"From our clients' perspective, we get them out of debt fast," says Credit Solutions Assistant VP of Settlement Steve Colunga. "Typically it takes us 12 to 36 months to eradicate a lifetime of debt and give people a chance to start over" without having to declare bankruptcy.

"Credit Solutions has substantial clout with major U.S. credit card companies," Colunga says. "Our certified debt arbitrators spend all day, every business day negotiating with creditors on thousands of accounts. It's sheer volume."

However, just like eating healthy and exercising are important for losing weight, so is making a commitment to avoid over-consumption.

"Credit Solutions promotes a lifestyle change" to people who can't afford their current debts, Colunga says. "You've got to have discipline to save your money. We're setting you up for a better lifestyle down the road."

In addition, the Credit Solutions Client Services Team strives to be "non-judgmental by treating people with respect," he adds. "We help take away the worry and burden, and go one step beyond: We teach 'financial awareness.'"

For instance, the biggest savings often lie where you spend the most money. Housing, transportation and food are the big three, followed by insurance, health care and clothing.¹ The good news is chipping away at bad spending habits really does add up. Here are some simple-yet-smart ways to manage a cost-efficient household:

• Homeowners: Guard your mortgage with your life. Notify your mortgage company if you've lost your job. Some grant temporary extensions. Always pay your mortgage on time; it is the most important indicator of credit worthiness.
• Downsize. Re-evaluate your lifestyle. Since housing represent a third of most household expenses, move into a smaller house for maximum savings. Or sell your house and move into an apartment. Likewise, sell your expensive car and lease a smaller one, or buy a used car for cash and eliminate car payments altogether.
• Bundle up your communications services. Dispense with your land line, change providers or even forego some services, like those premium cable or satellite channels.
• Eat out less frequently. Try to eat meatless meals a couple times a week; prepare dinners that will last a couple of meals; pack a lunch for work; and avoid vending machine snacks.
• Shop around for the lowest gas prices in town, along with the lowest price(s) on necessary major purchase(s) - and only pay cash.
• Public transportation. Walk or cycle instead of driving - or at least carpool a couple times a week.
• Have no shame: Clip coupons - newspapers, magazines and online coupon sites; buy store-brand and/or generics; and take a shopping list to the grocery store to avoid impulse purchases.

"Credit Solutions strives to do more than just eliminate your debt," Colunga says. "We prepare you to remain debt-free moving forward by empowering you to make sound financial decisions - and make a habit of saving.

"Plus we check in with you to make sure you're doing your 'homework,'" he adds. "Our customer service is the best in the business. We want you to succeed and live debt-free; we don't want repeat customers."

About Credit Solutions

The nation's debt settlement industry leader, Credit Solutions is recognized by the American Business Awards for the "Best Customer Services Department in Financial Services." A platinum-level member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, Credit Solutions also is a charter policy partner of the United States Organization for Bankruptcy Alternatives.

Credit Solutions delivers competitive settlement offers, eliminating up to 50% of what you owe in 12 to 36 months. We currently manage $1.75 billion in unsecured debt and have settled more than $800 million in consumer debt since 2003, earning our service numerous national awards. For more information about Credit Solutions' debt settlement program, visit either http://www.creditsolutions.com or espanol.creditsolutions.com, or call (800) 353-7630 anytime, 24/7.

¹ "50 Ways to Trim Your Budget," MSN Money, (c) 2009 Microsoft^®.