Thinking about a debt consolidation loan? Before you do, you should think about creating a realistic family budget.

If you're not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can't work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can't keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that, just because an organization says it's "nonprofit," there's no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make "voluntary" contributions that can cause more debt.

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.