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Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into one loan, usually at a lower interest rate, and you repay the full balance. Debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to pay less than you owe, but it damages your credit and isn't guaranteed to work.
Understanding how both options work can help you determine which would better fit your financial situation.
Debt consolidation involves replacing your current debts with a new loan or line of credit, ideally with a better interest rate. If you consolidate multiple debts, you can also simplify repayment into a single monthly payment.
There are multiple ways to consolidate debt, including:

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