In most cases I would have to say no but depending on what payments you are talking about financial firms may be willing to work with you until you can get on your feet. There will probably be additional fees imposed on you and will cost more in the long run.
If you are not going to talk to them make a partial payment at least that shows faith that you are trying but you will still get charged a late fee as the whole amount has not been paid. The card companies have been very good and may set you up with a hardship agreement for a while if you find you cannot meet payments but you would need to talk to them. A hardhsip agreement does (I think) affect your credit rating though.
There are free financial advisers you can talk to who can help you through a rough time if you find ongoing problems.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.