A simple fact is that more and more Americans are being overwhelmed by debt. Since the bankruptcy laws have changed, it is not as easy to discharge debts anymore.

Some people find themselves in financial trouble because of a job loss, medical bills or simply over spending and not managing their money properly. Whatever your reason is for being in debt, rest assured there are ways to consolidate your debt and find relief.

Always remember that debt doesn't disappear overnight. It can only disappear completely when it is paid off.

While debt relief isn't always immediate, there are some ways to start the process. Contact your creditors and explain your situation. Sometimes, they may be able to assist you and lower your interest rates or payments or, they can set up a payment plan that will help you without hurting your credit.

You can also contact a credit counseling service. They can be of great help to you for a low fee or no fee at all. Sometimes they might simply be able to help you better organize your budget and spending for some debt consolidation or relief, or they may be able to help you contact your creditors and work something out with them.

Talk to your bank. If you have equity in your home and are getting a steady income, you may want to consider getting a home equity loan to provide some debt consolidation. However, this will mean having another large monthly payment and of course, your house is at stake if you would default on either mortgage payment.

Part-time jobs or any way of finding an additional income can help to provide debt relief. Some families have spouses who work several jobs just to put food on the table and assist in debt relief. It may not be a permanent situation, just temporary until you get enough of your debt paid off to live comfortably again.

And no matter what, cut up most of your credit cards. The less debt you continue to accrue, the less debt relief you will be needing.

Debt Consolidation and Relief Companies to Help You Get Out of Debt:

• LifeLine Debt Solutions They are an American leader in the industry of credit and debt. They offer a broad range of programs, counseling, tools, and insight to their customers. Their website is your start to getting out of debt, or to starting a new life with improved credit.

• Credit Solutions of America, Inc. Credit Solutions is the largest, fastest-growing debt settlement company in the nation, managing over 1 billion dollars of debt for their clients. With them you can reduce total balances 40-60%, have one simple, low monthly payment, avoid bankruptcy, and get out of debt in 12-36 months.

• Care-One Debt Consolidation Do you need debt relief now? Is your credit card debt out of control? CareOne(SM) Debt Consolidation can help you. Get 100% online debt relief, consolidate your credit card debt and lower your debt payments.

• LMB Debt Management Get informed and take control of your finances with LowerMyBills.com. Answer the quick questions in their 2-minute DebtWizard, receive a customized debt relief recommendation, get matched with up to 3 approved debt relief companies and receive your free consultation and no-obligation savings quote.