A recent estimate by the Federal Reserve discloses that consumer debt in the U.S stands at $2.40 trillion. This high level of debt has profoundly affected the financial health of American households. Millions of American families are experiencing financial distress due to overpowering credit card bills. Unemployment, stagnant income growth and wage cuts (due to the recent economic meltdown) are making the situation more critical for the consumers.
Many debtors get confused when it comes to choosing a suitable debt relief program. Also, a lot of debtors believe that insolvency is their only choice and they file bankruptcy too early. But you should always consider other debt relief programs before making a decision. Have a look at the following chart for a better understanding of the debt relief processes:
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Possibly. The debt relief company will approach the creditors to stop all collection activities. However, the creditor has legal rights to contact you. | Possibly. The debt relief company will approach the creditors to stop all collection activities. However, the creditor has legal rights to contact you. | Possibly. The debt relief company will approach the creditors to stop all collection activities. However, the creditor has legal rights to contact you. | Yes. When you file bankruptcy, the creditors cannot contact you for pending debts. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| It is possible to reduce the total interest payable to the creditors. | Definitely. The debt relief company negotiates with the creditors for a lower interest rate. | Yes. The debt relief company negotiates with the creditors for a lower interest rate. Also, the debt relief company can find you a low interest consolidation loan. | The interest payments can be eliminated in bankruptcy. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Definitely. Your debt can be reduced by more than 40%. | No. | No. | Most of your secured and unsecured debts are discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your debts can by reduced through an affordable payment plan. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Fee structure of Debt relief firms and law firms may vary. The fee structure may include a success fee on the savings. | Fee structure of Debt relief firms and law firms may vary. The fee structure may include a one time representation fee, a success fee on the savings and monthly fees. | Fee structure of Debt relief firms and law firms may vary. The fee structure may include a one time representation fee, a success fee on the savings and monthly fees. | You would need to pay the filing fee and attorney fees/fees charged by the law firm. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Absolutely. | Absolutely. | Absolutely. | Bankruptcy is a public record. Anyone can find out that you have filed bankruptcy. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| You may have to pay taxes on the amount forgiven. | No tax consequences. | No tax consequences. | No tax consequences. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| You can settle income tax debt through an agreement with the IRS called "Offer in Compromise". | Not possible. | Not possible. | You can discharge tax debt in bankruptcy completely or partially under certain circumstances. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| No. | No. | No. | Yes. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Creditors report the account as "settled". This considerably affects your credit rating. But it is possible to rebuild your credit score within a reasonable time period. | Minor damage is caused to your credit as you default on the original payment plan. | Minor damage is caused to your credit as you default on the original payment plan. | Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7-10 years. It will blemish your credit report seriously. |
| Debt settlement | Debt Management | Debt Consolidation | Bankruptcy |
| Debt settlement hurts your credit rating in a major way. Therefore, you would need to rebuild your credit before applying for a loan. | You would qualify for a loan with reasonable terms soon enough. | You would qualify for a loan with reasonable terms soon enough. | Bankruptcy can lower your credit score by 200 points. Therefore, you would need to wait for at least 2 years before applying for a loan. |
Debt relief programs can play an important role in getting you out of debt. Therefore, keep the above points in mind and make sure you choose the option which is most suitable for you. If you are not too sure about your choices, then please call our (800) 530-6854 or fill up the free counseling form. Our debt counselor will help you to take the right decision.