Debt Articles

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets people with regular income repay debts over 3 to 5 years while keeping assets. Learn how it works, what it costs, and who qualifies.

Bankruptcy Alternatives: Your Options and How to Decide

Behind on debt or worried about it? Bankruptcy isn’t the only option. Learn which alternatives you could qualify for, afford, and that actually fit your goals.

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Which Is Right?

There are two types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Find out here which could meet your needs.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payment Calculator

Estimate your Chapter 13 plan payment and learn how courts calculate what you owe each month. Understand the three tests that set your number.

How to Get Out of Debt on a Low Income

Debt on a limited income is hard, but real strategies could help. Learn to budget, choose a repayment method, and find relief options that fit your situation.

How to Get Out of Debt With No Job

Lost your job but still have debt? Learn what to do first, which debt relief options could still work with no paycheck, and what to expect if payments stop.

Credit Card Lawyer: When You Need One for Debt

A credit card lawyer could help if you've been sued, harassed by collectors, or can't resolve your debt alone. Learn when to hire one and what to expect.

Help With Credit Card Debt Over $50,000

Carrying more than $50,000 in credit card debt? Explore your options—debt management plans, settlement, bankruptcy—and find a path for your situation.

Why Does Debt Settlement Require Stopped Payments?

Stopping payments is part of how debt settlement works, not a scheme. Understand the logic, the real costs, and what to consider before deciding.

How Long Does It Take Credit to Recover After Debt Settlement?

Debt settlement damages your credit—but for most people, the damage started before the program did. Here's what rebuilding actually looks like.

Will Creditors Empty My Bank Account If I Set Up Payments?

Agreeing to set up payments with a creditor doesn't mean they will drain your bank account. Find out the real story here.

What Actually Happens to My Money During Debt Settlement?

Worried a debt settlement company holds your money? Here's what actually happens, including what you control and what to watch out for.

The Real Risks of Debt Settlement (That Companies Don’t Always Mention)

Reputable debt settlement companies disclose the risks. Some don’t. Learn what should be on the table before you sign, and what to ask if it isn’t.

Credit Card Debt Forgiveness: Is It Possible?

Credit card debt forgiveness is possible, but not always how the ads make it seem. Learn how it works, who it's for, and what it really costs.

Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement

Debt settlement and debt consolidation are two different ways to deal with debt. Learn about both to decide which is right for you.

What Is a Debt Hardship Program and When Should You Ask for One?

A debt hardship program could lower your payment while you recover. Learn what it is, how it works, and when to contact your lender—before it's too late.

How Much Credit Card Debt Is Too Much?

No single number defines “too much” credit card debt. Use these benchmarks to judge for yourself—and find out what to do if your balance has gone too far.

Coping with Financial Hardship: Practical Tips

Struggling financially? Learn how to gauge your situation, triage your bills, find assistance programs, and explore debt relief options that could help.

What Are the Real Risks of Debt Settlement?

Debt settlement carries risks: credit damage, lawsuits, taxes, fees. Learn what could happen, and how to decide if the potential trade-off makes sense for you.

Should I Stop Payments and Negotiate My Debt—Or Is That a Bad Idea?

Whether stopping payments to negotiate debt makes sense depends on where you stand—not on the sales pitch. Here's a framework for both situations.

What Happens If You Can't Finish Your Debt Management Plan

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.

Is Debt Settlement Worth the Fees?

Debt settlement fees run around 25% of enrolled debt—and yes, you could negotiate yourself. Here’s how to evaluate whether the cost is justified for your situation.

Does a Debt Management Plan Lower Your Monthly Payment?

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.

Your Credit Cards Get Closed in a Debt Management Plan

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.

Is a Debt Management Plan Worth It?

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.

Debt Management Plans Don't Reduce What You Owe

A debt management plan doesn't reduce your balance—you repay every dollar. Learn what a DMP actually changes and whether it could lower your total cost.

Understanding Debt Settlement Fees: What You’re Actually Paying For

Debt settlement fees are typically around 25% of your enrolled debt—but most people don’t know when they’re charged or what they cover. Here’s how to read any fee agreement.

Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy: Costs, Credit, and What to Expect

Debt settlement and bankruptcy both resolve debt, but they work very differently. Compare costs, credit impact, and timelines to find the right fit.

How Do You Know if a Debt Settlement Company Is Legit?

Debt settlement is a legitimate strategy, but some companies are not. Here’s exactly how to tell the difference before you sign anything.

What Does '50% Savings' Mean in Debt Settlement — And Is It Guaranteed?

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.

Does Debt Settlement Destroy Your Credit Permanently?

Debt settlement causes real credit damage, but permanent? No. Here’s when the damage actually happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do now.

Do Debt Settlement Companies Drop You If You Get Sued?

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.

Do Debt Settlement Companies Take Money Upfront?

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.

Not Every Creditor Has to Settle—and That's What You Need to Know Before You Enroll

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.

What Happens When a Creditor Refuses to Settle?

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.

Can You Settle Debt Yourself Without a Company

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.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment After Debt Settlement?

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 Settled Debt Hurt Credit More Than Paid in Full?

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

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?

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 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...

Best Debt Relief Programs August 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.