If you have a number of credit cards that have high interest rates, a mortgage that is unrelenting, and less income that you had in the past, you may be looking for a way of consolidating debt to lower payments and interest on those credit cards. There are several ways to do that, but in this challenging economy, there are also many illegitimate companies offering to help with big promises, large fees, and very little benefit. The key is to do your homework and find a method of consolidating debt that won't end up costing more money and doing more damage to your credit score in the end. First and foremost, don't use a company that advertises on television or over the phone. Learn their fee schedule up front. If they are unwilling to specify exactly what those fees are, they're probably too high. Often, you will find it difficult to negotiate lower rates with a credit card company unless they believe you are on the verge of filing for bankruptcy. In some cases, hiring a bankruptcy attorney may be a better option than consolidating debt.