Is it a good idea to ge a debt consolidation loan? Maybe so, maybe not. But before you proceed, learn something you may not know about credit counsellors.

Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.

The best advice is to compare different loan programs to find the one that's best for you. Keep an eye on the fees. Take notes, and compare, compare and compare again. Then you'll make a smart decision.