When it comes to tackling debt, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While Debt Management Programs (DMPs) offer a structured and supportive path, it’s important to understand the full spectrum of options available. From do-it-yourself strategies to legal solutions like bankruptcy, knowing the pros and cons of each approach can help you make the best choice for your unique situation.
How do DMPs compare to other options?
While we’re confident that they’re the safest and most supportive choice, we’re first and foremost committed to serving your unique needs. That’s why we want to give you a clear overview of your other choices so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
DIY Approach
A popular do-it-yourself approach to debt relief is the “avalanche” or “snowball” method.
Snowball Method: You pay off debts from smallest to largest balance, regardless of interest rate.
- Pros: Simple and motivating—knocking out small debts quickly gives a sense of momentum.
- Cons: It ignores interest rates, so you may end up paying more over time if high-interest debts are left for later.
Avalanche Method: You pay off debts from highest to lowest interest rate, regardless of balance.
- Pros: Saves money on interest in the long run.
- Cons: Progress may feel slower, especially if your highest-interest debts are also the largest.
Neither method involves creditor arrangements, so you may still face collection calls or fees while working your plan.
Debt Consolidation Loan
It’s all in the name. This is about combining all of your debts into a single loan payment and rate.
- Pros: Having all debt payments in one gets rid of that chaotic feeling that goes with multiple debts—a relief for sure. It may also offer a lower rate and payment. Also, you can improve your credit score with on-time payments.
- Cons: Sometimes you’ll need to have a good credit score to get a decent rate. There can also be up-front fees, depending on the lender. And while your monthly payments may be lower, this could lead to you paying a lot more in interest over time.
Balance Transfer Card
A credit card to which other credit card debt can be transferred.
- Pros: Another consolidation option (at least for credit cards). They often include a 0% or low-rate introductory APR, so any payments you make during that time reduces the principal balance. This is also a credit score-building method if you stay on top of your payments. Plus, no collateral is needed.
- Cons: There’s usually an up-front fee for transferring your balance (3 to 5%). Sometimes the credit limit on the card is too low to cover all your debt. After the introductory period, the rate usually jumps by a lot. Even missing a single payment can trigger a higher rate with some cards.
Debt Settlement
An agreement between you and creditors to settle your debt for a lower amount—usually a single lump sum payment.
- Pros: A debt settlement company may negotiate with your creditors to reduce the total amount you owe. If successful, this can reduce your overall debt burden and help you resolve debts more quickly than some other options. It may help you avoid bankruptcy or legal action—though this isn’t guaranteed.
- Cons: Causes major damage to your credit score, as interest and fees can accrue during the negotiation period. There is also no guarantee negotiations will succeed—completion rates range from 35% to 60%. Fees can be high, charging 15% to 25% of enrolled debt. Also, watch out: the debt settlement industry can be predatory, often citing “quick” or “instant” fixes that can hurt your long-term financial stability.
Bankruptcy
This process entails working with a lawyer to seek legal relief from debt. Bankruptcy typically includes a court-supervised plan that results in making payments or liquidating assets. However, bankruptcy should always be a last resort.
- Pros: It’ll reduce or eliminate those non-priority (unsecured) debts we mentioned earlier. Simply filing stops most collections—including collectors contacting you. You can also keep certain assets in some cases.
- Cons: It’s costly in so many ways. You’ll probably have to pay legal fees. It’ll also cause serious damage to your credit that can stay on your report for up to 10 years. Even after that, you could have difficulty borrowing again or getting a reasonable interest rate. It might not cover all your debt, and you may have to liquidate assets as part of your court order.
Choosing the right debt relief path starts with understanding your options and how they impact your finances. While each method has its benefits and drawbacks, DMPs remain a safe and supportive choice for many people seeking long-term debt freedom. In our next post, we’ll walk you through how a DMP actually works, step by step, and how to select the right partner to guide you toward success.
This article is shared by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.
