If you are a consumer who is working your way towards financial health, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of debt reduction strategies that are available. You can begin the process of choosing a debt reduction strategy that will work for you by eliminating the unscrupulous programs that make outrageous claims and charge exorbitant fees. As the old adage says, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Instead, opt for a common-sense debt reduction strategy that resonates with your values on an intuitive level. According to most personal finance experts, most of the effort that will be required will be dedicated to devising a strict budget and sticking to it. If you can make it through the first few months of budgeting, you will develop a habit of healthy financial decision-making that will prove to be extremely advantageous as you work to reduce your debt.