Here you can find some help with the whole process of debt consolidation. This is where we will post a basic 'how to guide' for you to refer to.

Consolidation vs. Settlement

The first bit of help that you may need is to simply understand the difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement. Debt consolidation restructures your original debt. Debt settlement, sometimes referred to as debt negotiation, is the process of negotiating with creditors so that they will settle for less that was originally owed to them.

In order to qualify for a settlement with your creditors, such as credit card companies, you will need to show some type of hardship that would prevent you from making your regular payments to them. This could be from the loss of your job, getting a divorce, unforeseen medical bills or some other type of hardship that has prevented you from having the ability to make your credit card payments on time.

Debt consolidation combines multiple monthly debt payments into one (more affordable) monthly payment.It can take up to 7 years in order to complete a debt consolidation program.

The main difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement is that one (debt settlement) reduces the amount of debt that you owe while the other (debt consolidation) attempts to give you a way to pay the entire amount over a period of time.

Before you can get started, the best advice that we can give is to get more advice. The more you know, the better it will go. This means that you need to do your homework.

You should probably spend several hours getting more intimate with the whole debt consolidation and debt settlement process. You can use the internet as your library. There is a ton of information at your fingertips. Since you're already here, why not start with some of the titles that are listed on both sides of this page?

As for the actual companies that can offer you the services that you need, you will find that we have linked to a variety of debt related services in the articles that are included on this website. If you just want to get started right away then you could take a look at the services provided by Debt Shield.

Keep in mind that Debt Shield is for people can no longer afford their minimum monthly payments but are committed to not filing for for bankruptcy and would like to settle their unsecured debts.

If you have unsecured debts that total more than $10,000 then Debt Shield may be an option for you. The types of debts that qualify for this program include credit card debt, medical bills, department store cards, personal loans or utility bills and rent that is overdue.

Please also keep in mind that Debt Shield does not serve the following states:

Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

If you happen to live in those states then you would need to find a different option for debt relief.

Another option that you might consider for debt settlement is the CuraDebt website. There are states that they cannot serve as well but here is the list:

Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, South Carolina or Utah. These are the states that are not serviced by the CuraDebt program.

If you don't live in one of these states then you might want to visit the CuraDebt website for a free debt analysis.

If you happen to live in Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, South Carolina or Utah then the websites mentioned above may be able to refer you to a debt consolidation or debt negotiation specialist that works with people from your state.

You can also fill out the following form in order to get debt help in the state where you happen to live. This form will send your information to people at 123 Be Debt Free. They are a member of The Better Business Bureau and can help you find the debt solution that you are looking for.

As you can see, there are a variety of ways to get help with your debt. Just keep in mind that the first step should be to help yourself by getting all the information that you can. Do your research with diligence, take notes and get some consumer debt counseling.