Debt Relief Programs- Find the Right Way to Get out of Debt
- Review the pros and cons of the most popular debt relief programs.
- Compare debt relief programs, before you choose one.
- Commit to a debt relief program with affordable monthly payment.
Find the Right Debt Relief Program for Your Specific Needs
When you are searching for debt relief, it can be hard to figure out which of the many debt relief programs is right for you. There is no one-sized-fits-most debt solution. Each debt relief program has pros and cons. You can have the same financial situation as someone else (the same debt, income, assets, family size, etc.) and yet you could two different programs to pay off your debt- and both of you could be right.
Figure out which program has pros that outweigh the cons for accomplishing your financial goals. Your primary goal may be to get out of debt at the lowest total cost. Maybe finding the debt relief program with the lowest monthly cost is the most important goal, even if it takes longer to get out of debt. Paying off debt could be a high priority, but protecting and improving your credit score may be even more important to you. In that case, understanding the credit impact of each debt relief program is very important. The bottom line is that your individual goals will determine which of the many debt relief programs is right for you.
Prefer to Discuss Your Situation?
If asking questions and getting immediate answers is important to you, call 844-731-0836 to speak with one of our Enrollment Advisers. They have a full suite of debt solution options and are trained to consult with you to help you find the debt relief program that best suits your needs.
Here is a chart designed to help you weigh the pluses and minuses of the various debt relief programs. You will find the type of debt relief program with a list of its pros and cons.
After you look at the pros and cons, use the links in the "Type of Program" column to find more information about any debt relief programs that appeal to you.
| Type of Program | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Counseling | Lowers interest rates | Payback is 100% of principal plus some interest |
| Can lower monthly payment | Monthly payment may not drop enough to offer cash-flow relief | |
| Stops late fees | Monthly fees | |
| No collection calls | High dropout rate | |
| Credit rating impact | ||
| Debt Settlementt | Significantly lowers monthly payment | Credit rating impact |
| Lowest cost to get out debt, while avoiding bankruptcy | Collection calls are possible | |
| Speeds up the time to debt freedom | Creditors can pursue legal action | |
| Bankruptcy Chapter 7 | Wipes out debts | Difficult to qualify |
| Offers a fresh start | Process is public, which may be embarrassing | |
| Prevents levy or garnishment | May require liquidation of assets | |
| Severe credit impact | ||
| Have to answer 'yes' on any job or financial application that asks if you ever filed BK | ||
| Bankruptcy Chapter 13 | Stops collections | Doesn't erase your debts |
| Prevents levy or garnishment | Severe credit impact | |
| Monthly payment can be high, offering no payment relief | ||
| Public process | ||
| Debt Consolidation Loan Personal Loan | Lower interest rate | Requires excellent credit for best rates |
| Convenience of one monthly payment | Doesn't address the reason debt existed, | |
| May extend the loan term | Many borrowers rtake out the loan and run up new credit card debt | |
| May lower monthly payment | ||
| Cash-out Refinance to Consolidate Debt | Interest rates far lower than unsecured loans, generally | Can increase total costs by extending repayment to 15 or 30 year term |
| Increase cash-flow with smaller required monthly payment | Turns unsecured debt into secured debt | |
| Low rates for fair credit scores and above | Need to have sufficent equity and meet lender's requirements for credit and DTI | |
| You can be 'trapped' in your home, if the home value drops below the mortgage balance | ||
| Balance Transfer | Lower interest rate | Requires excellent credit |
| Get out of debt faster | Interest rate skyrockets, if a payment is missed or late | |
| Low rate expires after 'teaser' period | ||
| Can't transfer a balance from the same creditor | ||
| Requires bigger monthly payment to pay debt off during low interest period |
Debt Relief Pros and Cons
Debt Navigator
Use the Bills.com Debt Navigator to compare different debt relief programs. You will receive a recommendation based on your priorities. The Debt Navigator is free and has no impact on your credit.