Find the Right Debt Relief Program For You

Opting for the right debt relief program can relieve you from the burden of overdue bills and help you regain your financial footing. Debt relief companies that provide a structured plan with the guidance of certified credit counselors offer the most effective debt relief programs.

A typical counseling session will enable you to create a budget, develop money management skills, and establish a manageable monthly payment plan to eliminate credit card debts. However, selecting a poorly designed program, especially one that is unaffordable or makes unrealistic promises, may exacerbate your situation. Unscrupulous individuals take advantage of people facing financial vulnerability, so it is crucial to conduct thorough research before making a commitment.

Considering the importance of this decision, it is vital to understand what debt relief programs entail and how they can benefit you. Below are essential questions you should ask before committing to a debt relief planner:

• Is the debt relief planner accredited and associated with professional organizations?
• How are the debt relief planners certified?
• How will the debt relief program assist in debt repayment?
• How successful has the debt relief program been in helping other clients?
• What financial education will be provided during the debt relief program?
• What is the cost of enrolling in the program?

Reducing debt can alleviate many life challenges. The right debt relief program should be your pillar of support in restoring financial stability.

1. Simple Debt Solutions: Best For No Upfront Fees

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Simple Debt Solutions, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, provides debt relief services to borrowers in 36 states, including Washington, DC. The company, founded in 2020, has been operating for a solid three years and has already established itself in the industry. To be eligible for Simple Debt Solutions' services, clients must have a minimum debt of $10,000, which is a common criterion for most debt settlement firms. Additionally, the company exclusively settles individual accounts with a balance of $450 or more per account. Unlike most debt settlement companies that charge fees based on the total debt enrolled, Simple Debt Solutions determines its fees based on the amount you save when a settlement is accepted.

2. Accredited Debt Relief: Top Debt Relief Customer Reviews

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Accredited Debt Relief, a debt relief company based in the United States, has established a solid reputation for its services since its establishment in 2011. It offers a diverse set of solutions to help individuals facing debt-related issues. With over 200,000 customers served, the company is known for delivering quality service and dependable outcomes. Though the settlement fee, which could reach 25%, may discourage some clients, the lack of upfront fees coupled with high customer satisfaction ratings make Accredited Debt Relief an appealing choice for those seeking prompt debt relief.

3. National Debt Relief: Excellent Debt Relief Programs

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National Debt Relief is confident in its ability to lower your debt by as much as 2530%. It operates like other debt relief firms by engaging your creditors to arrange debt reduction deals. Many creditors prefer settling for a lesser amount instead of risking total non-payment due to bankruptcy.

The company boasts of having made successful settlement negotiations with numerous creditors, and it provides free consultations to interested clients.

4. Freedom Financial Network: Premier Accreditations

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Founded by Stanford Business School graduates Andrew Housser and Brad Stroh, Freedom Debt Relief is a U.S.-based company that has earned an impressive 79% excellence rating on TrustPilot. With a workforce of about 2,000 employees and over 500,000 clients, the company provides debt relief solutions that are consumer-friendly. In addition to debt relief, Freedom Debt Relief offers a selection of resources for debt and money management, as well as a scholarship fund for students in the United States.

More Information

What is a Debt Relief Program?

A debt relief program enables you to pay your unsecured debts, usually credit cards, in full, but often with reduced interest rates or waived fees. You make a single monthly payment to a credit counseling agency, which then distributes it among your creditors. Credit counselors and credit card companies have agreements in place to assist clients in debt management.

Typically, your credit card accounts will be closed, and you will have to live without them until you complete the plan. However, many people do not complete them. Debt relief programs themselves do not affect your credit scores, but closing accounts can damage them. Once you complete the plan, you can reapply for credit.

However, missing payments can disqualify you from the plan. It is crucial to select an agency accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Financial Counseling Association of America. Even then, ensure that you comprehend the fees and understand your options for dealing with debt.

How Do Debt Relief Programs Work?

A a debt relief company receives your monthly deposits and utilizes them to pay your bills, loans, and other debts based on a payment schedule created with you and your creditors. In some cases, creditors may agree to reduce interest rates or eliminate certain fees if you are paying through a debt relief plan.

After your creditors accept the debt relief plan, it is critical to make timely and regular payments, as well as promptly review your monthly statements to ensure that your creditors are receiving payments according to your plan. If you fail to make timely payments to your debt management plan and creditors, you risk losing the progress you've made in reducing your debt, as well as the advantages of being in a debt management plan, such as lower interest rates and fee waivers.

How Long Does Debt Relief Stay On Your Credit Report?

As per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a debt that has been settled without any late payments will be recorded on your credit report for seven years from the settlement date. Any delayed payment is referred to as a delinquency, which is reported to credit bureaus once it becomes 30, 60, 90, or 120 days past due. If you miss a payment, the delinquent account will be added to your report from the date it became delinquent and will remain there unless the account becomes current again.

In the case of a settled collections account, the negative entry on your credit report will persist for seven years from the date of discharge of the remaining balance.