What's a Debt Management Plan?

You may access a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. If a debt management plan is the right fit for you, it may provide the structure and support you need to regain control over your financial life.

How do debt management plans work?

If you think a debt management plan is the right next step for you, or you’re interested in learning more about this option, look for an accredited nonprofit credit counseling agency. 

Credit counselors are certified professionals who help you develop strategies for managing your debt and developing strong financial habits. If you opt for a debt management plan, the credit counseling agency may also act as a go-between for you and your lenders.

Once you contact an agency, you may take the following steps to create and follow a debt management plan:

1. The credit counselor assigned to your case reviews your overall finances, debt, and any other relevant information.
2. Your credit counselor sets up an individualized payment plan that consolidates your unsecured debt into one monthly payment. The credit counselor may try to negotiate a reduced interest rate and lower or waived fees with each of your creditors. According to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), you may pay a fee to open the plan and small monthly fees.
3. Once your payment plan is confirmed, you’ll close your existing credit accounts. Typically, you may not be able to open any new lines of credit until your debt is paid in full.
4. Every month, you submit one payment to the credit agency, which pays your creditors on your behalf. The NCUA explains that it may take four years or longer to finish a debt management plan.

Pros and cons of debt management programs

Before you decide whether to move forward with a debt management program, it’s important to carefully consider some of the benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of a debt management plan

• Simplifies your finances: With a single monthly payment and due date, you may have an easier time keeping track of your monthly bills.
• Lowers your costs: Lowering your interest rates and fees might make a significant difference to your monthly expenses, particularly if you’re on a budget. With smaller interest charges, a greater portion of every payment goes toward the principal amount, which may help you make more progress on your debt.
• Help you pay off your debt: Having a plan in place may help you pay off your debt if you make your monthly payments on time.
• Gets you the support you need: It’s easier to reach your financial goals when you have someone else to hold you accountable and offer support. Using a debt management plan may also help you add more structure to your overall financial life.

Drawbacks of a debt management program

• May not apply to all debt: A debt management plan typically only applies to unsecured debt. Unsecured debts don’t require collateral, or something of value you own to back the loan, like a house or car. Credit cards, student loans, and personal loans are often unsecured. But mortgages and car loans are usually secured loans, so they’re typically not candidates for debt management.
• Limits your access to credit: With a debt management plan, you typically must close any open credit accounts. You usually can’t open new accounts until you’ve repaid your debt, which may be a big lifestyle change if you’re used to paying with credit cards.
• Requires financial discipline: Signing on to a debt management program may not be easy—you might have to shift your financial habits, rework your budget, and prioritize paying off your debt over other expenses.
• May charge a monthly fee: The credit counseling agency may charge you a small monthly fee for each account in your debt plan.

Is a debt management plan right for you?

A debt management program may be right for you in the following circumstances:

• You’re struggling to pay off high-interest credit card debt.
• You have several credit cards with different payments and due dates each month, which makes your bills hard to manage.
• You’re looking for structured financial support, advice, and guidance without turning to bankruptcy.

Do debt management plans affect your credit?

A debt management plan may affect your credit because it involves closing credit accounts, which might change your credit mix, length of credit history, and your credit utilization, or how much of your available credit you are using at one time. Each of these factors may impact your credit score.

However, a debt management plan may hurt your credit less than some of the alternatives, such as a debt settlement or declaring bankruptcy. Plus, once your debt is under control, you can work on practicing good credit habits to rebuild your score.

Alternatives to debt management plans

If you decide a debt management plan isn’t a good fit for your situation, consider some of the following alternatives:

• Debt consolidation loans: With a debt consolidation loan, which is a type of personal loan, you may borrow the money you need to pay off multiple debts at one time. Then, you pay back the loan in predictable monthly payments at a fixed interest rate, simplifying your monthly bills.
• Debt settlement: If you’re interested in negotiating your debt with your creditors, you might be able to reach an agreement with the help of a debt settlement company. Debt settlement may hurt your credit score, so it’s important to consider your options carefully before settling debts.
• Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy may be the best solution if your debt is simply too much for you to pay off, even with extra support.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, bankruptcy may stay on your credit report for up to 10 years.
• Balance transfer credit card: Moving your debt from one or more credit cards to a new credit card with a potentially lower interest rate may save you money over time and make your monthly payments easier to manage.

The bottom line

If you’re looking for a better way to manage your debt and improve your finances, a debt management plan might be the answer. By working with a credit counseling agency to consolidate your monthly debt payments and potentially lower your interest rates, you may save money in the long run and find support and guidance along the way.

By carefully weighing your options, you may find a solution that helps you take charge of your money and create a more secure and stable financial future.