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 report - even though you haven't paid the full amount. Get this agreement in writing.

The interest rate you receive, however, is contingent on your credit score.

A little personality goes a long way.

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

If you're filing bankruptcy, you will likely want to hire an attorney. But for debt settlement, a company is sufficient, or as I said, you can often do the legwork on your own.

If you default on an unsecured debt, you won't lose anything (except points on your credit score).

You won't be caught off guard and you won't feel guilty, because you'll be spending money that you've allocated for the occasion.