For the millions of Americans struggling with debt, there are a lot of voices that claim to help. Unfortunately, the variety and differences in the options can be downright disorienting. Here is a quick run-down on the options that you have to achieve debt relief.

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation simply means taking out a single loan to pay off a number of other loans. This method can simplify the process by requiring the debtor to only pay a single bill as opposed to keeping up with several. This single loan can offer a better interest rate than the ones before, which can help to pay off the loan faster. One of the risks of debt consolidation is that in order to obtain the loan, individuals must put up collateral in case they default on this single loan. More often than not, the collateral is their home. Additionally, most debt consolidation programs extend terms, which means though the monthly payment is lower, you are in debt longer, thus paying the lender more.

Credit Counseling

Credit counseling involves sitting down with a councilor to discuss how to avoid incurring debts that can’t be repaid. Additionally, it often involves establishing a debt management plan that helps a debtor repay debt. During the process, an individual can learn lots of great information yet in the end, some people who get counseling actually end up paying more than their original debt, according to one study. Credit counseling is also rife with scam artists who can disappear with your money overnight.

Debt Settlement

Millions of Americans have gone through a debt settlement program to handle their credit card debt. For a hefty fee, a debt settlement company will claim to settle your debt with a credit card company for less than the amount you owe. The problem is that debt settlement is an extremely difficult solution to pursue and many settlement companies don’t perform the services that they the process is confusing, costly, and could very well ruin your credit in the process.

Bankruptcy

Individuals can file for bankruptcy with a qualified lawyer who represents the debtor in court. The two main types of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Once bankruptcy is filed, plans are drawn up to repay debts. In most cases, bankruptcy completely eliminates debt. In 2009, bankruptcy filings in Louisiana increased 17.7 percent and 34 percent nationwide.

If you are seriously considering filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana, you aren’t alone. Last year, thousands of people got the new start they were looking for through bankruptcy. If you’d like to find out more information and get a free consultation, contact the firm that focuses exclusively on Louisiana bankruptcy laws, Kirkpatrick and Associates. Every day, the attorneys at Kirkpatrick and Associates help people save their homes, their cars, and wipe out their debts from $5,000 to $300,000. No other law firm is better qualified to bring you the fastest debt relief, and do it right the first time. For a free consultation, call 504-828-3311 or visit kirkpatrickandassociates.com.

Brian Reed. Louisiana bankruptcy If you're filing for bankruptcy in Louisiana or in the New Orleans area, contact Kirkpatrick and Associates, experienced bankruptcy attorneys who take your case from start to finish.