Don't Do Debt Consolidation ... Do this Instead 👀
Let’s Be Honest — Most Aren’t Consolidating Anything Many companies advertising “One low payment!” are debt settlement companies in disguise. They make their money by getting you to stop paying your creditors, then “negotiating” a payoff — all while your credit takes hit after hit. How Debt Settlement Really Works (The Setup) • You pay the company, not your creditors. • They stop sending payments to your accounts on purpose. • Your accounts go late → into collections → get charged-off. • After months (or years) of damage, they try to negotiate a lump-sum settlement. Sounds like help? Think again. The Credit Score Damage Late Payments: Just one 30-day late can drop you 50–100 points. Collections & Charge-Offs: Stay on your credit for up to 7 years. High Utilization: Balances remain high during “negotiation.” No Positive Reporting: While they “help,” you’re building zero positive credit history. The Hidden Financial Risks • Huge Fees: Often 15–25% of your total enrolled debt. • Tax Surprise: Forgiven debt may be taxable income. • Lawsuits: Creditors can sue you while you’re “waiting” for settlement. Companies to Be Careful With These have been repeatedly reported by consumers for harming credit and using high-fee settlement tactics: • Freedom Debt Relief • National Debt Relief • CuraDebt • Accredited Debt Relief • Pacific Debt Inc. • Debtmerica • Century Support Services • ClearOne Advantage • Beyond Finance • New Era Debt Solutions (Note: Many of these market themselves as “debt consolidation” but operate primarily as settlement companies.) What You Should Do Instead (Protect Credit + Pay Off Debt) Debt Management Plan (DMP) – (I Can Creat you a plan) Negotiate Directly with Creditors – Ask for hardship programs or lower APRs. Balance Transfer Credit Card – 0% APR for 12–21 months if you qualify. Snowball or Avalanche Method – Pay off one account at a time. Boost Income – Apply extra earnings directly to principal.