If you're facing financial difficulty, there are a number of options and resources available to you. Based on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future, you can determine which is the best option for you.

Self-Help - Self-help may be your best option when dealing with debt and credit problems. Develop a budget to help realistically assess your income and expenses, and to help curb excessive spending.

Credit Counseling - If you're unable to resolve debt problems on your own, consider contacting a credit counseling service; they can help eliminate much of the stress of dealing with financial problems on your own.

Debt Consolidation - You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or home equity line of credit.

Credit Repair Services - Credit Repair companies offer help in cleaning up your credit report. For a fee, they can help you dispute incorrect or inaccurate information in your credit history which may be damaging your credit rating.

Bankruptcy - Personal bankruptcy is usually considered the last resort of debt management because results are long-lasting and far-reaching.

To learn more about debt, your debt options, and your debt-related consumer rights, read Debt 101 - Educating yourself first in our tutorial section.