No sooner had I read the latest statistics on consumer debt in the United States (also known as household debt, credit card debt, and other unsecured debt) than a message washed up on my desk echoing the same matter, but on a much smaller level. This reader’s debt situation pales in the face of total U.S. consumer debt that has now climbed to $17,300,000,000,000—and yes, that is trillion. That’s a big problem for which I do not have a solution. As for my reader, as serious as her debt problem is, it is not without solution!
Dear Cheapskate: I have $23,000 in credit-card debt, and even on a tight budget, my paycheck as a store clerk is doing very little to help my situation. I'd like to consult a credit counseling firm, but have heard that some of them are frauds. How can I protect myself and still get the help I need?—Patty
