Other articles by Todd Ossenfort:

The Credit Guy: A cash advance to pay for wedding is costlyThe Credit Guy: Transferring debts to someone else requires his cooperation, good creditThe Credit Guy: Putting sister on credit card leaves its primary holder holding the bagThe Credit Guy: Changes to credit-card laws call for consumer vigilanceThe Credit Guy: Discipline is first step in a card-repayment planThe Credit Guy: Make offer, then it's up to collection agencyThe Credit Guy: Settling on card debt could settle your hashThe Credit Guy: First thing — let creditors know you're joblessThe Credit Guy: Rest easy about Social Security, card debtsThe Credit Guy: Company credit-card bill adds insult to injury

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Q I have four major credit cards. I am struggling to pay off the balances. I have racked up $13,000. Is there a way to cancel a few of my cards and get assistance paying them off? I have great credit and don't want canceling my cards to disrupt my credit too much. How much would getting help affect my credit?

AFirst, I have a question for you: Have you stopped adding to the balances on your credit cards? If not, you need to stop charging now. To do this, you need to bring your income and expenses in line so that you aren't using credit to make up the difference. A little common sense will go a long way. You must start living within your means and establish a realistic budget. I know this is not the answer you are looking for, but sometimes a big dose of reality is all it takes.

A credit counselor can help you work out a budget or spending plan if you are having trouble accomplishing this on your own. It's not rocket science: If you make $3,000 per month, you can't spend $5,000 per month. You can find a qualified credit-counseling agency that will provide a free counseling or budgeting session by visiting the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies Web site, www.aiccca.org.

You can also get assistance paying off your credit cards from the same credit-counseling agency that helps you set up a budget by enrolling in a debt-management plan. Your certified counselor will review your financial situation and determine what action steps are most appropriate for you.

If it is determined that based on your income and expenses you qualify for a debt-management plan, you will then be allowed to make one monthly payment toward your balances with creditors. In addition, your counselor will communicate with the creditors on your behalf to lower your interest rates and to bring any past-due accounts current. Be aware, however, that creditors have become less generous in recent years in cutting such deals.

Like you, many people worry that getting help to pay off debt will affect their credit. However, if you are struggling to make the minimum payments now, any unexpected expense could cause you to miss a payment, and if that should happen, your credit would suffer much more.