Many consumers balk at the idea of undertaking the debt negotiation and settlement process on their own behalf. This reluctance has been a factor that has contributed to the skyrocketing prevalence and popularity of debt settlement companies across the United States, many of which have been the target of lawsuits, customer complaints, and criminal investigations. As a result of the controversy surrounding most third-party debt settlement companies, a growing number of personal finance experts advise willing consumers to take on the debt negotiation and settlement process for themselves. All you have to do is present your creditors with straightforward evidence of your current and future financial hardship, and present them with a realistic alternative settlement option. In addition, it may be beneficial to brush up on negotiating techniques before beginning the process. Although you may not win the type of debt settlement you were seeking in every situation, you are likely to have more success than you would if relying on a third-party debt settlement company.