A DIY approach to debt settlement can backfire if you don't understand the legal, financial and tax risks involved.

That concern isn't unfounded, either. Creditors and debt buyers have many tools at their disposal to collect what you owe, and given today's uncertain economy, they are becoming increasingly ...

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. When this happens and the traditional credit card repayment strategies ...

If you have trouble paying unsecured debt, a debt relief company may be able to negotiate a smaller settlement.

Debt settlement may reduce your debt, but expect an impact to your credit score Erika Rasure is globally-recognized as a leading consumer economics subject matter expert, researcher, and educator. She ...

Throughout 2025, Goodwin tracked nine enforcement actions concerning debt collection, a significant drop from the 16 actions tracked in 2024. Of those actions, six were handled by the Federal Trade ...

・Settling federal student loans for less than you owe is rare and usually happens only after default. ・Private student loan settlements are more common but can severely damage your credit and carry ...

A new program is now available in Minnesota to help you settle debt that you are accountable for. “Minnesota is one of 33 states where we offer the debt resolution plan, where we can help consumers ...

Rising credit card balances and stubbornly high interest rates are putting more borrowers in difficult positions right now. And, the economic landscape certainly isn't helping either, considering that ...

Settling debt on your own is risky, but it's a path worth considering if you're dealing with debt you can't afford. / Credit: J Studios/Getty Images Borrowers are carrying record levels of credit card ...