I am trying to figure out between debt settlement and debt management

debt management should be your first priority and that's what you should check into first. Call a few DM places and see if you can afford the monthly payments on your 85K debt. IF you will not be able to afford Debt Management you will want to check into debt settlement, but your payments will have to go over 90 days late and it will affect your credit. Keep in mind even in a debt settlement, you will probably have to afford $1200 to $2000 a month to get your debts paid off over 30 to 36 months. Also, if you decide you will have to go DS, save every penny and do not pay any creditors (unsecured debts) any payments so you will be able to take advantage of great settlement offers.

Do yourself a big favor, search the boards under Debt Settlement and Debt Management and read previous threads. You will find many others in your same situation, as far as being in debt 70K to 90K.

Also search to boards for self DM or DS if you are want to control your situation and save around 15% in fees.

Good luck to ya!

Debt Management will no doubt have positive effect on your credit score, provided you don't skip any monthly payments. As you payoff your debt through debt management program, your credit score starts improving.

Debt Settlement can reduce your debt by 40-60%. But it will adversely affect your credit score significantly.

You can also go through the different debt solution programs in this page: - debt solutions - 3 steps and 5 ways to do it

But according to me the best way to settle your debt is by yourself. The following page can guide in this end: -
Step by Step Guide for settling your debts