BILL COLLECTORS HOUNDING YOU - AFRAID TO PICK UP THE PHONE? If it's because of bills you can't handle. Take heart! While the credit counseling industry has been receiving bad marks lately, there are plenty of nonprofit organizations that still remain true to their founding principle: helping folks get out of debt.

Every year, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) counsels close to two million American households through its 115 member agencies in nearly 1,000 offices nationwide. Whether they simply seek financial advice or choose to enroll in a debt-repayment plan, many of those families or individuals carry thousands of dollars in debt, often more than their annual income. Much too often, they have run into trouble because of a life-changing event like a job loss, death, illness or divorce.

You may see ads on this page that pertain to getting out-of-debt - try filling out the forms - it's free and there's no obligation to work with the company - but you may find a way out of your situation...

Credit counseling is also now a required step in bankruptcy filing. It is projected that 800,000 Americans will file for bankruptcy in 2007, according to the NFCC.

Have you tried all the easy solutions first! For instance, have you considered a loan from a family member? To make sure your lender won't get stuck with an unexpected tax bill, google this SmartMoney.com story: Loans Among Family Members. You should also consider a loan from your 401(k). Limits are as high as $50,000.

Consider consolidating your debt on a low-interest rate credit card or tax-deductible home equity loan? To find out whether that strategy makes sense for you, try an online  consolidation calculator. Of course, it's not easy to compare credit card offers these days; low introductory rates, subsequent rates and annual fees make it difficult.

Have you tried to cut your expenses? Track your spending for a few months, then see what you can eliminate. That is probably the quickest avenue to debt reduction.