The phone calls from creditors and collection agencies become unbearable.
The letters from creditors and collection agencies become unbearable.
You can only pay the minimum monthly payment on your credit cards and the balances never seem to go down.
Checks are "bounced" for non-sufficient funds.
You have to borrow money from family and friends just to make basic living expenses.
Your car has been repossessed.
The mortgage company has mailed you an intent to foreclose.
You have been laid off or your hours have been cut at work.
You have taken a new job at substantially lower pay and cannot pay your basic living expenses.