The most crucial thing you must do if you are under a seemingly insurmountable mountain of debt is to stop using credit. Destroy your credit cards and vow not to take on more debt until you have solved the problems you have right now. Settle what you can and then move on to the next option: debt consolidation.

Be cautious when choosing debt consolidation. There are a variety of ways to consolidate debt so be sure to choose the one that suits your needs. If you are a homeowner and have enough equity in your home to cover your debts, look into a home equity loan that has a lower interest rate than what you are currently paying.

If a home equity loan is not an option, start looking into other debt consolidation companies. A good consolidation company can talk to creditors and be successful at lowering interest rates and getting some of them to settle debt for a lower amount. They will either pay off the rest of your debt and then charge you one lower monthly payment plus a fee for their service or they will be the "go-between" that collects one payment from you and divides the money up amongst your creditors. The one payment includes their fee in this case.

Don't pick a debt consolidation company too quickly. Look into the backgrounds of several of them by checking with consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and by talking to people who have used the companies you are considering. When you find one that looks reputable, call them and ask for details on how they work and exactly what they charge. A company that offers debt counseling is your best option. These services are invaluable when it comes to getting out of debt fast and staying out from under debt for the rest of your life.

If you have done all you can and debt consolidation is not a viable option for you, then you might consider bankruptcy. Don't go that far unless you have exhausted every other avenue. Debt consolidation can be a very good thing if you choose the company wisely.