 TITLE: Debt Relief: An Essential Guide CONTENT: Consider Both Short- and Long-Term Effects\n------------------------------------------\nGetting out of debt sooner than later is always appealing, but depending on the potential negative long-term impact, it may not be worth it. As you consider which debt relief approach to use, think about the trade-offs for each one. Also, checking your FICO® Score can help you understand whether debt consolidation, the mildest of the four approaches, is an option.\nIf you're having trouble figuring out the best path forward, consider reaching out to a credit counseling agency to get some basic advice based on your situation. While they can help with a debt management plan, they can also tell you whether one of the other debt relief methods would be a better fit. END