Don’t let the creditor control the situation.

The creditor may try to play hardball and offer you a settlement agreement that does not save a lot of money. Do not be quick to settle on their first offer and remember, they are probably trying to show you their best poker face. However, the debt is yours and you are the one that holds the cards. Calling their bluff is often very effective. If you call their bluff and tell them that their offer is not good enough, chances are, they will still come back with a better offer. Sometimes it is helpful to walk away from the bargaining table, which may cause the creditor to become more desperate.