Getting out of debt is the second biggest concern for Americans. A recent survey showed only being blown up by International Islamic Radical Terrorists was higher. What was third on the list? Losing weight. Go figure, apparently Stewie Griffin could have told us that. Buried in Bills and debt?

Many smaller debts owed to medium and large companies or financial institutions may be worth your time and effort to resolve on your own. Generally, for a larger creditor (not a mom & pop business), it may cost the creditor too much money and time collecting, fighting or suing over the full amount of a small debt.

Although your bad debt management has lead to bankruptcy, you need to stop and take a deep relaxing breath, and know that this is not the end of the world, or even your financial future. Here's how to see the light at the end of the tunnel.