CHICAGO, IL — March, 2026 — A survey, based on responses from more than 2,000 Accredited Debt Relief graduates who completed a debt consolidation program in 2025, shows that they overwhelmingly found their debt consolidation experience affordable — and reported major improvements in their financial habits.
Results show more than 92% of graduates said their program payments were affordable, reinforcing that debt consolidation is a realistic and sustainable option for people struggling to keep up with minimum payments.
Graduates also reported a meaningful shift in how they manage money day-to-day. Before enrolling with Accredited Debt Relief, graduates rated their financial habits at an average of 5.7 out of 10. Following graduation, that average climbed to 8.1 — a 42% improvement in habits like budgeting and saving.
These findings are echoed by firsthand feedback from graduate survey participants, who described feeling more in control of their finances and better equipped to manage money moving forward.
“I was paying almost $800 a month towards debt. After I got into the program, it dropped to half of that. It significantly changed the affordability of my life. I portioned some money into savings, and then I was able to cover groceries and the occasional go out. I stopped having to miss out on so many opportunities to enjoy life because I was just working so hard and trying to pay for debt.”– Ashley C., Graduate and Survey Participant
“Accredited Debt Relief gave me a safety net, but more than that, they gave me financial literacy. Now I know how to live life debt-free — and how to teach my kids to do the same. My financial habits have absolutely changed. Even though the debt wasn’t totally my fault, I still look back and see some things I could’ve avoided — like buying a $3,000 couch when I didn’t need to. But that’s hindsight. Now I know better.”– Latia I., Graduate and Survey Participant
“Our financial habits have definitely changed. If we don’t have the money, we don’t buy it. We each have one credit card and we pay it off every month. They’re paying us in points now. I haven’t paid a cent of interest in over a year.”– Gary H., Graduate and Survey Participant
Affordability plays a critical role in the effectiveness of debt consolidation programs. For many, unaffordable monthly payments are what contribute to financial strain in the first place — and are often the reason they seek relief.
Accredited Debt Relief findings come at a time when many Americans feel stressed about money. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans say that financial uncertainty has made them feel depressed and anxious — underscoring the importance of solutions that reduce financial stress and stabilize day-to-day budgets.
By replacing high minimum payments with a consolidated payment that is more affordable, Accredited Debt Relief’s debt consolidation program helps people regain control of their finances. Graduate results reinforce that impact, with payments that are manageable and financial habits that improve over time.
About Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief is a leading debt consolidation company that has helped more than 1 million clients take meaningful steps toward getting out of debt. Over the course of its work, the company has supported clients in paying off more than $3 billion in debt.
Accredited Debt Relief is recognized for its client-first approach, earning multiple ConsumerAffairs Buyer’s Choice Awards for Customer Service, Overall Process and Best Value. The company also maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accreditation from the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) and an Excellent Trustpilot rating supported by thousands of five-star reviews.