Debt Relief Resources & Guides

Clear, jargon-free answers to the questions people actually ask about getting out of debt — written by a non-profit credit counseling agency, not a salesperson. Start here, then talk to a real counselor when you are ready.

Where to start

To understand your debt options, start by learning the difference between the main paths: debt management, debt consolidation, debt settlement, and bankruptcy. The guides below explain each in plain language — what it costs, how it affects your credit, and who it fits — so you can choose with confidence before talking to a licensed non-profit counselor.

Featured guide · Debt Basics

Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement: What's the Difference?

They sound alike but work in opposite ways — one protects your credit while you repay in full, the other negotiates a reduced lump sum. Here's how to tell them apart.

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12 articles · updated regularly

Compare your options

Debt Basics

Debt Management vs. Bankruptcy: Which Path Is Right for You?

Both relieve debt, but they work in opposite ways — one repays what you owe while protecting your credit, the other is a legal process with a long-lasting record. Here's how to weigh them.

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Debt Basics

Debt Consolidation Loan vs. Debt Management Plan: What's the Difference?

They sound similar, but one is a new loan you have to qualify for and the other isn't a loan at all. Here's how each works and who each one fits.

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Eligibility

Is a Debt Management Plan Right for Me?

A debt management plan isn't for everyone. Here are the honest signals that it's a good fit, the signs it isn't, and what to expect — so you can decide with confidence.

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Eligibility

What Types of Debt Qualify for a Debt Management Plan?

Credit cards usually qualify; mortgages and student loans usually don't. A clear rundown of what can go on a plan.

Coming soon

Get out of a specific debt

By Debt Type

How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt

High interest is what makes credit card debt so hard to escape. Here are the real ways to pay it down — and how a non-profit plan can cut the interest working against you.

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By Debt Type

How to Handle Medical Debt

Medical bills follow different rules than other debt. Here's how to check a bill before you pay, what it does (and doesn't) do to your credit, and the practical ways to handle it.

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By Debt Type

How to Pay Off Personal Loan Debt

Personal loans are now one of the fastest-growing kinds of consumer debt. Here's how to pay one off faster — and how a non-profit plan can help when several debts pile up.

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Understand the basics

Credit

How Your Credit Works — and How Debt Affects It

Your credit score is mostly about two things: paying on time and how much you owe. Here's what's really in the score, how debt moves it, and the myths to ignore.

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Choosing Help

How to Choose a Legitimate Non-Profit Credit Counseling Agency

Not every "non-profit" or "debt relief" company is what it claims. Here are the credentials to demand, the red flags of a scam, and the exact questions to ask before you trust anyone with your money.

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Taxes

Is Forgiven Debt Taxable? What You Need to Know

Forgiven debt can count as income at tax time. Here's when the IRS treats canceled debt as taxable — and when it doesn't.

Coming soon

Your Rights

Understanding Your Rights: Debt Relief Consumer Protections

Federal and Michigan rules exist to protect you. Know your rights around fees, disclosures, debt collectors, and cancellation.

Coming soon

Still have questions?

Reading helps. Talking helps more.

A licensed counselor can answer your specific questions in a free, no-obligation call.

Talk to a Licensed Counselor