Rolling all of your debts into a single loan is a good idea - in theory. In fact, it can be a great idea.

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.

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.

Turn down offers for new cards or credit line increases on your current cards. Credit's tight, and chances are, you're not getting many offers anyway. But if you do, remember that the less credit you have available, the less trouble you can get into.

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 your debt - in many cases, up to 50% will be written off.

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.