and center yourself and figure out what you were meant to learn, how this event will help you achieve your goals. Don’t ask, “Why did this happen to me?” Ask, “What am I going to do about it?”

10: LET GO OF PREJUDICES. Don’t spend time and energy worrying about others, or how others perceive you. Remember old taunt, “I’m rubber and you’re glue...whatever you say bounces off me and sticks on you?” The same goes for positive thoughts and words. Don’t set yourself above anyone else, or love others “in spite of” their actions. Learn to love everyone unconditionally and that love will flow back to you tenfold.

You can be your own worst enemy in your search for abundance or you can be best guide you’ve ever had. The choice is entirely up to you!