Writer: Brittney Mayer
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
When bills start piling up and you fall behind on payments, debt relief programs can offer much-needed help, lifting some of the pressure from those unpaid notices and helping you get back on track toward better credit. Keep reading to see how we recommend approaching your search for debt relief programs.
There is a small aquatic plant, called duckweed, that can expand from a few small leaves and take over the entire surface of your aquarium in a matter of months. While many fishkeepers will argue that duckweed has its place — in moderate amounts, it can help keep your water clean — too much of it can be a serious problem.
Unfortunately, debt can be much like that prolific plant; what starts as a little helpful debt can quickly grow well beyond beneficial levels. But while duckweed can be controlled with a handy net, debt relief may often require a little outside assistance for the best results. Let’s explore our picks for some of the best debt relief companies out there today, learn about whether government programs can provide assistance, and take a closer look at how debt relief actually works.
Top Companies | Government Programs | How It Works
The Best Debt Relief Companies
For some consumers, getting out of debt can be a simple matter of tightening the budget. For others, finding relief from growing debt means finding a professional to help them design the best debt management plan.
Although a number of factors will contribute to your choice of debt relief company, the type of debt relief you need may play the biggest role.
Some companies may specialize in counseling or consolidation, while others may have more experience with debt settlement or bankruptcy. Our top-rated picks below can be a good place to start your search.
- Requires $10,000 or more in credit card debt
- Free, no-obligation debt analysis
- Specializes in credit card and medical debt
- Also handles debt from personal loans, private student loans, lines of credit, and collections
- Does not handle IRS, utility, federal student loans or mortgage debt
- Long-term program to relieve debt over 24-48 month period
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Better Business Bureau | In Business Since | Free Consultation? | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 2009 | Yes | 9.5/10 |
2. CuraDebt
- 100% confidential, no-obligation consultation
- Specializes in unsecured debts over $10,000
- In business since 2000
- Options for debt settlement, consolidation, and tax debt
- Get a 100% free, personalized savings estimate from a debt professional
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Better Business Bureau | In Business Since | Free Consultation? | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| (No Grade) | 2000 | Yes | 9.0/10 |
- Toll-free assessment: 1-855-299-9573
- Minimum $10,000 in debt required
- Learn about your debt relief options
- AFCC accredited member
- Resolve debts in as little as 24 to 48 months
- $5 Billion in debt resolved – #1 in America
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Better Business Bureau | In Business Since | Free Consultation? | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 2002 | Yes | 9.5/10 |
+See More Debt Relief Companies
When it comes to your finances, it’s important to thoroughly research any help you intend to enlist. You may begin by checking online reviews from industry experts and previous customers, but that shouldn’t be the end of your research.
You should also investigate potential debt relief companies through other important parties, like the Better Business Bureau, your local consumer protection agency, or the state Attorney General.
Beware of any debt relief companies that make promises about your debts. For example, avoid companies that guarantee they can absolve you of your debt or that promise to stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits.
You should also be wary of debt relief companies that charge fees before you enroll in a program or push you to sign up without clearly explaining their services or taking time to review your financial situation.
Few Government Debt Relief Programs Exist
Although the US federal and state governments often provide a number of programs designed to help those with low incomes and/or bad credit, debt is, unfortunately, something you’ll likely have to handle without government help.
That’s because few government debt relief programs exist at the national level, and state-run or sponsored programs seem to be equally few and far between.
In general, if your debt is from credit cards or personal loans, you’ll likely need to stick with civilian programs and companies. If your debt problems involve student loans or a home mortgage, however, you may have some options.
For instance, some student loans can be forgiven, canceled, or discharged under specific circumstances, such as loan forgiveness for working in public service or as a public school teacher.
When it comes to mortgage debt, you may find a little help from the government through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Keep in mind there are specific qualifications for HARP, such as being current on your payments.
How Debt Relief Typically Works
An easy way to fall victim to a debt relief scam is to dive into the process without first educating yourself on some of its key aspects. If you don’t know the different types of debt relief, for instance, you can’t know if a proposed plan is really the best way to go — or simply someone looking for a payday.
The kind of debt relief that makes sense for you depends entirely on your financial situation, so any reputable debt relief company should start by taking a close look at your finances with you.
These consultations are generally free, though some companies may require you to purchase your credit report(s) for a more in-depth evaluation.
Debt Counseling
For cases in which you simply need a hand getting back on track, debt counseling may be the best solution. This may consist of advice and assistance with setting up a sustainable budget as well as going over important money management skills.
Debt Consolidation
The next level of debt relief will usually involve debt consolidation, which is the process of using a new loan to pay off several smaller debts, such as balances across multiple credit cards. Ideally, consolidation will net a lower interest rate, which can reduce overall monthly payments.
This stage may also include negotiating with your current creditors to establish more manageable payment plans, perhaps with lower interest rates or extended term lengths. (Keep in mind that extending the amount of time it takes to pay off a debt will usually mean paying more for that debt overall thanks to additional interest fees.)
Debt Settlement
If negotiations and consolidation fail to produce results or are simply not options, then debt settlement may be a viable choice. In essence, debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to pay off your debt as a lump sum, ideally for less than you really owe.
Usually, debt settlement will require you to make regular payments to the settlement company that are set aside in a special savings account. Once you have saved enough to reasonably settle with your creditors, the debt relief company will contact them and attempt to negotiate a settlement.
Debt settlement may help you get rid of debt for less than the full amount you owe, but it can also seriously hurt your credit score. The damage can be even worse if you stop making payments while you’re setting money aside for a settlement.
Bankruptcy
If other methods of debt settlement fail, the last resort is usually bankruptcy, which is the only real way to erase debt. But, for emphasis, bankruptcy should be the last resort for dealing with debt.
Not only does bankruptcy come with fees and other out-of-pocket costs, but it can also have significant credit impacts that last for up to 10 years. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can also result in the forfeiture of valuable assets, including property.
Furthermore, only certain types of unsecured debt can be absolved through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have secured debts, student loans, back taxes, alimony payments, or other types of non-dischargeable debts, bankruptcy is unlikely to be a source of debt relief.
Get a Handle on Your Debt
It’s often surprising how quickly little things can develop into big problems. A few leaves of duckweed can carpet an area in the seeming blink of an eye. And a few credit card charges can grow into thousands in debt before you know it.
Unfortunately, getting into debt always seems to be quicker than getting back out of it. No matter which type of debt relief you choose to use, understand that it will never be an overnight process. It can take years to reach debt freedom, so be patient.
