When money is tight, many families face the same stressful question: Which bills should be paid first?

In a recent article for AFRO, Courtland Merkel, housing and consumer attorney at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, explains why not all debt should be treated the same. Some debts may affect credit over time, while others can quickly threaten a family’s housing, transportation, income, or overall stability.

Merkel advises families to focus first on debts that can cause immediate harm if left unpaid. That includes rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, car loans or leases, utilities, and certain legal obligations. Falling behind on these types of payments can lead to serious consequences such as eviction, foreclosure, repossession, or loss of essential services.

The article also explains why debts like credit cards, medical bills, and retail charge accounts are often considered lower priority. While these debts should not be ignored, they usually do not create the same immediate risk to a person’s home, vehicle, or income.

For families already feeling overwhelmed, knowing which debts carry the highest consequences can be an important first step toward stability.

Read Courtland Merkel’s full article in AFRO

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides free civil legal help to eligible Marylanders. To learn more or apply for help, visit mvlslaw.org/free-legal-help/.

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.