If you are having difficulty paying your bills each month and need only moderate debt relief, credit counseling may help.

Making your minimum payments may keep you looking "decent" on paper, but you pay a heavy price: interest.

It is also known as debt resolution or debt reduction, and often the cheapest way to resolve your debts while avoiding bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy debt relief is generally considered to be an option of last resort due to its harsh impact on credit and lifestyle.