Make a debt management plan

Deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization to pay your unsecured debts-credit card bills, student loans and medical bills-according to a payment schedule you develop with the counselor and creditors. A successful debt management plan requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. [You may have to agree not to apply for - or use - any additional credit while you're participating in the plan.]