 TITLE: How Much Does Debt Counseling Cost? CONTENT: Alternatives to Debt Counseling\n-------------------------------\nIf you aren't ready to commit to debt counseling, you can also consider do-it-yourself options for paying off credit card debt. Two popular approaches to dealing with debt are the avalanche and the snowball:\n*   **Avalanche strategy**: Budget as much money as possible each month to use toward paying down credit card debt. Then, make minimum payments on all of your cards except the one with the highest interest rate; use all of your remaining credit card payment money to pay down the card with the highest interest rate. Continue with this strategy until the highest-interest card is entirely paid off, then pay down the next-highest-interest card the same way.\n*   **Snowball strategy**: This strategy is similar to the avalanche, but instead of starting with your highest-interest card, start with the card that has the smallest balance. When it's paid off, take aim at the card with the next smallest balance and continue until all of your cards are paid off.\nAnother alternative to credit counseling is a debt consolidation loan. This is essentially an unsecured personal loan you use to pay off your credit card balances. You'll still carry debt, but usually at a lower interest rate than your cards charge. Debt consolidation loans also provide structure: You pay the same amount monthly for a set period of time—typically three to five years—and then you're done with your debt. Personal loans are available for borrowers with a range of credit scores, but you'll have better luck finding a favorable interest rate and terms if you have good credit. Use Experian CreditMatch™ to learn more about debt consolidation loans and see a list of loans personalized to your credit score. END