Whether your debting problem is related to compulsive spending, bad luck, compulsive shopping, or a combination of the aforementioned, Debtors Anonymous has become a viable bankruptcy alternative for a growing number of people.
Introduction
Many people have heard of consumer credit counseling as a possible alternative to bankruptcy, but far fewer individuals have heard that there is hope for “money sobriety” through Debtors Anonymous. This by donation-only, 12 step, non-religious, non-professional program has helped many compulsive debtors, spenders, and underearners achieve financial solvency since 1968. The organization has no membership rules or requirements and is open to everyone who wants to stop accruing unsecured debt.
How Can Debtors Anonymous Help?
It is important to remember any words of wisdom given by Debtors Anonymous members, meetings, workshops, or literature is not considered legal advice. Bankruptcy may be a viable option for you, and circumstances may make it impossible for you to consider any bankruptcy alternatives.
However, for those whose troubles are mainly precipitated by running up debts to fulfill shopping sprees or who consistently earn under their personal and professional worth, Debtors Anonymous may be just the ticket.
It is recommended that people check out at least six meetings before deciding whether the program is something they wish to join. To “join” there are no formal dues, steps, or initiations. You simply declare yourself a member. At this point, you may wish to get a “sponsor.” Your sponsor is not a professional, but another recovering debtor with more experience, strength, and hope with recovering from financial issues. Some of them have personal experience using the group as a bankruptcy alternative by better budgeting their money, not incurring new unsecured debt, and contacting their own creditors to make payment plans.
Literature and Telephone Tools
Literature is also sold at nominal cost at Debtors Anonymous meetings, and often telephone lists of members willing to offer phone support for debting, overspending, and underearning issues are made available. Both these tools can be very useful as a new member tries, one day at a time, to achieve solvency.
What Debtors Anonymous Is Not
Debtors Anonymous is not a church or charity, and will not give or loan you money even if your life circumstances are extremely sad. They do have expenses, such as renting the weekly meeting room in a church, and will “pass the basket” and collect donations to cover them.
For Further Information
Hundreds of online, telephone, and in-person meetings, as well as more information about Debtors Anonymous and the 12 Steps in general may be found online at http://www.debtorsanonymous.org