If you have even a smidgen of doubt that you'll be able to stay away from racking up additional debt, don't do it..

Don't let the fact that you're spending time getting organized result in late fees on your credit card bills..

In about one-third of credit card consolidations, within a short period of time, the cards come back out of the wallet, and in no time at all, they'r….

You can have a do-over starting today. But you have to get over the feeling that it's too late.

A consolidation makes sense only if you can lower your overall interest rate. Many people consolidate by taking out a home equity line loan or home e….

Sometimes a creditor is willingto do this as a bargaining point - you give the creditor cash in hand, it gives you a positive listing on your credit ….

The debt settlement company will direct you to stop paying your creditor and instead send the money directly to them each month. The company's goal i….

It's not about having it all. It's about having what you value most..

If you are able to settle, you'll be getting off rather easy. Debt settlement companies can sometimes get you off the hook for a large percentage of ….

In fact, the bigger the bill, the less likely you are to spend it. If you want to really save money, spend only cash and carry only fifty-dollar bill….

Debt settlement companies work as a middleman between you and your creditor. If all goes well (and that's a big if), you should be able to settle you….

A little personality goes a long way..

You also need to understand that when you consolidate credit card debt into mortgage debt - like a home equity loan or a HELOC [ home equity line of ….

No company can promise an end date, but if you have multiple debts, the first one should be settled within a year..

If you'd asked me a few years ago about debt settlement companies, I probably would have told you to avoid them..

Pay cash. For some reason, it's harder for people psychologically to part with their cash than it is to swipe a card. Maybe it's the act of physicall….

You really don't need to hire a debt settlement company to negotiate with your creditors..

You'll get much better results by being upfront, answering creditors calls, and responding to their letters. Delaying the inevitable only digs a deep….

You must be sure - and I mean absolutely positive - that you have the willpower to pay off those credit cards and not use them again..

Get your friends involved. Let your shopping buddies know that you're on a tight budget, and they can help you out when your willpower starts to weak….

You need a clear, legitimate excuse for why you're behind [the bankruptcy], such as a layoff, divorce, or medical emergency. Be prepared to back up t….