debt settlement is a service for consumers who want out of debt at the lowest cost, in the shortest time frame; with the lowest payment… while avoiding bankruptcy.
credit counseling, on the other hand, is a solution that lowers your interest rates slightly and can get you a lower monthly payment sometimes but usally not by much because you are still paying the entire debt, their fees and some interest.
Questions to ask yourself?
Are you living off your credit cards?
Could you pay for everything without using your cards?
Can you afford making your current minimum payments?
Are you going to do that for the rest of your life?
How do you plan to get out of debt?