SIGNS OF CREDIT TROUBLE

Howard Dvorkin, president of the nonprofit Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc., said juggling payments is one of the "leading indicators" that a consumer is in trouble. Other telltale signs are:

• Making minimum payments month after month.

• Taking cash advances on one credit card to make the minimum payments on others.

• Delay sending or being late with important payments, such as the monthly mortgage.

• Putting off necessary activities, such as doctors' appointments.