When it comes to finding a consumer counseling debt service solution you really only have three options - pay off the debt, go to credit counseling or declare bankruptcy. Although none of these choices are particularly appealing they are realities that must be faced or you will never improve your situation.

With the first option you might be asked to pay off your debts using a home equity loan or by taking out a debt consolidation. Taking out a home equity loan is the least practical and attractive consumer counseling debt service solution simply because it puts your home at risk. Before doing such a monumental thing make sure that the total amount of the debt you are risking would be worth your entire home!

You might also be offered a loan at rates of 30% interest or more as a consumer counseling debt service solution. Don't go for this as it will just drive you deeper into debt.

An ethical counseling service will recommend that you restructure the loan and try to pay it off by paying off the highest debts with the highest interest rates first. You might also be advised to transfer your debt to low interest or zero interest credit cards to give yourself a break on the interest for a couple of months.

If you decide to procure the aid of a credit counselor make sure you find a reputable one who can put a plan together for you fast. Every day you put off coming up with a practical credit card debt solution is costing you more money. Understand that paying off your debts is a long term commitment and that you won't get anywhere unless you have the discipline to stick to the recommended plan of action when it comes to reducing your spending and sticking religiously to a budget.