 TITLE: What Types of Debt Can Go to Collections? CONTENT: How to Avoid Having Accounts Go to Collections\n----------------------------------------------\nThe simplest way to avoid having accounts go to collections—and one of the best ways to help your credit scores over time—is to take care to pay your bills on time, every month. Setting up automatic payments or using automatic reminders on your phone can help you make this a habit.\nIf you're having difficulty covering your payments, reach out to your creditors to see if you can arrange to make smaller payments. Creditors may work with you if you can show you'll be able to resume regular payments within a reasonable amount of time, and they typically won't send your account to collections as long as they're receiving some form of payment each month.\nIf you can't see any end in sight to difficulties covering all your bills each month, consider consulting an accredited credit counselor. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can advise you on organizing your budget and help you explore options for getting caught up on your bills, including negotiating with creditors on your behalf to help you work out a formal repayment plan. They can also go over your options if bill repayment is unaffordable. You can locate reputable nonprofit credit counselors through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. END