Debt relief is any program or strategy that makes it easier for borrowers to pay off their debts. These efforts can reduce your stress and help you pay your financial obligations faster. Debt Relief programs may be able to help you lower your interest rates and make your payments more manageable.
If you are buried under a mountain of debt, you should consider all of your debt relief options and find a path forward toward financial freedom.
Debt Relief FAQ
What is debt relief?
Debt relief is any method or process that helps you reduce or eliminate your debt. Methods like debt settlement, consolidation, credit counseling, and bankruptcy all impact your finances differently. For example, a debt settlement company can negotiate and settle unsecured debts on your behalf so you end up paying much less than what you owe.
Who qualifies for debt relief?
Accredited Debt Relief has helped many individuals find the right solution for their debt. For example, if you have $10,000 or more in unsecured debt and want to significantly reduce your monthly payments without declaring bankruptcy, our debt relief program might be right for you.
Will debt relief hurt my credit?
Debt relief can affect your credit score, but the drop is temporary. Once your debts are resolved, your score should improve. The type of debt relief you choose will determine the impact to your credit score. For example, if you choose our debt relief program your score should improve faster than it would if you choose bankruptcy.
How Does Debt Relief Work?
Debt comes in all shapes and sizes, so having many different debt relief options is a great way to make sure that you get the help you need. While your individual situation will help determine what method is best for you, all methods will focus on the goal of reducing or eliminating debt.
Debt relief takes a variable amount of time depending on which program you choose. For example, if you choose debt settlement, it can take 12 to 48 months to settle your debt. Using this method, your certified debt specialist will help you create a plan that includes making regular deposits into a dedicated account for a specified length of time. The amount and frequency of these payments will help determine how long it takes for your debt to be settled.
Explore Your Debt Relief Options
In addition to managing your debt repayment on your own, there are four common debt relief strategies:
- Debt Consolidation, which takes multiple debt obligations and combines them into one debt. This reorganization of your debts can help eliminate the problems that come with juggling multiple payments and communications with creditors, but it does not address your spending habits. Debt consolidation is best for those with high credit scores and a clear plan for avoiding debt in the future.
- Debt Settlement, which is a specific form of debt consolidation that involves redirecting all of your monthly payments to a debt settlement account while a team of specialists communicate with creditors on your behalf. Once you have saved enough funds in your debt settlement account and the negotiators have worked out a legal settlement agreement, the funds you have saved in your account will be sent to your creditor as part of a lump sum offer or payment plan. Oftentimes, debt settlement companies are able to work out settlements that are lower than what you originally owed your creditor.
- Credit Counseling and Debt Management, which sets you up with a credit counselor who will analyze your current financial situation and provide you with budgeting help. Credit counselors can introduce you to financial resources, help you with your debt repayment strategy, and recommend a debt management program should you qualify.
- Bankruptcy, which is a legal process that allows debtors relief through the discharging of their debts or creating a debt repayment plan. Bankruptcy may be considered a “last resort” by some due to the length of time it can stay in your credit report.
- Debt Consolidation Loans are new forms of debt that are used to pay off existing debts. By paying off existing debts with one new loan, you can combine your monthly payments into one more manageable payment. Debt consolidation loans work well for consumers who have fair or good credit. A debt consolidation loan can help simplify your debt and, if you are eligible for an interest rate that is lower than your existing debt, can save you money.
Is Debt Relief The Best Choice?
Deciding which debt relief option the best option for you, means examining the benefits of each choice. You’ll want to take into account the amount of our debt you owe and how quickly you can pay it off. The option that is best for you will also take into consideration your income and current creditworthiness.
If you have good credit, you may be able to get a debt consolidation loan or credit card card balance transfer with an interest rate that is lower than what you are currently paying on your debt.
If you have bad credit, you may decide that debt settlement is a better option for you. Many people who have poor credit or are already behind on paying their debt may believe that bankruptcy is their only option. Bankruptcy can disrupt your credit for up to 7 years, so we recommend exploring all of the other debt relief options before committing to a bankruptcy.
The Benefits of Debt Relief
- Significantly reduce your monthly payment
- Some options offer lower interest rates
- Pay less on your debt, over time, than your current amount owed
Making a smart debt relief decision starts with creating an accurate budget. Use our free budgeting spreadsheet to get started. You can also talk with a Certified Debt Specialist to find out more about the debt relief solutions that are right for you.
Debt Relief Programs And Your Credit Score
As you research debt relief, you might ask: do debt relief programs hurt your credit score? Depending on the option you choose, there may be a significant initial effect on your credit score. Your credit score after bankruptcy, for example, can take 7-10 years to recover. On the other hand, debt settlement may affect your credit as well but can be repaired during the program as you settle your enrolled debts.
Fortunately, any residual damage to your credit score after using a debt relief program can be temporary. Paying down your debt over time and implementing good habits can help you repair your credit score.
A Debt Relief Service Can Save You Money
If you work with a service, like Accredited Debt Relief, you can save up to 50% on your enrolled debt. We understand the stress and fear caused by debt, and we’re committed to answering your questions and creating customized programs that can help you overcome your debts faster.
Finding the Best Debt Relief Company
At Accredited Debt Relief, we help people in many states get started on a debt relief plan. With our help, you may be able to ultimately pay off your enrolled debts completely and reduce the amount of stress caused by debt. Contact us today for a free consultation.