Lower Payments with Non Profit Debt Consolidation  When credit card and loan payments are becoming impossible, non-profit organizations can help lower payments with debt consolidation. A Definition of Debt consolidation  Debt consolidation is essentially a loan which is used to pay off much or all of existing credit card and other revolving debt, giving the debtor just one payment each month that is lower than the combined payments of the debts being consolidated. Consolidation is not for individuals who are unwilling or unable to exhibit self-discipline in spending or to make financial sacrifices until the consolidation loan is paid in full. Using a Non Profit Debt Consolidation Professional or Company  Getting a debt consolidation loan is not easy, particularly if one’s credit has been damaged by overextended debt or late/missed payments. Generally, such a debtor will need to find a professional who is willing to complete negotiations with creditors and a potential lender. There is no lack of debt consolidation firms out there, as any Internet search will clearly show.  Many of these professionals and/or companies state that they are non-profit; however, the consumer must understand that there will still be fees involved. Any debt consolidator must receive payment for what he does; a true non-profit company, however, will generally charge fees that are less than those of for-profit companies.  The business of debt consolidation is very competitive, so shopping around is certainly warranted. The goal is to get the lowest fees and the best interest rate possible on the consolidation loan. Nothing is final until you have signed a contract, so be certain to get all information up front.  A true non-profit debt consolidator will negotiate with your creditors for lower payoff amounts before securing a consolidation loan for the debtor. This results in the borrowing of as little as possible. Once the loan is secured, the debtor will usually make payments to the consolidator who in turn makes payment for the consolidation.  Sometimes there is no consolidation loan at all; the consolidator simply negotiates new agreements with creditors and pays them from a total amount the debtor pays each month. The monthly payment from the debtor will include any fees being charged by the consolidator as well. During this process, a good non-profit consolidator will work with the debtor to educate and train in the area of personal finance, so that the situation does not recur. This will probably include designing a realistic budget, sacrifices on the part of the consumer, and ultimately a plan for regular savings.  Follow-up is a key part of non-profit consolidation, in order to keep the consumer on track and following the financial plan that was established.