If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, as many people have, you could fall pray to people who want to take advantage of you. Quite often, companies who claim they can “rescue” you are actually out for your money and could put you in more harm. These are the companies whose workers say they will take over your payments to help you out. But what ends up happening is they either put a tenant in your place or live in your home themselves, and they never make a payment. Don’t get into this bind. Talk to your mortgage lender. They want to hear from you and work something out. They don’t want to foreclose on your property. Then, they have to take on the payments, the maintenance of the home and the insurance. Some lenders are calling homeowners who aren’t paying to try and negotiate how you can stay in your home. So, if that call comes in, take it. You and your mortgage company have the same interest, so level with them. And remember to pay your mortgage. Don’t worry about paying your credit card companies until you’re back on your feet. Consider your basic needs first – food, shelter, and clothing.