Independent reporting on consumer debt — settlement, consolidation, bankruptcy and credit policy — with tools, firm reviews and daily market data so you can make the decision that fits your balance sheet.
The Lead · Debt Settlement
A review of 1,200 enrolled accounts shows the average consumer paid roughly 78 cents on the dollar after fees, taxes and continued interest — and watched their credit score fall by an average of 102 points along the way.
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Negotiated payoff for less than owed. Best for delinquent, unsecured debt. Tax and credit consequences apply.
Avg. resolved at 48–60¢
Primer
One loan or balance-transfer card replaces many. Reduces APR for borrowers with fair-to-good credit.
0% intro APR · up to 21 months
Primer
Fixed-rate, fixed-term installment loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders. Rates 7% to 36%.
Median APR: 12.4%
Primer
Federal legal process. Chapter 7 discharges unsecured debt; Chapter 13 restructures over 3–5 years.
Stays on report 7–10 yrs
The mechanics of stopping payments, accumulating a settlement fund, negotiating with creditors, and absorbing the tax and credit consequences that follow.
Personal loans, balance-transfer cards, and home equity products that swap a stack of high-APR debts for a single lower-rate obligation — when each works and when each backfires.
Fixed-rate, fixed-term, unsecured installment loans now finance everything from medical bills to weddings. The economics are clearer than revolving credit — if you read the terms.
In Depth · Reviews
Scored on transparency of fees, accreditation, average settlement percentage, complaint rate per 1,000 enrolled clients, and quality of dedicated account structure.
| Rank | Firm | Avg. Settled At | Fee | Complaints / 1k | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accredited Debt Relief | 51% | 18% | 2.1 | A− |
| 2 | National Debt Relief | 54% | 20% | 2.6 | B+ |
| 3 | Freedom Debt Relief | 55% | 22% | 3.4 | B |
| 4 | Pacific Debt Relief | 50% | 22% | 1.8 | B+ |
| 5 | New Era Debt Solutions | 48% | 20% | 1.4 | A− |
| 6 | CuraDebt | 53% | 22% | 2.9 | B |
| 7 | ClearOne Advantage | 55% | 25% | 4.1 | C+ |
| 8 | Beyond Finance | 57% | 25% | 5.2 | C |