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

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

A consolidation makes sense only if you can lower your overall interest rate. Many people consolidate by taking out a home equity line loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), refinancing a mortgage, or taking out a personal loan. They then use this cheaper debt to pay off more expensive debt, most frequently credit card loans, but also auto loans, private student loans, or other debt.

By definition, saving - for anything - requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later.

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.

A little personality goes a long way.

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