If you are like most American consumers, your family is likely to be saddled with a significant amount of costly and unwanted debt. If you are actively seeking a debt reduction solution, congratulations - you have made the first step towards a brighter financial future. Although the process of digging your way out from under a mountain of debt can feel overwhelming, you can be successful if you develop a plan that works for you and stick to it religiously. Many desperate consumers turn to third-party debt settlement companies as an answer to their financial woes, but according to many experts, dealing with these firms often serves to make the problem worse. Because these firms are usually for-profit entities, they often have business models that maximize their own earnings through monthly service fees, while unnecessarily elongating the time that it takes for you to begin paying off your accounts. It may be beneficial to work with a non-profit credit-counseling center to begin developing a customized debt reduction solution.