Debt consolidation can help you find relief from your credit card debts by reducing your interest rates and easing the monthly burden of your debts. However, there are a number of options available when you decide to consolidate your debts.

Your debt-to-income ratio offers a way to easily assess the state of your finances. The ratio compares your total monthly debt (not including your rent or mortgage payment each month) to your total monthly income. A debt-to-income ratio that is less than 20% is considered to be a good number. Effectively, this indicates you are financially stable.

Most Small Claims Courts have jurisdictional limits. That is, the Small Claims Courts will only accept cases in which the damages sued for are less than a certain amount. Contact your local Small Claims Court Clerk to make sure you are within the limit.

What happens if someone sues you for causing property damage to their property? The best defense is always to outline each element of the plaintiff's case, and then ask yourself what proof the plaintiff has on each element, and what proof you can introduce or bring to court to disprove the plaintiff's version.