Do you dread going to the mailbox? Do you let the answering machine screen all of your phone calls? You may not be to this point yet, but if you are beginning to hate the idea of opening your bills, it is time to take some steps to begin reducing your debt. No one wants to see their future disintegrate into interest payments and credit card fees.

You do have a few options when it comes to credit card debt relief. If you are more than 3 months past due, you may want to try to settle your debt. This is a negotiation process with the lender that reduces the balance on your credit card account. The lender is going to want to see payment within a few days of the settlement agreement being finalized.

It is best to negotiate on your own than with a debt settlement company. These companies can be expensive and your money is better spent going towards your credit card debt. Keep in mind that this will be negatively reported on your credit and you will also be taxed on the written off amount. This is not an option you want to use on debt that is current. Lenders will not usually agree to a settlement on debt that is current.

If your debt is current, but you still want help. Credit counseling is an option that will work. Your unsecured debts are consolidated and your interest rates are reduced. With interest rates around 10%, you can pay your debt off relatively quickly. Either of these methods can have you out of debt in 3 years. The only thing that can hold you back is not getting started.