One thing I want to make clear: You never want to hide from your debts. It doesn't work.

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 credit ] - you're taking an unsecured debt and turning it into a secured debt.

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

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

You settled a debt instead of paying in full will stay on your credit report for as long as the individual accounts are reported, which is typically seven years from the date that the account was settled. Unlike with bankruptcy, there isn't a separate line on your credit report dedicated to debt settlement, so each account settled will be listed as a charge-off.

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

A little personality goes a long way.