If you are, consolidating at a lower interest rate can help you pay off your debt faster. But if there's even a small chance that you'll spiral back into debt, it's not for you.

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

If you are, consolidating at a lower interest rate can help you pay off your debt faster. But if there's even a small chance that you'll spiral back into debt, it's not for you.

If you have even a smidgen of doubt that you'll be able to stay away from racking up additional debt, don't do it.

No company can promise an end date, but if you have multiple debts, the first one should be settled within a year.

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.

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