When your monthly credit debt is higher than your income, you know you've got a problem.

Some people may see bankruptcy as their only way out. But if you know who to call, you can avoid bankruptcy, pay off your debt and get a fresh start.

It's more important than ever that you have this information.

One Sumner couple once thought they were doomed and today, they're debt-free.

In their small one-bedroom apartment, Rob and Liz Ney take the close quarters in stride and celebrate because they're finally out of debt.

"We're out of the tunnel!" said Rob.

They're finally out of a $35,000 tunnel of credit card debt from 16 different credit cards with one limited income.

"Department stores, Visas, Master Cards," Rob said. "We were not getting anywhere. It was just a struggle every month just to come up with enough money to make the minimum payments."

So they made a call for help and found debt counselor Teresa Seeley at Consumer Counseling Northwest.

Seeley negotiated with all their creditors, got interest rates lowered and put the Neys on a monthly payment plan.

"We went over income and living expenses, and I told him, this is how much money I need," said Liz.

They had to come up with $826 every month. And it took four years.

Rob and Liz say if they can do it you can too.

"Tear up those cards. Get 'em out of there," said Rob.

If you want to get out of debt, there are four things you must do:

1. Stop using credit- cut up your cards and close the accounts.
2.Identify all your expenses and cut your spending.
3. Get on a strict budget and stick to it.
4. Apply every penny you save, to pay down your debt.

"We were surprised at how much we could save," said Liz.

Now, the Neys are saving that extra money to buy a house.

And they've just been honored as Consumer Counseling Northwest's Client of the Year.

As I've told you in previous reports, Consumer Counseling Northwest is the only debt counseling service I recommend because it is local and truly non-profit.

Most of these outfits charge huge upfront fees and there are many complaints about payments not being forwarded to your creditors.

Consumer Counseling Northwest only asks for a monthly donation of $15 to cover costs and they teach you how to manage your money.

Keep in mind that debt counseling will be reflected on your credit report and will temporarily lower your credit rating. While you'll get some consideration for paying off your debt and following through with your obligations, the fact that you need debt counseling is an indication that you got in over your head- which creditors see as a higher risk.

More information::

Contact Consumer Counseling Northwest