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.
Best Debt Relief Programs May 2026 - Compare Top CompaniesMay 1, 2026
Compare the best debt relief programs of 2026. Learn how to evaluate settlement companies and credit counseling agencies before enrolling.
National Debt Relief Review May 2026May 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.
Accredited Debt Relief Review May 2026May 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.
Freedom Debt Relief Review May 2026May 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.
Credit Associates Review May 2026May 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.
Best Debt Consolidation Loan for May 2026May 1, 2026
A debt consolidation loan combines multiple debts into one payment. A loan can help simplify finances, save money and pay off your debt. Compare top lenders...
Debt Consolidation Loans with Bad Credit May 2026: Rates, Reviews & OptionsMay 1, 2026
Is a debt consolidation loan for bad credit a viable option? Learn how the loan works, how your credit affects your rates, and which lenders offer bad credit…
What Happens If You Can't Finish Your Debt Management PlanApr 22, 2026
Many people don't complete a DMP. Learn why completion rates are low, what happens when you leave, and what options exist if you can't continue.
Using a Home Equity Loan for Home ImprovementsApr 20, 2026
Planning a renovation? Learn how a home equity loan works for home improvements, how it compares to a HELOC and personal loan, and how to choose the right option.
Your Credit Cards Get Closed in a Debt Management PlanApr 20, 2026
Enrolling in a DMP means closing your credit cards. Learn what actually closes, whether you can keep one open, and how to know if a DMP is the right fit.
Does a Debt Management Plan Lower Your Monthly Payment?Apr 20, 2026
A DMP often lowers your monthly payment, but not always. Learn why your payment may be higher than expected and how to know if it fits your budget.
Is a Debt Management Plan Worth It?Apr 18, 2026
A DMP has real benefits and real limits. Learn when a debt management plan makes sense, when it doesn't, and what to consider instead.
What is a Home Equity Loan?Apr 17, 2026
A home equity loan lets you borrow a lump sum against your home's equity with fixed payments. Learn what it is, how it's structured, and what to know before you apply.
HELOCs in California: Rates, Requirements, and What Makes Them DifferentApr 17, 2026
California HELOCs come with bigger borrowing power and state-specific protections. Learn what rates, requirements, and lenders look like in the Golden State.
What Does '50% Savings' Mean in Debt Settlement — And Is It Guaranteed?Mar 30, 2026
You keep coming across "50% savings" in debt settlement research. Here's what that number actually means, why fees change the math, and why no outcome is guaranteed.
Do Debt Settlement Companies Drop You If You Get Sued? Mar 23, 2026
Getting sued during debt settlement is scary, but it doesn't mean your company abandons you. Here's what actually changes and what to do right now.
Home Equity Loan RequirementsMar 23, 2026
Find out what lenders look for before approving a home equity loan — equity, credit score, DTI, income, and more. Know where you stand before you apply.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
HELOC Calculator: Estimate Your Borrowing PowerMar 19, 2026
Use our free HELOC calculator to see how much you could borrow and what your monthly payment could be — in the draw period and at repayment. (145 chars)
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.
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.