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How Do I Reduce My Debts?

How Do I Reduce My Debts?
Mark Cappel
UpdatedMar 28, 2024

What options do I have to reduce my debt quickly without hurting my credit rating?

What options do I have to reduce my debt quickly without hurting my credit rating? I am not past due, but feel overwhelmed. How do I reduce my debts?

There are many forms of debt relief and ways to answer your question "How Do I Reduce My Debts?" including:

  1. Debt consolidation loans
  2. Credit counseling
  3. Debt negotiation
  4. Bankruptcy

In your case, the only solution that will not impair your credit profile is a debt consolidation loan.

Debt consolidation can benefit you in many ways:

  1. Monthly cash flow
  2. Total savings
  3. Interest deductibility
  4. Your credit rating

However, not all forms of debt consolidation are the same. You need to consider your specific situation, including if you own or rent your home, your monthly debt to income ratio, and your credit rating. A program like a debt consolidation loan may lower your monthly payment, get you a lower rate than most credit cards, and the interest is tax deductible.

Alternatively, a program like negotiated debt settlement may lower your monthly payment, get you debt free fast, save half of what you owe, but it could negatively impact your credit rating.

These are a few of the considerations. See the Bills.com article How to Reduce Debt Quickly & Effectively if speed is what you need. If you want more in-depth information about your options, read the Debt Solutions: Bills.com White Paper on Debt Solutions.

I hope this information helps you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com

Dealing with debt

Mortgages, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans are common types of debts. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Q4 2023 was $17.503 trillion. Housing debt totaled $12.612 trillion and non-housing debt was $4.891 trillion.

A significant percentage of people in the US are struggling with monthly payments and about 26% of households in the United States have debt in collections. According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, the median debt in collections is $1,739. Credit card debt is prevalent and 3% have delinquent or derogatory card debt. The median debt in collections is $422.

The amount of debt and debt in collections vary by state. For example, in Hawaii, 16% have any kind of debt in collections and the median debt in collections is $1866. Medical debt is common and 5% have that in collections. The median medical debt in collections is $339.

While many households can comfortably pay off their debt, it is clear that many people are struggling with debt. Make sure that you analyze your situation and find the best debt payoff solutions to match your situation.

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2 Comments

BBruce McCarthy, Aug, 2009
Very good article , One thing Id like to point out is that after your finish your Debt Settlement your debt to income ratio is vastly improved and that helps your credit rating. In addition you are paying out less money out of your pocket each month and are able to become fiscally stable.Bruce Mc.Senior Debt Consultant
JJerry Gordon, May, 2007
debt consolidation reduced my monthly payments.