"Are you thinking about using a debt reduction program, but not sure how to find a company that is reputable, honest, trustworthy, will save you money and won't rip you off?" There are more people than ever before turning to debt reduction as a solution to pay back what is owed for what you can afford. There are so many companies today advertising on TV, the radio, print, and on the internet that I want to shed some light on really what is and what is not possible with debt reduction.

First, it is NOT for everyone. If you have less than $5,000 in debt, it really doesn't make sense. Also, if you do not have anything to pay toward a reduced amount of debt, then bankruptcy may be your only option.

Second, debt consolidation and debt settlement both affect your credit. With debt settlement, you get done faster which enables you to start rebuilding your credit faster. You can also get a letter from a debt settlement company stating you are in their program and paying back part of your debts in case you need to get a loan during the program.

Third, you may only save 50-60% depending on the types of creditors you have, how delinquent the debts are, what state you live in, what type of purchases the debts are for, and your current financial situation. Yet, with that said, I've had reports from USA and Canada of savings as much as 89% on credit card debts. You will still have to pay something to the creditors, but your bill would likely be cut in half to one third of what it is right now.

Fourth, in my review of some of the debt settlement companies recommended by non-experts, some actually caused people worse financial hardship and forced them to file bankruptcy, which is the worst possible mark for a person's credit standing.

I evaluated 17 of the top debt reduction companies based on the following criteria:

• Reputable and organized staff.
• Written guarantee for overall savings.
• Lowest cost overall.
• Secure website.
• Give the greatest amount of savings.
• Work with 99% of creditors, and especially the tougher creditors like Citibank.
• Has successfully reduced millions of dollars of consumer and small business debt.
• Fastest completion times.
• Helps protect your credit standing.
• Member of the Chamber of Commerce in good standing.
• Member of TASC - The Association Of Settlement Companies.
• Member of IAPDA - International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.
• Customer satisfaction response times.
• You get to speak with your debt negotiator whenever you want.
• Flexible program based on what you have available on a monthly basis.

Below, I give you recommendations of the top three debt reduction companies that I have tested based on all of the criteria above.

Knowledge is power, and even if you are not an expert in debt reduction, I believe you can save money!

As soon as you get started with saving money with, let me know (#EMAIL#), and I congratulate you because each person who takes charge of their debts is contributing to building a better America.