Debt Articles

Best Debt Relief Programs March 2026 - Compare Top Companies

Compare the best debt relief programs of 2026. Learn how to evaluate settlement companies and credit counseling agencies before enrolling.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What It Is & How It Works

Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts in 3-4 months. Learn who qualifies, what you’ll keep, costs, and how it impacts your credit

Debt Negotiation Resource Center

Debt negotiation is a solution for people in a hardship. Carefully look at your situation and debt relief options. Choose between a do-it-yourself approach...

DIY vs. Professional Debt Negotiation: Which Path Is Right?

Struggling with debt? Learn when to negotiate yourself vs when to hire help. Simple guidance to help you choose the right path for your situation.

Pros and Cons of Debt Settlement

Debt settlement could reduce what you owe, but risks include credit damage, lawsuits, and taxes. See the pros and cons to decide if it's worth it.

What Is Debt Relief? Your Options Explained

Debt relief means different things to different people. Learn what options exist, how they work, and how to avoid scams.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Qualifications & Means Test Guide

Learn if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Understand the means test, income limits, and how to pass based on your expenses and financial situation.

Debt Settlement Attorney: Do You Need One?

Learn what a debt settlement attorney does, how much they cost, and when you actually need one vs. handling it yourself.

How Does Debt Relief Work?

There are several options for debt relief. Read on to learn about debt consolidation, debt settlement, bankruptcy, and other choices to get rid of debt.

What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?

Debt settlement lets you negotiate to pay less than you owe. Learn how the process works, what it costs, and the risks to consider.

Can a Teacher Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Marcus, a 34-year-old teacher earning $58K, has $127K in debt. Can he qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? See how the means test works with real numbers.

Debt Relief Pros and Cons

Debt relief could reduce what you owe—but comes with real risks. See the pros and cons of settlement, DMPs, consolidation, and bankruptcy.

Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? What Actually Happens

The "100 point drop" claim has no research behind it. Your credit damage depends on your starting point and which events each path involves.

Debt Relief Programs: Types, Costs, and How to Choose

Debt relief programs include settlement, credit counseling, DMPs, consolidation, and bankruptcy. Learn which type fits your debt situation.

What It Means to Be Judgment Proof—and What to Do If Sued

Learn what it means to be judgment proof, how to tell if it applies to you, and what steps to take if a creditor sues you—even if they can't collect.

Is Debt Relief a Good Idea

Is debt relief worth it? It depends on which type. Learn when settlement, consolidation, or credit counseling fits—and when to avoid it.

How to Handle American Express Collections and AMEX Debt

Behind on your AMEX payments? Learn how American Express handles collections, what to expect from Nationwide Credit, and how to settle your debt.

Charge-Off: Meaning, Timeline, and What It Means for Your Debt

Learn what a charge off is, how it affects your credit, whether you still owe the debt, and what steps you can take to respond and move forward.

Charge-Off vs. Collection: The Real Difference and What to Do Next

Charge-offs and collections aren't the same thing. Learn the key difference, how each affects your credit, and what to do next.

How to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Learn how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 7 steps, including costs, timeline, forms, and common mistakes. Options for fee waivers are included.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Discharge

A Chapter 7 discharge eliminates eligible debts like credit cards and medical bills. Learn what gets discharged, the timeline, and what happens after.

How to Negotiate Debt

Learn how to negotiate debt with creditors or collectors yourself. Get step-by-step guidance, realistic offer amounts, and understand the risks before you call.

Debt Management Plan Downsides

A debt management plan could lower interest rates, but it won't reduce your balance, requires closing credit cards, and may be hard to afford. Learn the tradeoffs.

Debt Settlement Letter: Templates & How to Write OneDe

Learn how to write a debt settlement letter with free templates. See how one person settled $6,400 for $2,500 and get step-by-step guidance.

5 Common Debt Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid

Description: Avoid the most common debt negotiation mistakes. Learn what to say, when to pause, and how to get agreements in writing before you call creditors.

Negotiate Judgment Settlement

In Ohio, the maximum legal interest rate that a judgment-creditor can charge is the short-term Treasury rate plus 3 percent.

Government Debt Relief

Government debt relief programs are limited, but options exist. The Government also helps protect you against debt collectors. There are non-government programs...

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt

Negotiate with your credit card company for lower rates, reduced payments, or settlement. Scripts, examples, and what to watch out for.

Debt Settlement Agreement

Learn what a debt settlement agreement includes, how to review it safely, and what to check before signing. Protect yourself with this step-by-step guide.

Citibank Hardship Program

Learn how Citibank hardship programs work, who qualifies, what relief they offer, and alternatives if you can’t afford payments.

Negotiate Citibank Debt

Struggling with Citibank credit card payments? Learn how negotiation works at each stage so you can choose your next step with confidence.

10 Tips to Negotiate Your Debt

Get practical tips for negotiating debt with creditors and collectors. Learn what to say, when to call, and how to get agreements in writing.

Debt Negotiators

You can negotiate debt repayment on your own, or hire a professional. Learn more about debt negotiators and when hiring one might be a good idea.

Charge Offs & Settlement

Learn how to settle a charged-off debt, how the process works, how much you might pay, and the changes you'll see once a creditor charges off and transfers the account.

Use 401k to Consolidate Debt

Your 401k can be a solution for consolidating credit card debt. Review the pros and cons of a 401K withdrawal and 401k loan, and compare them to alternatives.

Real Time Resolutions: How to Deal with Collections | Bills.com

Real Time Resolutions is a mid-size debt collection agency that services debt and mortgages. They also buy debt. If you were contacted by RST avoid making...

Buy-Here-Pay-Here Repossession

I bought a car from a buy-here-pay-here location. I just had it repossessed after being late 4 days with no notice. Is that legal? Yes!

Prepaid Debit Card and Debt Collections

Can a creditor seize or garnish my prepaid debit card?

Garnish My Pension?

Can your pension be garnished? Pensions, like Social Security and other forms of retirement income, are exempt from garnishment for most debts. However...

Debt Management | Deal with Your Debt

Debt Management | Many of us have debt problems. Some of us can solve go it alone, while others need professional debt services. Learn the steps to take...

Three-State Statute of Limitations

Three-State Statute of Limitations Conflict | Review the SOL jurisdiction implications when a debtor moves from one state to another and the creditor is in a...

Credit Card Consolidation and Your Credit Score

Your credit score makes a difference when searching for a credit card debt consolidation program. Even if you don't have an excellent score you can...

Can My Bank Account be Levied?

Account Levy is allowed for judgments. Also, state and federal agencies have the right to levy accounts on their own authority. However, exemptions apply...

BoA Increased Payments on MBNA account

Advice if BoA Increased Payments on MBNA account | Credit card companies keep buying other credit card companies. Learn how to deal with the changes in...

Kentucky Collection Laws

Learn the statute of limitations for credit card and other debts in Kentucky, and the state's consumer unfriendly rules for account levy, liens and...

Debt Collection

It's never fun to receive a phone call from a debt collector, especially one who's aggressive. Stay calm, follow these 7 steps, and you may be able to avoid...

Dignity Health Payment Assistance

Catholic Healthcare West hospitals and clinics offer charity and discount programs for people with no insurance. Talk to an admitting or patient registration...

Ascension Health Patient Assistance

Ascension Health's hospitals and care centers offer charity and discount programs for people with limited income. Be careful, because not all expenses...

Ex Wife Refusing to Pay Debts

After a divorce my ex wife and I were ordered to pay accounts under the divorce decree. I was paying but my ex decided she was no longer liable. We are now sum

Common Law Marriage and Debt

Read about common law marriages and debt responsibility in this informative article on Bills.com