After explaining why you're in trouble, ask the creditor if the company would be willing to accept a smaller amount. Start negotiations at about 30% of the total amount due, with the end goal of paying 50%.

Save for your goals. Take note of what's coming your way - vacations, the holidays, what ever is going to cost you money - and start saving ahead of time so that you have a stash when the time comes.

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

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

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 bills.

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

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