
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.
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Debt settlement tactics may include temporarily stopping debt payments to encourage creditors to negotiate, but this strategy can harm your credit.Ĭredit counseling involves meeting with a counselor to discuss your finances and learn how to better manage your money.Debt settlement is the act of negotiating with creditors to pay off debts for less than you owe.

The debtor agrees to gradually pay off debts in exchange for reduced interest rates, waived fees and modified repayment terms. A debt management plan is an agreement between a debtor and their creditors.
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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. 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.
