After Hurricane Helene devastated much of the southeastern U.S., survivors of the wreckage wrought by the storm are grappling with another issue: How to pay for goods and services. Across much of the region,

If you're worried about missing a credit card payment this month, there may be solutions worth considering now.

Currently, Americans owe $1.14 trillion in credit card debt. Higher prices and interest rates put pressure on consumers, making it harder for many to keep up with their payments. Young adults, in particular, are affected by this.

Credit card rewards are paid for by issuers, which pass the bill along to consumers who are charged fees and interest for using their cards. The merchant middlemen also indirectly pay for credit card rewards by paying interchange fees, typically 1.5 to 3.5 percent of each purchase that a consumer charges to their card.

And, in some cases, the financial strain has forced people to rely on their credit cards to make ends meet, leading to an increase in consumer debt nationwide. As a result, credit card debt is climbing.

Missing a credit card payment can cause problems right away, but taking quick action and following these steps can help you manage your debts and start rebuilding your credit score.