Missed payments can lead to late fees, higher interest, collections, and credit-report entries. When debt becomes unmanageable, timing matters: early action preserves options (negotiation, consolidation, counseling) and usually reduces long-term harm. Seeking professional help is wise well before collections begin if you can’t reliably make minimums or if payments consume a large share of your income for an extended period. Nonprofit credit counselors can explain pros and cons of consolidation, management plans, and bankruptcy so you can weigh choices calmly. The question asks which sign most strongly indicates it’s time to seek outside help.