As of 2003, the Federal Reserve reported that the American population had nearly two trillion in debt in the form of credit cards, mortgages and other forms of lending. Since the 1990s Americans have been struggling with debt troubles as a result of reregulation in the financial industry and the struggle to keep up with consumer demand for products offered by credit card companies. As many individuals start to look for debt relief, the federal government and President Obama are setting up a relief plan for consumers to help ease the loan. While the federal government can't get rid of all debts or offer an instant solution, several solutions that are available now will slowly be able to reduce debt.

One service of the US General Services Administration is the Federal Citizens Info Center and they recommend credit counseling as a solution to those who are in debt. Credit counselors can act as a filter by negotiating debt repayment schedules that meet the consumer's financial needs. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides a non-profit organization that takes a pro-consumer approach to credit counseling.

A last ditch effort for those struggling with debt should be bankruptcy. This is because it can damage your credit score. However, for some consumers bankruptcy is the only way to clear thousands of dollars in debt plus the interest that can't be repaid anytime in the near future. With bankruptcy, you still have to pay a registration fee to the federal bankruptcy court.

Lastly, the IRS provides some good installment agreements for taxpayers that are having trouble with their finances and can't pay their self-employment taxes, fees or penalties. These installment plans come with a fee that is paid by the taxpayer to cover administrative costs. The remaining balance has an interest applied by the IRS after each month's payment until the balance is paid in full. It is a good idea to use credit cards or get a private loan before you rely on the IRS since the federal government has the power to place liens on your properties and assets until you pay off all your back taxes.