The number one rule about consolidating bills is that you should only do it if it means you'll be paying less than you are paying with your current lender. The best way to cut down on bills once you're financially stable is to pay at least 50% of all your bills once a month. Getting into this routine will prevent the chance of late fees or overdue balances.

If you seek the help of a bill consolidation service make sure you are absolutely clear about what they are offering and any associated fees that may come with their services. But before seeking a bill consolidation service you may try to get the help of a financial counselor who can help you for free or next to nothing. See your phone book, online services, or your local government about contacting a financial counselor.

Make sure you do your research before seeking the help of a bill consolidation service. You need to be absolute certain hat the company you contact is licensed and has a good reputation. These companies have to handle your most sensitive personal and financial information so you don't want your information in the hands of the wrong people. Be sure you ask the representative from the company if the interest rate he's given you is a fixed rate not an introductory rate. Always make sign the contracts in person and never agree to something over the phone that you haven't seen in written word.

All in all these services are great. They can cut your balances and rates by at least 30% in most cases and they're great at ending constant calls from the creditors. If you can commit to making your monthly payment to the debt consolidation program on time, every time, it won't be long before you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

After you've gotten the help of the debt consolidation company, get a copy of your credit report so you can correct any fraudulent purchases or on time payments marked incorrectly. Errors are made on credit reports all the time, so its vital to your credit that you do this.

Getting your debt consolidated is an easy way to help yourself out of debt. Most debt consolidations are extremely cheap, if not free. Getting out of debt requires a great deal of dedication, but with the help of a debt consolidation program its a lot easier.