Debt relief options

Explore your debt relief options.

There is no single approach that fits everyone. Explore counseling, repayment programs, borrowing options, settlement, and bankruptcy considerations—and understand the benefits and tradeoffs before deciding what to pursue.

Request free debt guidance Talk to a caring team member

Our initial debt guidance is free and does not enroll you in a program. Christian financial counseling is a separate service with its own scope and pricing. Independent agencies, lenders, settlement providers, and attorneys deliver the other services described below.

Your circumstances

Begin with your budget, account status, and household priorities.

The full picture

Compare costs, commitments, credit effects, and risks together.

Your choice

Ask questions and explore alternatives before making a commitment.

Your options

Understand the different ways forward.

Some approaches help you organize your finances. Others change repayment terms, refinance balances, negotiate debts, or provide legal relief. The right fit depends on your budget, account status, priorities, and circumstances.

Open any option to compare how it works, when it may fit, and what to consider.

Christian Financial Counseling Budgeting, financial habits, goals, and biblical stewardship support.

How it works: Personalized educational support to help you understand your finances, organize cash flow, clarify goals, and develop practical next steps.
When it may be worth exploring: You want clarity, accountability, or support through a financial transition—whether or not you need a debt relief program.
Payments and potential savings: Counseling may help identify budget changes and repayment approaches. It does not directly change creditor balances, interest rates, or required payments.
Timing and commitment: A session or ongoing support, depending on your needs. Counseling does not promise a particular debt payoff timeline.
Eligibility and getting started: No loan application or debt relief program enrollment is required. Review the available counseling services and choose the support that meets your needs.
Costs and tradeoffs: Separate counseling pricing applies. This service provides education and support; it does not include creditor negotiations, legal or tax advice, or investment management.
Who provides the service: FaithWorks Financial’s Christian financial counseling service.

Explore Christian financial counseling

Christian Credit Counseling Explore an agency-administered debt management plan to repay eligible debts.

How it works: An independent credit counseling agency reviews your finances and may recommend a debt management plan (DMP). You make a payment to the agency, which distributes payments to participating creditors.
When it may be worth exploring: You can repay your credit card balances, but high interest or multiple due dates make progress difficult. The proposed payment must fit after essential expenses; each account needs review.
Payments and potential savings: A DMP generally repays the full principal, with possible reductions in interest and certain fees. Compare the complete monthly payment, including agency charges. Creditor concessions are not guaranteed.
Timing and commitment: Many DMPs run about three to five years. The agency’s proposed plan determines your schedule. Confirm creditor acceptance and the first payment dates before changing existing payments.
Eligibility and getting started: The agency reviews your budget, creditor participation, and ability to sustain the plan. FaithWorks’ referrals generally focus on credit card debt; account acceptance and state availability vary.
Costs and tradeoffs: Initial agency counseling may be free; a DMP may have setup and monthly fees. Enrolled cards are typically closed, new credit use may be restricted, and credit effects vary. Missed payments can affect concessions. A DMP does not create court protection.
Who provides the service: An independent credit counseling agency administers the DMP and distributes payments. FaithWorks provides initial guidance and referrals. The agency is not necessarily Christian; our faith informs how we support you.

Explore Christian credit counseling

Debt Consolidation Loan Use a new loan to repay existing balances under different terms.

How it works: A new loan pays off existing debts, such as credit cards or personal loans. You repay the new lender under the loan agreement. Consolidation refinances debt; it does not forgive principal.
When it may be worth exploring: You qualify for terms that improve your repayment path, can maintain the payment, and have a plan to avoid rebuilding balances on paid-off accounts.
Payments and potential savings: A lower rate may reduce borrowing costs. A lower payment may also come from a longer term, which can increase total cost. Compare APR, fees, usable proceeds, and total repayment together.
Timing and commitment: Approval, funding, and repayment terms vary by lender. Compare the offered payoff schedule with your existing repayment approach.
Eligibility and getting started: Lenders assess credit, income, existing obligations, and other underwriting requirements. Approval and favorable rates are not guaranteed.
Costs and tradeoffs: Interest, origination fees, and other charges may apply. A loan may not improve your situation if costs are high or the payment is unsustainable. Adding new card balances can leave you with both the loan and new debt.
Who provides the service: An independent lender approves the loan and sets its terms. FaithWorks is not a lender. Our service page explains loan comparisons, including our relationship with SuperMoney.

Explore debt consolidation loans

Debt Settlement Seek creditor agreements to resolve eligible debts for less than the balance.

How it works: A creditor or collector may agree to accept less than the full balance to resolve a debt. You may negotiate directly or use a settlement provider for a fee. Each creditor decides whether to agree.
When it may be worth exploring: Repaying eligible unsecured debts in full is no longer realistic, but you can set aside money toward settlements after essentials. Compare repayment and legal options before committing.
Payments and potential savings: A program contribution may be below current minimum payments, but money saved for settlement is not a creditor payment and does not keep accounts current. Fees, growing balances, and unresolved debts affect net savings.
Timing and commitment: Timing depends on available funds, creditor decisions, account balances, and the approach used. Program estimates are not guarantees; neither is settling every account.
Eligibility and getting started: Settlement is not a loan application. Providers still review hardship, accepted debts, state availability, and your ability to fund settlements.
Costs and tradeoffs: Provider and account fees can apply. Missed payments can damage credit, increase balances, and lead to collection activity or lawsuits. Enrollment does not create court protection. Canceled debt may have tax consequences; exceptions can apply.
Who provides the service: You can approach creditors yourself, or an independent settlement provider can handle its negotiations and program. FaithWorks provides guidance and referrals; we do not negotiate accounts or hold settlement funds.

Explore debt settlement

Bankruptcy Understand legal relief through Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 repayment plan.

How it works

Chapter 7: Can discharge qualifying debts without a repayment plan. Nonexempt property may be sold; some obligations remain.

Chapter 13: Uses a court-approved repayment plan. Remaining qualifying debts may be discharged after successful completion.

When it may be worth exploring

Repayment is unrealistic, collection activity threatens your household, or you need to understand legal protections and property considerations. An attorney should evaluate the available options.

Payments and potential savings

Filing generally pauses many collection actions, subject to exceptions and limits. Which debts are discharged, what you must pay, and what happens to secured obligations depend on the case.

Timing and commitment

Chapter 7 discharge often occurs within several months after filing; preparation and case administration can take longer. Chapter 13 plans generally last three to five years.

Eligibility and getting started

Chapter 7 eligibility can involve means-test rules, income, and prior filings. Chapter 13 involves regular income, applicable debt limits, and a feasible plan. Both involve documents, required counseling, and other legal requirements.

Costs and tradeoffs

Filing and legal costs, credit effects, exemptions, property, and debts that remain need individual review. Chapter 13 may offer a way to retain property and catch up on certain arrears when its requirements are met.

Who provides the service

A bankruptcy attorney or qualified legal resource provides legal advice; the court administers the case. FaithWorks can help you look for an appropriate resource, but does not provide legal advice or file cases. A consultation does not commit you to filing.

Explore bankruptcy considerations

Your financial situation is personal

Your circumstances matter.

Your income, household needs, type of debt, payment status, credit profile, assets, and long-term goals all affect what may be worth exploring.

A thoughtful conversation can help you understand the questions to ask and the next steps before you choose. You may need a combination of approaches for different accounts.

Other approaches to consider

A formal program is one possible path.

Depending on your circumstances, steps you take independently or directly with a creditor may also deserve consideration.

Repaying independently

A budget and payoff strategy may help when your income can cover essentials and debt payments. Compare interest costs, the expected timeline, and a payment you can maintain.

Continuing minimum payments and stopping payments have very different consequences. Avoiding a program still calls for a realistic plan.

Creditor hardship assistance

Ask creditors about temporary payment changes, reduced interest, or other hardship arrangements. Availability and terms differ; confirm the agreement and any account restrictions in writing.

For debts you cannot repay in full, you may also ask about a settlement directly. Review the agreement, funding needs, and consequences before accepting.

Home equity borrowing

A home equity loan or line of credit may refinance balances. It does not forgive debt. Approval, rates, fees, and repayment terms determine whether it improves your finances.

Your home secures repayment. Replacing unsecured debt with debt secured by your home adds a risk of losing the home if you cannot repay. Longer terms can increase total cost; HELOC rates and payments may change.

Before you decide

Look at the full picture.

The monthly payment is one part of the decision. Compare eligibility, fees, total cost, timelines, credit effects, and risks before moving forward.

Ask what happens if your income changes, an account is excluded, or the approach does not work as expected.

What type of debt do you have?: Review each balance, creditor, interest rate, and payment status. Different debts may need different approaches.
What can your household afford?: Protect essential expenses and leave room for irregular costs before committing to a payment.
What will this cost in total?: Include interest, provider fees, account charges, and the effect of extending repayment.
Will this keep your accounts current?: Confirm who receives each payment and when. A program deposit or consultation is not necessarily a creditor payment.
What are the tradeoffs?: Understand credit effects, account closures, collection risks, and potential consequences for property.
Who will provide the service?: Review the provider, written terms, state availability, and what support is included.

Our Christian approach

Compassion, clarity, and room to decide.

Our faith informs how we listen, explain choices, and respect the people we serve. Stewardship includes an honest look at what your household can afford and care for those who depend on you.

We do not rank one debt option as more Christian than another. Prayer, trusted counsel, and qualified professional advice can each have a place in your decision. Our guidance welcomes people of any faith or no faith.

The goal is an informed decision that fits your circumstances and priorities, with room to reflect and ask questions.

Your next step

Start with a conversation.

You do not need to know which option fits before reaching out. We can help you understand your situation, compare the paths worth exploring, and identify questions for the appropriate provider.

Request free debt guidance Explore financial counseling

Your initial debt guidance is free. Separate financial counseling services and provider programs have their own terms and pricing.