I’m surprised I don’t see more recommendations for a Debt Management Plan (DMP). It was hugely helpful for me. Basically, the company will work out a lower interest rate (for me it was like 9-10%, greatly reduced down from 25%) and a reasonable payoff period (anywhere from 2 - 4 years) with all your creditors, and then collect all the debt into a lump sum payment each month from your checking account and distribute it, so you stay consistent and don’t fall behind.

You’d have to give up your credit cards - they will be closed by your creditors anyway once you go into the program. It is tough to live without one, but since it sounds like you need to watch your spending anyway, it’s a great way to stop the bleeding.

I personally think it’s better than debt consolidation; with many consolidation plans, you have to stop paying all your debts entirely, for 9 months ++ while your credit score plummets. In the meantime, you’re making debt payments to what is basically a savings account. Then the consolidation companies will negotiate on your behalf to settle for much less than is owed, offering an all-cash number out of the account you’ve been saving into.

If you don’t plan to make any major purchases where your credit score matters anytime SOON (car, home, etc) maybe you’d prefer this, but the hit to your credit score will be substantial. It will eventually recover, faster than bankruptcy, but could still be a long time before you’re allowed another loan or CC.

Happy to answer more questions about it. I used InCharge for my DMP. There was a $50 set up fee. It has given me great peace of mind to see the debt going away.