getting out of debt without bankruptcy

It seems that for most people there really is only one option they think about when it they try to consider ways on how to get out of debt and that’s taking the bankruptcy route.  And I’ll be honest, for some people it’s really the only way for them to get back on their feet.  I guess that’s one of the nice things about America – you can screw up royally but you can get a second chance.  There are plenty of penalties associated with chapter 7 bankruptcy including the fact that your assets can all be liquidated to pay all those people you owe money to, but it really does give you a fresh start – eliminating all that credit card debt and unsecured loans, but make sure it’s something you really need before heading down that road.