best debt relief programs you need to consider right now

Managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple payments, high interest rates, and the pressure to keep up month-to-month. According to recent studies, around 30% of Americans are struggling with debt burdens that impact their financial stability. If this sounds familiar, the best debt relief programs could provide a much-needed lifeline to help you regain control. Having faced a similar situation myself, I know how valuable the right program can be. Let’s look at some of the best debt relief programs and the specific tools and resources that can help you make a real change. Before you read this, you need to know this.

1. Debt Settlement Programs

Debt settlement programs negotiate with creditors to reduce the amount owed, helping you pay less than the original debt. When I was faced with overwhelming credit card debt, this was the best debt relief program for my situation.

How It Works: You’ll make monthly deposits into a designated account. Once there’s enough saved, these funds are used to settle your debt at a reduced amount.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• Freedom Debt Relief: Freedom Debt Relief helps you set up a plan and negotiate with creditors. It’s easy to track your progress on the app and see how much you save.
• National Debt Relief: National Debt Relief has been highly rated for providing settlement solutions and working effectively with creditors to get substantial reductions.

Be prepared for some initial hits to your credit score. However, a debt settlement program can be a hit if your debt is high and you struggle to keep up with monthly payments.

2. Debt Management Plans (DMPs)

Debt management plans are excellent if you need to consolidate multiple debts into one payment. I found a DMP to be the best debt relief program for staying organized and reducing my stress over juggling payments.

How It Works: A credit counseling agency helps negotiate lower interest rates with your creditors, allowing you to make a single, consolidated payment each month.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• GreenPath Financial Wellness: This nonprofit offers DMPs and other financial counseling services, including online resources and personalized advice.
• Money Management International (MMI): MMI has helped many people get on track with a DMP and also provides easy-to-access resources and an app for tracking progress.

A DMP requires some commitment, as it can take three to five years to complete. However, the simplified payment structure and reduced interest rates are worth it if you’re serious about tackling debt in a manageable way.

3. Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt consolidation loans allow you to roll several debts into a single loan. This was the best debt relief program for me when my main issue was managing multiple credit card balances.

How It Works: By consolidating your debts into one loan, you can often secure a lower interest rate and reduce monthly payments, making the debt easier to handle.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• SoFi: SoFi offers competitive interest rates on debt consolidation loans and an app that helps you manage your loan with ease.
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Marcus provides no-fee personal loans and allows you to track payments and progress through their app.

Personal Tip: Before applying, check your credit score, as higher scores can secure better interest rates. This method can be a huge help if you qualify for a lower interest rate, saving you money in the long run.

3. Debt Consolidation Loans

A debt consolidation loan can be the best debt relief program if you’re trying to simplify and lower your monthly payments. When I was struggling with high-interest credit card balances, consolidating them into a single loan helped me gain control.

How It Works: By consolidating your debts into one loan, you can often secure a lower interest rate and reduce monthly payments, making the debt easier to handle.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• SoFi: SoFi offers competitive interest rates on debt consolidation loans and an app that helps you manage your loan with ease.
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Marcus provides no-fee personal loans and allows you to track payments and progress through their app.

Before applying, check your credit score, as higher scores can secure better interest rates. This method can be a huge help if you qualify for a lower interest rate, saving you money in the long run.

4. Balance Transfer Credit Cards

If high interest rates are the main issue, then a balance transfer credit card can be the best debt relief program. I used this option to tackle a few smaller debts with high interest rates, which helped reduce the debt significantly.

How It Works: These cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a specific period. By transferring your debt, you can pay off the balance without incurring additional interest.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• Citi® Double Cash Card: This card offers a lengthy 0% APR period, allowing more time to pay off the debt without new interest charges.
• Chase Slate Edge℠: Chase’s balance transfer card also offers a 0% introductory APR and tracks your balance, making it easier to stay on top of payments.

Balance transfer cards often come with a transfer fee. Make sure you can pay off the balance within the interest-free period, as the APR can increase significantly once the introductory period ends. Furthermore, this can be the best debt relief programs to cut down on interest.

5. Credit Counseling Programs

Credit counseling provides one-on-one support to help manage and plan the best debt relief programs for you. For me, credit counseling was the best debt relief program when I needed professional advice.

How It Works: A certified counselor assesses your financial situation. In addition, they offer customized plans for managing your debt and setting up a budget.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC): ACCC provides credit counseling services and helps clients create a debt management plan if needed.
• InCharge Debt Solutions: InCharge offers free counseling sessions and budget assistance, and the app allows you to track your budget and payments.

Look for nonprofit credit counseling agencies, as they tend to offer lower costs. Counseling services can provide a lot of clarity on next steps, especially if you’re just getting started with debt relief.

6. Nonprofit Debt Relief Organizations

Nonprofit debt relief programs are great for those seeking affordable options. When I first explored debt relief, nonprofit programs seemed like the best debt relief program for my situation due to their affordability. So, if you are considering affordability, this can be one of the best debt relief programs for you.

How It Works: Nonprofit organizations provide budgeting help, financial education, and debt management services at low costs.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling): NFCC has certified agencies across the country and offers debt counseling services at low fees.
• Debt.com: Debt.com helps connect users with nonprofit agencies that offer various debt management programs and educational resources.

Nonprofits often prioritize your financial health rather than profit, making them trustworthy options when you’re trying to get back on track financially. In summary, Nonprofit programs often focus on long-term financial health, making them one of the best debt relief programs when you’re trying to get on track without extra costs.

7. Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a major step but could be the best debt relief program for severe debt situations. When all other options had been exhausted, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy provided the fresh start needed.

How It Works: Bankruptcy can either discharge or reorganize debt, providing legal protection from creditors and ending collection actions.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• Upsolve: Upsolve provides a free tool to help low-income users file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Their app offers guidance throughout the process.
• LegalZoom: LegalZoom assists with bankruptcy filings and connects you to attorneys who can provide advice and support.

Bankruptcy has a lasting effect on your credit, so consider it only after exploring other options. However, in extreme cases, it can offer a much-needed second chance. Therefore, it can truly be one of the best debt relief programs.

8. DIY Debt Payoff Strategies

A DIY approach can also be the best debt relief program for people who prefer to manage their own debt payoff. Personally, using a “debt snowball” method was empowering.

How It Works: The debt snowball approach involves paying off the smallest debts first, while the debt avalanche method focuses on high-interest debts.

Recommended Apps/Resources:

• Undebt.it: This app allows you to input debts and track your progress using different strategies.
• YNAB (You Need a Budget): YNAB helps you budget more effectively and track your debt payoff over time.

Choose the strategy that feels most motivating. Seeing small victories—like a credit card balance going to zero—can make a big difference.

Finding the Best Debt Relief Program for You

With so many debt relief options available, choosing the best debt relief programs is important. It’s important to choose the one that aligns with your specific financial needs and goals. Each program has unique advantages, and the right apps or services can make these programs even more effective.

From my experiences, using tools that track progress and offer guidance. Moreover, you can make real strides toward a debt-free life. Whether it’s consolidating debt, working with a counselor, or taking a DIY approach, the best debt relief program is the one that brings you closer to financial freedom.