The differences between debt management and debt settlement

The difference between debt management & debt settlement

If you’re experiencing the weight of credit card or loan debt and are falling behind on payments, you may be exploring your debt relief options, such as debt settlement or debt management. How do you decide which is best for your situation? Here are the differences between them.

First, two important things to think about are how consistent your income is and how well you can weather a short-term, negative impact to your credit. Let’s look at what else to consider…

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement allows you to negotiate with creditors to pay off debt on delinquent, unsecured credit accounts and personal loans for less than you owe. Negotiating a debt settlement usually happens when you’re several months past due on your payments.

Debt settlement is a good option for people who have the money to pay their creditors through a settlement plan that lasts no more than a couple years. If your finances are too tight for that, or your income isn’t reliable, this may not be the right option for you.  

Related article: What is debt settlement?

What is a debt management plan?

A debt management plan (DMP) is a sponsored repayment plan negotiated by a credit counseling agency that negotiates reduced interest rates on your unsecured debts and creates a payoff plan. This DMP requires that you make fixed monthly payments for up to five years. These payments go directly to the agency and they distribute them to each of your creditors enrolled in the DMP.

Keep in mind your monthly payments include a fee, which is usually nominal, and capped by your state’s laws.

Like debt settlement, you’ll need consistent income to fulfill your DMP. If you haven’t fallen behind on your payments – or you’ve missed just one or two – this is a good debt relief option to protect your credit.

Related article: How to find the right debt management plan

Comparing the pros & cons of debt management and debt settlement

Debt settlement can be quicker and cost less than debt management. Ideally, you’ll complete debt settlement in no more than a couple years. A DMP can take up to five years, but it can be a better solution if you have more debt.

With debt settlement, you’ll be able to apply for credit cards, loans and mortgages right after your last settlement payment, though you’ll likely not qualify for the best rates available because of the missed payments while you were negotiating settlement. Keep in mind: You’re also at risk of being sued for payment while you’re negotiating. And, of course, there are the collection calls.

Related article: Help, I’ve been sued by a debt collector!

With a DMP, on the other hand, you avoid collection calls and the risk of being sued for all accounts included in your plan, but you’ll be making payments for up to five years depending on your debt. However, a DMP has little impact on your credit.

A word of caution for DMPs: I you miss one payment, you’re out of the program and your negotiated terms are nullified.

Which is right for you?

As you consider both options, take an honest look at the amount of your debt, your budget and your available funds/income. Identify short- and long-term financial goals and how your credit health will impact these.

If protecting your credit is a priority, speak with a credit counselor to see if you qualify for a DMP. Find a nonprofit credit counseling agency with counselors trained and certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Then set up a budget counseling session to get a quote of your payments, which should include any agency fees. This gives you the information you need to determine if a DMP will work for you.

If you’d like to resolve your debt faster and are not as concerned with the impact to your credit, or if you’ve already fallen behind on payments thus damaging your credit, start by assessing if settlement will work for you. Consider:

  1. Your balances. Some amounts are too small for settlement.
  2. Your creditors. Each company has its own approach to dealing with delinquent accounts and their policies change periodically.
  3. Your cash flow. Do you have the funds to settle all your debts within 18 months or, ideally, 12 months (thus reducing the risk of being sued)?
  4. Your budget. Can you pay your settlements on time and still pay your other bills?
  5. Additional funds. Are there other sources of funds, e.g., something you can sell or loans from family or friends, that you can access?

If debt settlement is the right option, you’ll work with a debt settlement company to negotiate on your behalf or take a do-it-yourself approach and work directly with your creditors.

Related article: How to negotiate credit card debt settlement by yourself

Many people fall behind on loan and credit card payments and don’t see a way to get caught up. Resolve can help.

 Become a Resolve member and we’ll contact your creditors to get you the best offers for your financial situation. Our debt experts will answer your questions and guide you along the way. And our platform offers powerful budgeting tools, credit score insights and more.

Resolve recommends SoloSettle

Resolve partners with SoloSuit which provides a debt settlement tool called SoloSettle. If you are being sued for debt, you can use SoloSettle to get it settled quickly.