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One of the big differences between credit counseling and debt settlement is that debt settlement companies typically focus solely on reducing the amount of debt you’re required to repay. In either situation, you may owe income tax on the forgiven debt. These negotiations may require you to pay a lump sum to settle the reduced balance, or you may be allowed to make small payments over time.
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According to, only 55% to 70% of those who start a debt management plan will finish it.ĭebt settlement may be a better option than credit counseling if your debt is so large that you won’t be able to repay the full amount, even with a reduced interest rate and waived fees.ĭebt settlement companies work on your behalf to negotiate with creditors to reduce the amount of debt you’re obligated to repay. A lot of people don’t complete their DMPs.You are still in charge of your financial decisions.
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Credit counselors give you the tools to create good money habits, but it’s up to you to follow their advice. Credit counseling agencies typically charge for DMPs, although federal law caps the fees at $79 per month. However, there are a few things to consider. Pros and cons of credit counselingĬredit counseling is generally a good first step toward eliminating your debt. American Consumer Credit Counseling charges a monthly maintenance fee of only $7 per creditor in a debt management plan (maximum $70 per month). Many credit counseling organizations charge much less than the national maximum.įor instance, the average monthly fee for InCharge Debt Solutions is $33. The Uniform Debt-Management Services Act caps debt management fees at $79 per month, but some states set lower fee maximums. While some credit counseling services are available at no charge, you may have to pay for others, like a DMP.
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Credit counseling agencies provide free or low-cost consultation to help you understand your finances, create a budget and perhaps establish a debt management plan.Here's what you need to know to choose the best path toward your personal debt freedom. While they may seem the same at first glance, they’re actually quite different. And while some people pay off debt on their own, others seek external help.Ĭredit counseling and debt settlement are two common methods of debt management.
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Managing your debt and creating a plan to become debt-free helps you take back control. Overwhelming debt can impact your life in so many negative ways: You may not get approved for a mortgage, your credit score might suffer, and large monthly payments could prevent you from saving for your future.
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