Typically, when you think about debt relief programs, you think about taking out a loan up-front, a debt consolidation loan, which is used to pay off all of your debts. You then only owe on the single loan rather than multiple accounts. However, there is another way of getting a handle on your debts that you might not be aware of. The following multi-step strategy is an example of the steps that a debt relief company might take to help you manage your debt.

1. There will be a consultation with the debt relief company. This step can be uncomfortable because you are talking to strangers about a very personal issue – your personal debt and finances. But it is essential that you allow your debt consultants to make a complete and accurate assessment of your situation. That way they can recommend the best possible course of action. You may be able to do this by email, but a phone call is probably your best bet. This is important business, and you should know the people you are going to be working with.

2. The debt relief company will help you determine a monthly dollar amount that you can commit to debt reduction. The more you can commit, the sooner you will be able to deal with your creditors. However, one of the purposes of a debt relief program is to free up cash flow. So your amount committed will probably be less than you currently pay on your debts.

3. The debt relief company will then contact your creditors and will assume all communication with your creditors. This is where this type of program diverges from the typical debt consolidation loan-based program. The debt relief program is not going to make you a loan to pay off all your debts. Rather, the company will manage the process of dealing with your creditors in an orderly fashion and make payoff arrangements.

4. Your monthly debt relief payments accrue into an account for debt repayment. As funds accumulate, the debt relief company will begin using the funds to make negotiated payoffs to your creditors. Typically, the company will attempt to settle your debts for 40 – 60% of their balances. The downside to this approach is that your credit rating may take a hit, as debts may be marked “settled for less than the full amount”. The debt relief program should keep you informed as debts are settled.

5. The debt relief company will request that your creditors report your updated status to the credit rating bureaus. The new status may be “settled in full”, “settled”, “paid”, or, as mentioned above, “settled for less than the full amount”.

It goes without saying that you should avoid accumulating new debt while on the debt relief program. Once the program has concluded, you will be debt-free. At that point, you can assume more debt as long as you are ready to manage it and your debt repayment is well within your means. You will have been granted a fresh start, free from debt, so you would be wise to approach future debt with much caution.

Did you know there is another way to get out of debt? A debt relief company might be able to work with you and help you to manage your debts.

The first step is your initial consultation with the company. Don’t feel nervous or uncomfortable because you are in debt. This is what they do, and you need to be upfront and honest so they can make a full assessment of your financial situation.

They will be able to give you the best recommendation for what the next step will be. Some companies work through email but I would recommend talking with a live representative on the phone. It’s best that you get to know the person you will be conducting financial business with.

Your debt relief company is going to determine whatever monthly amount you will be able to put towards reducing your debt. Obviously the more that you can put towards the debt, the quicker you will be able to settle with creditors. One goal of working with the debt relief company is to free up a little cash flow, so the amount you commit to will actually be lower than what you are paying monthly towards your debts.

Working for you, the debt relief company will go ahead and contact your creditors. They will now assume any communication that is necessary with them. Here is the difference from working with a typical debt consolidation loan program. A debt relief program is not going to force you to pay off all of the debt. Instead, they will help you to deal with the creditors and make arrangements for getting the debt paid off.

Now your monthly debt relief payments are going into an account that is used for repayments of your debt. As that account grows, the debt relief company is going to start making the negotiated payments to the creditors. Debt relief companies can usually settle your debts from 40 to 60% of your balance due.

Keep in mind that your credit rating might get hurt if the debts are shown as being settled for less. The debt relief program should keep you updated as to this happening, but also remember to ask them.

There are a few possible ways that your credit report may be updated with the credit bureaus. You have it either being settled, settled in full, paid or settled for less than the full amount. Make sure that your debt relief company has asked the creditors to update your status.

Now is not the time to be getting any deeper into debt, while working with a debt relief program. Remember, you are trying to get out of debt. As soon as you have paid off your debts, you will now be living debt-free. You do not have to live the rest of your life avoiding credit, just now you have a new start and you can manage it better.

Remember the steps you went through and stay within your limits. Keep the repayment well within your means and just use some caution and good spending habits for your future!