Thirsty for an Intervention

Do you know someone who is drowning in credit card debt...someone who can't seem to control their spending habits? Has a friend recently revealed the truth about his or her credit card debt? Perhaps you've noticed that your sister's trips to the mall are getting out of control. What are you doing about what you see? How are you handling your concerns for your friend?

Just as most of us wouldn't sit around and watch silently while someone we love abuses drugs, we shouldn't standby and wink at our friends' reliance on credit cards (especially if their debt is growing). So, what should we do? Here are my suggestions for holding a private intervention:

• Brainstorm - write down your thoughts about your friend's credit card use and spending habits (it is important to be as specific as possible if you hope to successfully convey those concerns).
• Plan - figure out the most comfortable, conducive time and environment to talk to your friend (again, consider exactly what it is you want to say).
• Meet & Greet - show up on time and invest a few minutes in complimenting your friend for his or her attendance, appearance, and admirable strengths.
• Get serious - express your concerns and offer any advice and assistance you have to show your support and commitment to helping your friend to change his or her current habits.
• Share - reveal your own credit card journey and share what you've learned along the way.
• Cheer - reiterate your love, hope, and faith in your friend's ability to change his or her credit card use and reduce current credit card debt.
• Follow up - check in with your friend once a month, or at the least once a quarter (every 3 months) to see how he or she is doing and how you might be able to help.

Credit card debt is keeping too many of us awake at night, and is preventing too many of us from experiencing a variety of opportunities because of its affect on our credit ratings. You know someone in this situation, don't you? Well, today is the day for you to join me...get thirsty for an intervention, and then go make it happen!