Getting deep into debt can be a suffocating experience, but no fear! A savvy consumer can find oodles of ways to cut that debt down painlessly. Here are eight top tips to get your debt settled at sharp discounts and get your life under control!

1) GET THE RIGHT MINDSET - While some debt pros go for a bulldog, take no prisoners charge, people generally get better results with a little honey. Keep your cool, even if talking to an obnoxious collector.

2) GET SOME LIQUID CASH TO WORK WITH - Work overtime, cut your expenses down to the nub for a couple of months, whatever it takes. Get a little cash to work with - the more the better. See if there is a credit card you can still put some balance on - or borrow money. While borrowing to payoff debt is normally a horrible idea, when using it to settle outstanding debts it can be the best thing you ever do. When getting out of debt, cash is king!

3) WORK WITH THE SUPERVISOR - Most front-line collectors have limited ability to do anything more than demand immediate payment. Supervisors, however, often have broad powers to cut deals if it looks to them that they can get at least some funds. Always insist on speaking to the supervisor when you are ready to talk. The front line collector won't want to get the supervisor, but insist on it.

4) DRAG THE BAIT - When you are ready, either take the call from the collector or call them yourself. Once the supervisor is on the line tell them you are glad to contact them. Explain that you are sorry that you have fallen behind but you are working to get bills taken care of.

Then let them know that you have come into some money, not near enough to pay all of your bills, but enough to make a dent. You are trying to decide what is your best way to make a difference. Then you ask them "If I paid you cash in seven days, what is the least you would take to have this account settled?" DO NOT SUGGEST A PRICE OR TELL THEM HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE!

The supervisor will likely hem or haw, trying to get you to commit to something, but insist that while you have some money, you want to pay off "1-2 bills". If the supervisor will not give you a figure, then tell them "Well, you have my number. I will be paying money to one or two of my accounts in this next week. But I need to do this in a way that makes the most difference in my circumstances, I know you understand. If you can provide me with a payoff, please call me in the next 24 hours."

If the supervisor

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