Betsalel Cohen
Passionate about helping people improve their finances. Worked in mortgage banking, private banking, and personal financial coaching. When he is not working, he loves running and spending time with his family.
What Is a HELOC? Mar 22, 2026
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for.
Does a HELOC Affect Your Credit ScoreMar 22, 2026
A HELOC can affect your credit score in several ways — some small and temporary, one that lasts. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.
Not Every Creditor Has to Settle—and That's What You Need to Know Before You EnrollMar 22, 2026
No creditor is required to settle your debt, and some won't. Here's what determines whether your creditors will negotiate, and what to ask before you enroll.
Does a HELOC Require an AppraisalMar 22, 2026
Appraisal LTV and HELOC | There are different types of appraisals that a lender may require. The appraisal's value affects your LTV and how much cash you...
What Happens When a Creditor Refuses to Settle?Mar 22, 2026
A creditor refusing to settle doesn't mean your program is over. Here's what actually happens to a refused account—and what to do next.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment After Debt Settlement?Mar 22, 2026
Missed a payment on your debt settlement agreement? Here’s what it actually means, what your creditor could do next, and the steps to take right now.
Do Debt Settlement Companies Take Money Upfront?Mar 22, 2026
Federal law prohibits legitimate debt settlement companies from charging fees before settling a debt. Here's what the rule says and how to verify a company before you sign.
Can You Settle Debt Yourself Without a CompanyMar 22, 2026
You can try negotiating debt settlement yourself. Success depends on who owns the debt, creditor policies, and your situation. Learn when DIY works and when it doesn't.
How Does a HELOC WorkMar 22, 2026
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for
How long does it take to get a HELOC?Mar 19, 2026
Most HELOCs take 2-6 weeks. Learn what drives the timeline, why your funds aren't available right after closing, and how to move faster.
Does Settled Debt Hurt Credit More Than Paid in Full?Mar 14, 2026
Settling debt shows "settled for less" on your report versus "paid in full." Learn when the notation matters and whether it hurts your credit score more.
National Debt Relief Review March 2026Mar 1, 2026
One of the largest debt settlement companies helps negotiate lower balances. Learn how the program works, what it costs (15-25% fees), credit impact, and whether it fits your situation.
Best Debt Relief Programs March 2026 - Compare Top CompaniesMar 1, 2026
Compare the best debt relief programs of 2026. Learn how to evaluate settlement companies and credit counseling agencies before enrolling.
DIY vs. Professional Debt Negotiation: Which Path Is Right?Feb 28, 2026
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.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What It Is & How It Works Feb 28, 2026
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 CenterFeb 28, 2026
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...
Freedom Debt Relief Review March 2026Mar 1, 2026
Freedom Debt Relief is a leading debt settlement company that negotiates debt reduction with your creditors. Learn how to qualify and how their program could help.
Accredited Debt Relief Review March 2026Mar 1, 2026
A Beyond Finance division offering debt settlement since 2011. Learn how the program works, what it costs (up to 25% fees), credit impact, and whether it fits your situation.
Pros and Cons of Debt SettlementFeb 25, 2026
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.
How Does Debt Relief Work?Feb 25, 2026
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.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Qualifications & Means Test GuideFeb 25, 2026
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.
What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?Feb 25, 2026
Debt settlement lets you negotiate to pay less than you owe. Learn how the process works, what it costs, and the risks to consider.
What Is Debt Relief? Your Options ExplainedFeb 25, 2026
Debt relief means different things to different people. Learn what options exist, how they work, and how to avoid scams.
Debt Settlement Attorney: Do You Need One?Feb 25, 2026
Learn what a debt settlement attorney does, how much they cost, and when you actually need one vs. handling it yourself.
Credit Associates Review March 2026Mar 1, 2026
Credit Associates offers straightforward debt settlement with 22-25% fees. Learn how the program works, credit impact, and whether it fits your financial situation.
Debt Relief Pros and ConsFeb 24, 2026
Debt relief could reduce what you owe—but comes with real risks. See the pros and cons of settlement, DMPs, consolidation, and bankruptcy.
Is Debt Relief a Good IdeaFeb 23, 2026
Is debt relief worth it? It depends on which type. Learn when settlement, consolidation, or credit counseling fits—and when to avoid it.
Debt Relief Programs: Types, Costs, and How to ChooseFeb 23, 2026
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 SuedFeb 23, 2026
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.
How to Handle American Express Collections and AMEX DebtFeb 5, 2026
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 DebtFeb 5, 2026
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 NextFeb 5, 2026
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 BankruptcyJan 31, 2026
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 DischargeJan 31, 2026
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 DebtJan 29, 2026
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.
How to Negotiate Credit Card Debt Jan 28, 2026
Negotiate with your credit card company for lower rates, reduced payments, or settlement. Scripts, examples, and what to watch out for.
How to Negotiate Medical BillsJan 28, 2026
Medical bills are negotiable—but only after you've verified they're accurate. Request an itemized bill, compare it...
Debt Settlement Letter: Templates & How to Write OneDeJan 28, 2026
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 AvoidJan 28, 2026
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.
Debt Management Plan DownsidesJan 28, 2026
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.
Government Debt ReliefJan 28, 2026
Government debt relief programs are limited, but options exist. The Government also helps protect you against debt collectors. There are non-government programs...
Debt Settlement AgreementJan 27, 2026
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 ProgramJan 11, 2026
Learn how Citibank hardship programs work, who qualifies, what relief they offer, and alternatives if you can’t afford payments.
Negotiate Citibank DebtJan 11, 2026
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 DebtJan 10, 2026
Get practical tips for negotiating debt with creditors and collectors. Learn what to say, when to call, and how to get agreements in writing.
Charge Offs & SettlementJan 7, 2026
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.
Debt NegotiatorsJan 7, 2026
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.
Real Time Resolutions: How to Deal with Collections | Bills.comMay 7, 2025
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...
Debt Management | Deal with Your DebtSep 30, 2024
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...
Credit Card Consolidation and Your Credit ScoreSep 20, 2024
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...