I feel like I can't escape my financial misery, so I'm hoping there are some financial savvy people here who can offer me helpful advice.

My debt to income ratio is really off-balance in that I have more debt than income. I read online about debt consolidation. Is that just a scam, or does it actually help to join so that debt can be paid off over time. What are the pros and cons, if any, of debt consolidation programs?

Does anyone have experience using one?