If you are a consumer who is facing a mountain of debt and you are unsure how you should begin the process of digging yourself and your family out from under the burden of indebtedness, you should consider seeking the advice of a qualified expert. One option that may be beneficial is to seek the advice of a debt management specialist or a credit counselor. Although you may fear that bankruptcy is your only viable option, you may be able to begin the process of reducing your debt and digging your way out with the help of an expert who can show you how to manage your money, devise and stick to a viable budget, negotiate with your creditors, and create a payoff schedule that will get you back on track as quickly as possible. Contact a credit counseling service in your area for advice on the best way to begin the debt reduction management process.