By the time he told his bishop he was leaving, he had more than $54,000 in credit card debt.
Shop around before you accept an offer for a debt consolidation loan -- especially if it sounds too good to be true.
The bottom-feeders come out in force whenever the economy is bad, pretending to offer you or others assistance.
Starting this week, debt settlement and other for-profit debt relief companies will have to start toeing the line.
GAO investigation finds litany of abuses by companies that claim they can settle your debt for pennies on the dollar.
Some are vampires that can suck your finances dry.
8 DIY methods to approaching your debt.
It's not easy, but you CAN do it
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MARKET DISPATCHES
The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
FRUGAL COOL
Starting Monday, this site is joining forces with MSN Money Smart Spending. Here's why.
MONEY & POLITICS
Breaking up big banks is an untested solution to the too big to fail problem that attempts to isolate and dismantle large, troubled institutions while protecting the rest of the economy.
SMART SPENDING
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SMART TAXES
The IRS is struggling to combat identify thieves who file fraudulent tax returns in the names of older residents who don't need to file.

