Get smart about debt — before you make a decision.
Debt relief is full of jargon, fine print, and shady actors. Our guides give you straight answers so you can choose the right path with confidence.
Cornerstone guides
The fundamentals. If you read nothing else, read these.
Credit card debt: every option, compared
Six realistic ways to get out from under card balances — payoff, balance transfer, consolidation, counseling, settlement, bankruptcy.
Read guideDebt settlement vs. consolidation vs. bankruptcy
Three very different paths out of debt. We break down how each works, what it costs, and who it's right for.
Read guideHow debt settlement affects your credit score
What actually happens to your credit during and after a settlement program — and how to rebuild.
Read guideTax implications of forgiven debt (Form 1099-C)
When forgiven debt counts as income, when it doesn't, and how the insolvency exclusion can help.
Read guideHow to spot a debt-relief scam
Red flags, the FTC rule that protects you, and the questions every legitimate company should answer.
Read guideWhat to expect: month-by-month in a settlement program
A realistic timeline of calls, letters, settlements, and milestones — from enrollment to graduation.
Read guideYour specific situation
Different hardships call for different playbooks. Find yours.
Sued by a creditor or collector? First 30 days
How to answer the summons, demand validation, negotiate, and avoid a default judgment.
Read guideMedical debt: every option you actually have
Charity care, itemized bill audits, settlement, and the new credit-reporting rules that protect you.
Read guideDebt relief after job loss, illness, or divorce
Hardship plans, forbearance, settlement, and bankruptcy — which fits which kind of hardship.
Read guideYour legal rights & protections
Federal and state law give consumers more leverage than collectors want you to know about.
Your rights when a debt collector calls (FDCPA)
What collectors can and can't do, how to demand validation, and how to make harassing calls stop.
Read guideStatute of limitations on debt — and how not to reset it
How long creditors have to sue, and the one mistake that can revive a dead debt.
Read guideWage garnishment and bank levies: limits and protections
Federal and state limits, exempt income like Social Security, and how to stop or reduce enforcement.
Read guideSavings calculator
See an illustrative estimate of how much you could save and what a realistic monthly payment looks like. Adjust the sliders to match your situation.
Estimate your savings
IllustrativeImportant: Estimates are illustrative, not a guarantee. Individual results vary based on creditor, balance, and ability to fund the program. Program enrollment will likely adversely affect your credit. Read full disclosures in the site footer.
Get my personalized planSee if debt settlement is right for you.
A no-pressure conversation with a certified debt specialist. Free, confidential, and won’t affect your credit score.