Debt accumulation might result in negative consequences to your credit score, legal threats, and harassment from creditors. These problems may cause you to look for a quicker way to pay off debt. One way to bargain with creditors to pay less than the total amount owed is through debt settlement. Compared to paying off the total balance, this can result in a more manageable repayment amount and a quicker settlement of the debt.

couple stressed out over money

Is debt settlement worth it? It’s critical to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this kind of debt relief. Let’s get into it.

What is Debt Settlement?

In a procedure called debt settlement, sometimes referred to as legal debt resolution, a third-party company will bargain with your creditors to help you pay off your debt as soon as possible for the least amount of money. They will bargain to lower the debt’s principal amount through debt settlement. Recall that the principal amount of the debt is not touched by the minimum payments. All of them will have high interest rates. This is the end of the vicious cycle.

 

Debt settlement is more than a scheme or initiative. It is a highly aggressive financial approach and specialized service that genuinely helps people get out of debt! A third-party company could pay off your debt more quickly and save you more money by negotiating with your creditors than we can with any other method. But like any other debt relief, it’s always a good idea to look at the pros and cons. So, is debt settlement worth it?

group of people analyzing finances

Is Debt Settlement Worth It?

Reducing all of your debt and avoiding bankruptcy are the two main objectives of debt settlement. Either you or a debt settlement business can handle this. Even if a corporation can save you time and effort, there’s usually nothing they can do that you couldn’t accomplish yourself.

 

Think over these benefits and drawbacks before deciding if debt settlement is suitable for you:

pros and cons of debt settlement

Advantages

  • Faster Debt Resolution: Debt settlement can reduce your debts more quickly than methods like repayment plans or consolidation.
  • Bankruptcy Alternative: It offers a means of avoiding bankruptcy’s long-term financial repercussions.
  • Flexible Repayment: You are able to work out terms that work with your budget.
  • Debt Reduction: It can drastically cut your overall debt.

Cons

  • Impact on Credit Score: Since settled debts are frequently listed as “settled” or “charged-off” and may remain on your credit report for up to seven years, debt settlement may have a negative impact on your credit score.
  • Cooperation of Creditors: Creditors may only negotiate for older, past-due payments and are sometimes reluctant to settle current debts. Furthermore, there’s no assurance they’ll consent to a settlement that is less than the whole sum due.
  • Fees and Costs: The fees that debt settlement companies collect increase the total amount of debt you owe. But it costs nothing to do it yourself.
  • Tax Repercussions: You may owe more money in taxes if the IRS views the amount of your debt that has been forgiven as taxable income.

Evaluating these factors can help you decide if debt settlement is the right path to financial peace of mind. Have you decided if debt settlement is worth it for you and your debt? The Gershfeld Law Group, P.C. has helped thousands of Americans gain financial security by getting rid of their debt “as quickly as possible for as little as possible.” Contact us today for more information!

happy person after settling their debt