There are few alternative solutions available for Debt Reduction. This includes debt settlement, and credit counseling programs. Let us look at the differences of both these programs:

Debt Settlement Program:

* A debt settlement program reduces the total outstanding debt by 50-70% of the original balance
* One can be debt free in as little as 3-36 months
* Usually provides a custom designed payment arrangement that fits your situation and can finally get you out of debt
* Not only reduces the total amount of debt, but also can get you out of debt and satisfy your creditors all at the same time
* Helps rebuild your credit and avoid bankruptcy
* It’s a win – win situation!!!! You are out of debt and you pay off creditors!!!!
* Debt reduction programs such as one offered by www.debtfreeafterall.com provides an easy and convenient payment method. They are professionals experienced in debt settlement, debt reduction, and debt negotiation.

Credit Counseling Programs:

* Credit counseling programs get some interest reduced without any reduction of the actual balance
* Scientific studies have shown that credit counseling does not work 95% of the time, because people get frustrated at the slow pace and lack of progress and drop out, only to find themselves back where they begin
* There are no credit counseling programs that will eliminate credit card debt faster while saving you a substantial amount of money
* Many clients who join credit counseling programs file bankruptcy like chapter 7 or chapter 13

Regardless of the program one should always find ways to eliminate debt and keep the finances under control. Given the above two options, debt settlement offers the best advantage for debt relief as it completely eliminates debt rather than prolonging it over an extended period as most credit counseling programs do.

James is a contributing writer to http://www.debtfreeafterall.com and
is currently writing some special articles to guide business on how to
manage debt and avoid bankruptcy. For Free Debt Settlement Information
and Debt Help Consultation, call toll-free 1-877-534-8900.

Debt consolidation is a simple process that involves combining all non-secured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills and insurance, and tuition bills, into one monthly payment, which is substantially-lower than the combined payments a debtor is currently making.

Debt consolidation works by allowing the consumer (the debtor) to pay a fixed amount to the consolidation company; and in turn, the consolidation company gives them the authorization to make payments to the individual creditors on your behalf. For its part, the consolidation company negotiates lower interest rates; or sometimes, an interest rate of zero.

Creditors are usually willing to make such arrangements because they are more likely to receive payments on time from a debt relief organization than from an over-burdened consumer.

In what ways does debt consolidation help?

Debt consolidation helps a debtor in various ways, the basic ones being:

*Consolidate on monthly payments
*Management of debt
*Helps avoid future debt
*Get collection agencies off your back

Is it preferred over bankruptcy?

Yes, it is. Debt consolidation is an important step, which helps debtors avoid the much more serious step of declaring bankruptcy. In bankruptcy, your debts are canceled and your credit rating collapses completely; whereas debt consolidation is a much stable option, which gives you a better credit profile.

What are the various means of debt consolidation?

You have a few options when considering debt consolidation. You could hire a credit counselor to help negotiate a settlement with your creditors–often at a discount to the total amount due–or you can get a debt consolidation loan.

With a debt counseling company, you have the advantage of paying one bill each month for all your accounts. Debt relief organizations form relationships with thousands of creditors, giving them enough bargaining power to push creditors to forgive debt they normally would not.

With a debt consolidation loan, you will consolidate all of your unsecured debt into one single payment at a reduced interest rate. They will assist you in saving as much money as possible and will reduce your concerns and hassles.

Talbert Williams 1DebtFreedom.com All rights reserved

Talbert Williams offers debt consolidation, debt reduction, credit card debt referrals and advice. For more information, articles, news, tools and valuable resources on debt solutions, visit this site: http://www.1debtfreedom.com