The market is full of disbelief and ignorance when it comes to what really affects your credit score and what doesn't. While actions like a bankruptcy or a default will leave a stain for many years in your credit score, debt consolidation actually acts as a neutral entry in the score. Once it has been processed and all the existing debt gets paid, the only remaining should be the new loan. It is at this moment where you have to do whatever is close to your hands to actually pay for the loan in full and on time. This will help you like no other thing to actually be able to get an improve credit score. Take into consideration the fact that credit scores are not static, and as living beings, they are always changing. Having a bad credit score can always be changed, the only one stopping you from achieving your financial goals is YOU!