The problem of debt is getting more and more serious in many places all over the world. Here at home, as well as in foreign lands, personal debt in its many forms is becoming increasingly common and a harrowing burden. Thousands of dollars in debt to credit providers, money lenders and other financial institutions are dragging people down every day. In managing a debt burden, two common courses of action are settlement and consolidation. These two processes are not entirely understood by many average people, but knowing about options for debt management can help greatly in reducing the individual’s debt burden.
Debt settlement is an ideal solution for most people living under the shadow of personal debt, but it is not the only option–nor is it the most common one. When an individual settles a debt, they are usually being let out of some portion of the amount owed. An individual who achieves a debt settlement may, for example, come to an arrangement in which half of the outstanding debt is paid off, while the remainder is absorbed by the creditor. These kinds of deals usually require careful negotiation, and may not be an option for all. If creditors stand to lose money on a debt settlement, they will be hesitant and resistant to the option.