ok, I think that if you believe for your situation to be temporary, then it makes sense to be late on non-mortgage debt only, since the effect on your credit is less and it is easier to negotiate with those folks (in general).
Let's say you lost your job but believe you can find one in 6 months or so, or you are waiting for a big bonus that will elliminate your problem for good, make sure you pay your mortgage after shelter, electrivity and food. When you get back on your feet you'll have some dents on your credit, but it is repairable and les impact than mortgage payments showing late.
But if your situation is permanent, lost job and believe it will take more than 6 months to find another one with enough income, separation (my case), death of partner, variable payments that went high raise, those things are not likely to go away. If you don't get a loan modification, you will not be able to afford the house, not now, not in a few months.
In this case, it makes sense to ensure your only late is the mortgage. With so many foreclosures, it seems creditors are forgiving of that as long as the rest checks out fine. For me, it doesn't make sense topay mortgage first if that will mean to be late on all my other debt. I should pay food, electricity, car payments, car insurance, even HOA, everything, and only allow the mortgage to go late since I can not avoid it. I will know more tonight after my appt with the lawyer. Stay tuned.
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