If you are going to look into debt restructuring and debt reduction then make sure that you check out the many non profit credit card counseling sites online. Many of these sites are put together by non profit agencies that are run by the government and they have been specifically put there to help you get rid of your overwhelming debt problem.

However one thing you need to realize is that not all credit card counseling are run by benevolent entities like the government or the church. Many so-called non profit credit card counseling companies are actually run by an organization called the National Organization for credit card counseling. This entity is largely supported by credit card companies and banks who feel that it is better that people be counseled to settle their debts for less then they actually paid instead of commit bankruptcy and default on the debt altogether.

Unfortunately not all non profit credit card counseling services are free. You need to read the fine print before you consult with one of these services as there is usually all kinds of hidden fees. One of the most common fees is supposed to cover the cost of procuring your credit report from you. This is totally unnecessary as you can very easily procure your own credit report for free from any one of the three major credit bureaus - TransUnion, Equifax or Experian.

Another risk with using non-profit credit card counseling services is 'you get what you pay for' (as the old saying goes.) Sometimes you just get inappropriate advice or bad service. The worst type of non profit credit card counseling outfit is the one who forgets to report your consolidated payments to the credit bureaus which of course results in even lower credit scores then ever! These types of boiler room operations are prolific online and off and often keep your fees without helping you fix your credit at all.