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Consolidation combines debts into a new loan, often with better terms. You pay the full amount owed. Settlement involves negotiating with creditors to pay a lump sum that is less than the full amount you owe. This severely damages your credit score and should be approached with extreme caution.
A DMP is a structured program offered by non-profit credit counseling agencies. The counselor negotiates with your creditors to lower interest rates and waive fees, and you make one single payment to the agency, which then distributes it to your creditors.
Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, those with lower or volatile incomes, and individuals already struggling with financial management are most at risk. The ease of access can be particularly dangerous for those without a financial safety net.
The process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 months, depending on the amount of debt and the speed at which you save funds in the dedicated account. During this entire time, your credit remains damaged and you are vulnerable to collections.
List all sources of income and every expense (fixed and variable). Use tools like spreadsheets, budgeting apps (e.g., Mint, YNAB), or the envelope system to track cash flow.