You should also be aware that negative reports will remain on your credit for up to seven years at which time they will be deleted in most cases. There are some exceptions, these include, bankruptcy, which can be reported for up to 10 years, and loans or life insurance policies which are in excess of $150,000.00, or criminal convictions, which can be reported at all times.

4. Debt Management Plans – Not everyone will qualify for a personal loan, and not everyone owns a house, or has someone in their personal life from whom they can borrow money for debt consolidation. For people in this situation there is another option available - a debt management plan through a credit counseling agency. Even if you have all of previously mentioned options available to you it may be more advisable to seek out a debt management plan. Debt consolidation through a debt management plan involves having a credit counselor negotiate with your creditors for payments you can afford. You end up making one monthly payment to credit counseling agency which then sends money to your various creditors.

Regardless of which type of debt consolidation plan you choose, be sure to check out potential lenders or your credit counseling agencies thoroughly. It is also strongly advised that you destroy paid off credit cards and formally close those accounts to avoid temptation to charge them up again. When done carefully and with consideration, debt consolidation will ease your financial worries.