Unsecured debt is money you owe that isn’t backed by collateral like a house or a car. Common examples include credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Because there’s no asset for the lender to take if you don’t pay, unsecured debt usually comes with higher interest rates. That’s why balances can grow quickly if you’re only making minimum payments—and why debt relief can be such a powerful option to help you break free.

Debt relief refers to programs designed to help individuals reduce or eliminate unsecured debts—such as credit card balances, medical bills, or personal loans—by negotiating with creditors. The goal of debt relief is to lower the total amount of debt you owe & create a more manageable repayment plan, so you can get out of debt and save money faster, compared to just continuing to make your minimum monthly payments.

Most programs are designed for people struggling with unsecured debt that totals to at least $7,500–$10,000. To qualify, you need to show financial hardship (for example, you can’t keep up with minimum payments or are already falling behind). You don’t need perfect credit, but you do need a steady source of income to make the reduced monthly program payments.

To qualify, you’ll need a reliable source of income that shows you can make the reduced monthly payments. This can include:

• Employment income (full-time, part-time, or self-employment)

• Social Security or disability benefits

• Retirement or pension income

• Unemployment benefits (in some cases, if consistent)

• Other steady income sources such as rental income or child support

As long as the income is consistent and verifiable, it can usually be counted toward your ability to complete a program.

Debt relief can have an impact on your credit score, especially in the short term. However, many people find that completing a debt relief program improves their financial stability, reduces stress, and allows them to rebuild their credit over time. The long-term benefits of being debt-free often outweigh the temporary drop in credit score.

Most debt relief programs take 24 to 48 months to complete, depending on how much debt you have and how much you can set aside each month. The timeline is typically much faster than trying to pay off high-interest debt on your own, which could take decades if only minimum payments are made.

Yes—when you work with reputable, verified professionals. Legitimate debt relief providers are transparent about their fees, have a track record of negotiating successfully with creditors, and comply with federal and state regulations. It’s important to avoid scams by ensuring you only work with trusted specialists who put your interests first - which is exactly why we only connect you with triple-verified debt relief experts.

Short answer:

You stop throwing money at minimums, save into a protected account, and a specialist negotiates pay-offs with your creditors one by one—only with your approval—until everything enrolled is resolved.

The full breakdown:

We match you with Triple-Verified debt relief experts (60 seconds)
You fill out our pre-qualification quiz and get matched with a pre-vetted expert, proven to help their clients get the most out of the debt relief settlements.

Quick fit check (2–3 minutes)
Your triple-verified debt relief specialist confirms that your debts are unsecured (credit cards, medical, personal loans), your total balance (usually $7.5k–$10k+), and that you’re experiencing financial hardship. State eligibility is checked.

Free debt review (20–30 minutes)
Your specialist reviews your accounts, income, and budget. You’ll see an estimated monthly deposit, timeline (often 24–48 months), and a transparent fee model. No upfront fees.

Dedicated savings account (in your name)
You open a separate, FDIC-insured account that you control 100%. Your monthly deposit goes here—this is what funds future settlements. You can view your balance anytime.

Redirect payments & build your settlement fund
Instead of paying enrolled creditors, you deposit into the dedicated account.

Important: Pausing payments can mean late fees, collection activity, or credit score impact. The positive trade-off is building leverage to settle for less than the full balance, allowing you to save money while getting out of debt.

Your triple-verified expert handles creditor outreach
With your authorization, the specialist communicates with creditors and collectors. You may still receive calls/letters; you’ll get guidance on how to handle them.

Negotiation & approval—nothing happens without your OK
Once your savings reach a workable amount, the specialist negotiates a settlement. You review and approve every offer in writing—no surprises.

Settle & pay from your dedicated account
Approved settlements are paid as a lump sum or structured payments from your account. Program fees are only earned after a settlement is reached and you’ve authorized payment (no advance fees).

Repeat until all enrolled debts are resolved
This cycles through your creditors, one by one, until everything enrolled is settled. You get documentation for each account showing it’s resolved.

Aftercare: credit & taxes

Credit: Scores often dip early and can recover after completion with good habits.

Taxes: Forgiven debt may be reported on a 1099-C. You may qualify for the insolvency exclusion—ask a tax pro.

Cancel anytime
Legitimate programs let you exit without penalty. Any money in your dedicated account is yours.