If you’re thinking about settling your debt — essentially negotiating with your creditors to pay off your debt for less than what you owe — be aware that making a settlement doesn’t mean your debt disappears from your credit report. In most cases, a settled account remains on your credit...
How often can you file bankruptcy?
Most people don’t want to file bankruptcy even once, let alone twice or thrice. But there are financial reasons why it may be necessary at times. There are limitations to how frequently a consumer can file, though. Let’s take a look at what those limitations are and how they can...
What are debt settlement programs?
If you’re in debt, you’re certainly not alone. The Federal Reserve estimates that Americans have over $15 trillion in consumer debt. However, if the debt feels like a hole that you may never be able to dig yourself out of, you may be considering a debt settlement program. Here's what...
Debt relief vs. credit counseling: Which is right for you?
Navigating your debt relief options may seem daunting. Debt relief and credit counseling are just two major types of debt management you might consider. With debt relief, you hire a company to negotiate a settlement with your creditors. With credit counseling, you get access to services ranging from budget planning...
Credit counseling vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Which is right for you?
If you find yourself in over your head in debt it might feel like there’s no chance of relief, but you do have options to manage your debt. In fact, there are many ways to take control of your finances and get back to a healthy situation. Here we will...
How long does it take to rebuild credit after debt settlement?
If you’re thinking about settling your debt, or in the process of doing so, you’re probably looking forward to having that financial weight taken off your shoulders. You might also hope that your credit score will rebound quickly once you settle your debts. Debt settlement, though, won’t improve your credit...
How does debt settlement affect your credit score?
If you’re considering settling your debt or already in the process, you no doubt want to know how debt settlement will affect your credit score. The answer depends on a number of factors. Debt settlement will hurt your score, but that might be acceptable to you, especially if you have...
How to settle credit card debt before going to court
The best defense against being sued for credit card debt is, of course, to pay your debts before that happens. That doesn’t necessarily mean paying them in full or right away. But even if you’ve already received notice of a lawsuit, it’s not too late to settle your credit card...
Voluntary vs. involuntary bankruptcy: common scenarios for each
Bankruptcy often carries a stigma that keeps people from considering it as an option for debt relief. However, there are times when it’s the right solution for consumers who are struggling with more debt than income as it provides court protection and a chance to rebuild credit. Here are the...
Debt consolidation vs. bankruptcy: What’s the difference?
If you’re on the brink of going deeper in debt and facing late payment fees, you may be considering debt relief options. Debt consolidation vs. bankruptcy? Both are worth considering to get on a path to a clean financial slate. Here's what you need to know about each in order...
How to negotiate credit card debt settlement by yourself
If you find yourself crippled by credit card debt, having racked up charges that will be hard to pay off, you might be able to settle your accounts with your lenders for less than what you owe. And you might not need a debt settlement company to do it. Here's...
Bankruptcy: The differences between Chapter 7 & Chapter 11
If you’re falling behind on credit card and loan payments or noticing that the debt keeps growing despite your best efforts to stay current, it may be time to seek protection against your creditors. Facing bankruptcy can be daunting, but know that millions of Americans have taken this route to...
Bankruptcy: The differences between Chapter 7 & Chapter 13
When you’re facing more bills than income, sorting through the options for debt relief becomes a mission of urgency. You may want to rule out even thinking about bankruptcy because it has such a bad rap in many circles. But the truth is that sometimes it’s your best option. Learning...
Best debt management program reviews
If you find yourself deep in debt, you may be considering getting help from a professional. That could mean enrolling in a debt management program (DMP) through a credit counseling agency. Most of these agencies are nonprofits that offer free or low-cost financial services like budget planning, housing advice, debt...
Debt consolidation or Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Which is right for you?
If you’re considering consolidating debt or filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re likely facing serious financial distress. Both debt relief solutions may offer you a path to recovery but also present some challenges worth understanding. Here's what to consider when making the choice between debt consolidation and Chapter 13 bankruptcy....
What does it mean when a collection agency uses the term “pre-legal” and how can Resolve help?
Some collection agencies and debt buyers have internal teams that are often referred to as “legal” or “pre-legal” departments. Resolving an unpaid debt when accounts are in these departments will often yield better savings and/or more flexible payment terms. Aside from using the term pre-legal, several credit card issuers will...
What does it mean when a collection law firm has contacted me?
Not all unpaid debts will wind up in court. Some lenders and debt buyers use collection law firms a ton, while others use them sparingly, and others still, not at all. What could happen: When your account lands with a law office for collection, it typically means they are willing...
What can I expect when my debts have been sent to a collection agency?
Hearing from a collection agency will typically mean you have fallen behind enough on a bill for your creditor or service provider (utility bill, medical debt) to have given up trying to get you to pay.When it comes to credit card bills, you can start hearing from collection agencies after...
How debt management differs from debt consolidation
If you’re in debt and don’t see an easy way out, you might have started investigating your options. That could include two similar-sounding debt relief options: debt management and debt consolidation. What's the difference? While both options involve combining several outstanding balances into one balance that you can make a...
How does a debt management company work?
If your debt is piling up, and you’re finding it tough to stay on top of your payments, you might be looking for some relief. One option to consider is working with a debt management company. Getting relief can seem even more pressing if you’ve already missed some payments, which...
What happens when you file for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy isn’t something most of us want to consider, even when we’ve dug ourselves into a significant financial hole. But in some circumstances, bankruptcy can provide the financial protection and relief we need. Here's what you need to know when you decide to file for bankruptcy. Perhaps the most difficult...
Here’s why you shouldn’t send a settlement offer letter to settle your debt
I am not a big fan of sending your creditors and debt collectors a written offer letter to settle your debt for less. In fact, negotiating through the mail is often counterproductive to reaching your goal. Here are some reasons why sending a settlement offer letter can hurt you: Your...
What’s the difference between bankruptcy dismissal & discharge?
If you’ve been researching bankruptcy as an option for solving your debt issues, you may have come across the terms “dismissal” or “dismissed” and “discharge.” At first glance, these may seem like the same thing, but they’re actually very different. Let’s take a look at why. The different types of...
How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
If your debt has you feeling overwhelmed and you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, it’s important to consider all of your options before making a final decision. Bankruptcy can have a lengthy adverse impact on your credit, making it almost impossible to open new lines of credit until well after your...
Is bankruptcy the right choice for me?
The word bankruptcy can strike financial fear into a lot of people. It comes with a good bit of stigma, and most of us would prefer to avoid it. But the truth is that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States file for bankruptcy protection every year. For...
What is debt management?
If you’re struggling with mounting debt, you probably already know the challenges that high interest rates and fees can present. But if you have consistent income and, ideally, a bit of money in savings, debt management may be an option to remedy these challenges. So, what is debt management? Consider...
What you need to know about debt settlement vs. debt consolidation
There are several ways to deal with mounting debt. Debt settlement and debt consolidation may both be viable options, but it’s important to assess which is the best solution to help you eliminate your current debt and improve your financial situation moving forward. What is debt settlement? Debt settlement allows...
Debt settlement vs. bankruptcy: Which is right for you?
When you’re in need of serious help getting your credit back on track, there are two debt relief options that are worth considering. Both debt settlement and bankruptcy will reduce or eliminate your debt, but can also negatively impact your credit in the near term. Here’s what you need to...
How to settle IRS debt by yourself
Taxes aren’t exactly a fun part of life, and they certainly aren’t optional. If left unpaid, your tax bill can balloon and cause a huge financial headache, one that might be difficult to get rid of. But what many people don’t know is that they have options when it comes...
How to settle debt & remove it from your credit report
Settling debt is essentially coming to an agreement with your creditors to pay back part of what you owe and be forgiven for the rest. If you’re at the stage of considering settling debt, then you’ve already missed several payments, probably months worth, which takes a toll on your credit....
How to settle with a debt collector
If you’ve fallen behind on a debt, and the debt collectors are calling, you’re probably under a lot of stress. It’s important, though, not to panic and to come up with a plan of action. Here's how to settle with a debt collector. The first thing you should know is...
How to settle credit card debt
The typical American household is carrying average credit card debt of $9,333 according to recent research. If you’re among them, you may be dealing with overwhelming debt and looking for a viable solution. Fortunately, there are several options for resolving your debt and debt settlement may be one of them. Once you...
What is debt settlement?
If you’re finding that your debt has become unmanageable, you may be looking at options for paying it down or resolving it altogether. One approach is to establish a debt settlement plan. This isn’t always the right solution, though, so it’s important to assess your financial situation, and then understand...
How does saving in interest help me?
On average, your interests rates for both credit cards and bank loans will be reduced down to 6% with a DMP, which means lower monthly payments for you. DMPs have a payoff time of 60 months or less. This can shave 15 or more years off of a person's credit...
Why is there a monthly fee for a DMP?
The nonprofit credit counseling agency that will implement your DMP charges a nominal monthly fee to administer your plan, remit payments to creditors, etc.
Why do I see a range in payment amounts for a DMP?
Debt management plans are estimated between 1.7 and 2.5 percent of your enrolled debt (the accounts accepted into the plan). If you enroll $30k in a DMP, your new monthly payment will be between $510 and $750. You need to contact an accredited DMP provider in your state to get...
Is debt management the same as debt consolidation?
Debt management usually involves working with a credit counseling agency that seeks to lower interest rates on your existing loans and credit card debts. Debt consolidation, on the other hand, usually means taking out a large loan from a creditor to cover the balance of all your existing loans and...
When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car and/or mortgage after a DMP?
You can apply for car loans, student loans and mortgages while in a DMP, and certainly after. It is often best to wait until you complete your DMP before applying for new credit cards and unsecured loans.
What will show on my credit report during a DMP?
Nothing negative should appear on your credit report during this time. Your report should show that you're making your payments on time. Some of the accounts may show you are enrolled in a DMP.
How will my credit score change during and after a DMP?
Your credit score shouldn't be impacted during or after a DMP. Your utilization should come down which can help your credit score. However, because your accounts in the plan typically get closed, you will lose some "account type" diversity, which can be replaced later.
How does a DMP impact my credit score in the beginning?
There should be no meaningful impact if you have maintained on-time, minimum payments. If you already made late payments prior to the DMP, the credit damage has already happened.
What are the risks of a DMP?
A DMP requires somewhat consistent monthly payments. If you miss a few payments, your plan could end and your debts would go back to the original interest rates.Accounts enrolled in the plan will be closed. This means that when the DMP is over, while the debt is paid and your...
What are the benefits of a DMP?
On average, your interests rates for both credit cards and bank loans will be reduced down to 6%, which means lower monthly payments.They may make it more affordable and have a fixed pay off time of 60 months or less.You won't have to deal with collectors.If you make your agreed-upon...
Can I do a DMP on my own?
No, a credit counseling agency will need to do this for you; however, some creditors may offer hardship plans to you directly. If you decide that a DMP is the right option for you, you’ll need to contact a licensed credit counseling agency in your state. Both the National Foundation for...
How much does a DMP cost?
These plans are highly regulated, so fees vary by state. Typically, a nominal fee is built in to your monthly payment that will always be between 1.7 and 2.5 percent of your total balances enrolled. Most states cap fees between $50 and $75, and a certain percentage of people enrolled...
How long does a DMP take?
Debt management plans typically last 36 to 60 months but cannot exceed 60 months of repayments. You can finish them faster by paying extra when you have more to give, but you won't be able to extend the plan beyond five years.
How does a DMP work?
In order to begin a DMP, you will need to reach out to a credit counseling agency licensed in your state. The agency will work to reduce the interest rates you are currently paying so you can bring down more of the principle. However, you will need steady income, because...
What is a debt management plan (or DMP)?
A debt management plan (also known as a DMP) is a sponsored repayment plan where you work with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to pay back your existing debts. The plan puts all your qualified debts into a single payment, reduces interest rates and often eliminates fees. These plans typically...
When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car and/or mortgage after bankruptcy?
You can apply for credit cards, loans and car loans right after discharging debts in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, the rates may not be ideal. You can apply for a mortgage 2-3 years after discharging as well. Please keep in mind that Chapter 13 is a much longer process than...
What happens to my car in bankruptcy?
If you are still paying on your car loan, you can reconfirm the loan in Chapter 7 and continue to drive, and eventually own your car with regular payments. You could also use the Chapter 7 process to shed your loan obligation on an underwater car loan. If you own...
How does bankruptcy impact my home?
How much of your home equity is protected in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is determined by the state you live in. A limited number of states protect the entire value of your home, while others protect very little. If you do meet your state's homestead/equity exemptions, you would continue to...
What will show on my credit report after bankruptcy?
A bankruptcy remark will show on your credit report for 10 years after filing Chapter 7. However, you can take steps to rebuild your credit immediately. A bankruptcy remark will show on your credit report for 7 years after filing Chapter 13. Because Chapter 13 takes up to five years...
What will show on my credit report during bankruptcy?
There is no "during" period when filing Chapter 7 because it's over so quickly. As for Chapter 13, you're unfortunately in credit purgatory until your payments are complete. This can take up to five years, so there won't be any updates to your credit report until you're done with all...
How will my credit score change during and after bankruptcy?
After a Chapter 7 discharge, you can start rebuilding credit immediately. Given that a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can take up to five years, there likely won't be any meaningful credit rebuilding opportunities until it's complete.
How does bankruptcy impact my credit score in the beginning?
There's no way to sugarcoat it, filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy will cause a pretty hard hit to your credit.
What are the risks of bankruptcy?
There is a period of time where it impacts your credit and may impact your immediate financial goals.History shows the majority of people who file Chapter 13 Bankruptcy risk not completing it, and therefore waste money and time on a solution that did not work.It's public. This doesn't impact most...
What are the benefits of bankruptcy?
Despite the prevailing stigma surrounding bankruptcy, hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. file for bankruptcy protection every year. For many, debt relief under court protection can be the tool they need to get their financial lives back on track. Here are the four main benefits of bankruptcy, and...
Can I file bankruptcy on my own?
It is possible to file bankruptcy for both Chapter 7 and 13 without a bankruptcy attorney but we don't recommend it. Working with a professional is advised since this is a legal process.
How much does bankruptcy cost?
The average national cost for Chapter 7 is around $1,800, but this will vary by your location.Chapter 13 varies, but expect to pay $3,000 or more.
How long does Bankruptcy take?
Chapter 7 is typically over in 90 days.Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plans run for 3 or 5 years. The vast majority of them are set for 5 years of repayments.
How does bankruptcy work?
The two most common types of bankruptcy filings are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In most cases, you'll want to reach out to a bankruptcy attorney near you and schedule a consultation; most of them do this for free (so if they want to charge you, find a new attorney)....
What is bankruptcy?
Depending on the type of filing, bankruptcy is an opportunity for a consumer to gain protection from creditors using the courts, discharge unsecured debts entirely, or enter into an organized repayment plan. There are different types of bankruptcy filings and pros and cons within each option. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13...
Should I get help from a traditional Debt Settlement company?
We are not fans of how most debt settlement companies charge such high fees! And they often settle debts in the wrong order that allows them to get paid quickly, and not in a manner that saves you the most. At Resolve, we are biased about these companies, as we offer an alternative solution,...
Can I do Debt Settlement on my own?
Yes, many people are successful negotiating with creditors and debt collectors on their own, but be prepared to do your own research. It is hard work to optimize results. So, as for anything, there are pros and cons to this approach.
What happens if I get sued?
We have attorneys available that can represent you for as little as $200 that will continue to work on negotiating a settlement, be prepared to pay 50% or higher on lawsuit negotiations. For more information, you can reach out to our support team by emailing support@helloresolve.com or schedule a consultation appointment here!
Can I be sued by my creditor while pursuing Debt Settlement?
Yes. Creditors have the right to file a lawsuit if you are not paying a debt. Being sued is one of the biggest concerns you should have before determining if debt settlement is something you should attempt. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation so we can help you calmly...
When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car, and/or mortgage after debt settlement?
You can apply for credit cards, loans, car loans, and mortgages right after your last settlement payment is made.
What will show on my credit report during and after debt settlement?
Remarks of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 days late, followed by a charge-off will appear. Additional trade lines could be reported later on by debt collectors and debt buyers.Once paid, it will show as a paid collection, but you can still accomplish your future credit and finance goals even with paid collections...
How will my credit score change during and after debt settlement?
Credit scores typically don't improve during settlements, but can improve rapidly after! Some people see a much more elastic bounce back soon after their last settlement payment, whereas for some people it can take a few years to see healthy credit score improvements.
How does debt settlement impact my credit score in the beginning?
Your creditors won't settle with you unless you are late with payments. On-time payment history is roughly 30% of how your credit score is factored. This has a major impact on your credit score. If you're already late with payments, your credit is already impaired. Settling the account can then...
Is there a tax impact with debt settlement?
Not everyone will owe tax on their settlements.If you have a debt that is settled for less than the original balance, and the difference (the forgiven portion of the debt) is greater than $600.00, this would then need to be reported as income. In this case, you should receive a...
What are some of the risks of Debt Settlement?
Your credit score will temporarily drop, if it has not already.Collections - your account will be subjected to internal/external collections which could include being sued.You may be impacted by taxes.
What are some of the benefits of debt settlement?
You'll likely pay less and get out of debt faster, which is both a drawback and a benefit. If you’ve already missed payments with your creditor, and are in collections, settling will eventually help your credit.It can improve your financial situation.It can help you avoid being sued if you’re already...
What are the basic criteria to be eligible for debt settlement?
You've fallen behind on payments and the debt is "old enough" to be considered for a settlement plan (usually 5 or more months delinquent).You must be in a position to accept the terms or the amount of the settlement (have enough savings or resources to commit to a settlement in...
When are creditors willing to settle?
The timing can vary depending on who you’re working with. Creditors typically are willing to settle when you’ve become late enough to trigger the accepted protocol for loss mitigation. This is typically when you’re at least 90 days delinquent or more.
Why are creditors willing to settle?
It is an accepted business practice for creditors to take less than the balance owed, because they are unlikely to collect on the vast number of accounts that are more than 90 days late. For more information, you can watch this video: https://youtu.be/73_DKf776YY
How long does debt settlement take?
Debt settlements do not have a set time of completion. You could have a single account you are already late enough on, and settle it in one day. Settlements typically take as long as it takes you to pull money together to fund the deals. But try not to take...
How do creditors determine debt settlement amounts?
Creditors will base the settlements that they agree to on: How delinquent your account is How long you've had the accountHow collectible you look on paper (in other words, how you appear to be managing your other debts)
How does debt settlement work?
Debt settlement is a negotiation between you (or your representative) and your creditor (or their representative, such as a collection agency or collection lawyer) to pay a lesser amount than your current balances.
Why is there a range in fees for the Resolve Debt Settlement estimates?
Given that Resolve charges a fee based on 15% of the amount that our negotiating partners are able to save you, the fees will vary depending on the settlement agreements with your creditors or lenders. Because there is a range for your settlement, there is also a range for the fee....
Can I change the payment amounts or adjust the Resolve Settlement Plan before accepting?
Yes, just click the blue text in the “Payments” box that says “Adjust Payments”.
When does the Debt Settlement Plan start through Resolve?
Your plan can begin today if you're ready to proceed. That can include negotiations with your creditors and collectors if your accounts have gone unpaid long enough, and you are prepared financially to fund offers. If you are not late enough on debts in order to get the best settlement...
The number of payments in my Resolve Debt Settlement Plan don’t seem to match the estimated completion date, why?
There are varying reasons for this. Say you settled a debt for 50% of the balance owed, and are paying that in 12 equal monthly installments. Your settlement work is completed, but you're still finishing up your payments. We are constantly updating the Resolve platform. Some of these updates can...
Why aren’t all of my debts included in the Resolve Debt Settlement Plan?
Here are some possible reasons your debts have been excluded from the plan: The creditor you’ve listed may not be in our system. If you do not see it listed, please check the spelling and/or contact support@helloresolve.com to let us know what type of debt you are trying to enter so we...
I see a legal fee of $200 as part of my Resolve Debt Settlement estimate. Do I have to pay this?
Yes. If you have been sued by a collection law firm, and would like an attorney to respond for you in court, this fee is paid to your attorney. This $200 covers only the filing of your initial response to the court summons and complaint.
What is debt settlement?
Debt settlement is the process of paying off your debts for an amount less than you owe. For example, a person with a Chase credit card with a $10,000 balance might only be able to pay $4,000 to close and “settle” the account and have the remaining $6,000 forgiven. You...