Explore the library
Questions about your debt — page 3
Find the issue behind the balance: charges, payment trouble, collections and resolving what remains. Page 3 of 3.
Get a guide for your situation.
No contact details. No credit check.
My HELOC Draw Period Is Ending: Avoiding Payment Shock
HELOC payments can rise sharply when drawing ends and repayment begins; request the projected payment while you still have time to compare options.
Read the guide →debt questionOld Apartment Debt in Collections: What to Do
An old apartment collection may be disputable or negotiable, but first reconstruct the lease ledger and every deposit credit.
Read the guide →debt questionOld Cell Phone Bill in Collections
An old phone collection should be checked for service dates, device financing, cancellation charges and equipment credits; the collection balance may combine several obligations.
Read the guide →debt questionOld Utility Bill in Collections
For an old utility collection, verify the service dates, final meter charges and credits before paying; resolving the debt and obtaining new service can be separate issues.
Read the guide →debt questionPersonal Loan Hardship Options
A personal-loan lender may offer a deferral, reduced payment or other hardship arrangement, but get the cost and final-payment effect before accepting.
Read the guide →debt questionRestitution Payments: What Are My Options?
Restitution is a court-ordered obligation with special rules; ask the responsible court about payment schedules and changes rather than treating it as a negotiable credit-card balance.
Read the guide →debt questionSBA Offer in Compromise: How It Works
An SBA offer in compromise is program-specific and may be available in qualifying cases; SBA's published requirement letter excludes COVID EIDL from that offer process.
Read the guide →debt questionSettling with Suppliers and Vendors
Supplier and vendor balances can sometimes be restructured or settled, especially with a clear account reconciliation and a credible operating plan.
Read the guide →debt questionShort Sale vs. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
A short sale sells the home for less than the secured debt; a deed in lieu transfers it to the lender. Neither automatically releases all remaining liability.
Read the guide →debt questionSmall Claims Judgment Against Me: What Now?
A small-claims judgment may still be settled, but the court order remains enforceable until satisfied, changed or otherwise resolved through the proper process.
Read the guide →debt questionSocial Security Overpayment: Waiver or Repayment
For a Social Security overpayment, appeal if the decision or amount is wrong, request a waiver if recovery should be excused, or request a lower repayment rate if you accept the debt but cannot afford the deduction.
Read the guide →debt questionState Tax Debt: Payment Plans and Settlement
State tax agencies may offer payment plans, hardship review or compromise programs, but IRS eligibility and approval do not automatically carry over to a state balance.
Read the guide →debt questionStopping MCA Daily Withdrawals: Your Options
Before blocking MCA withdrawals, review reconciliation and default provisions; stopping a debit can protect immediate cash while also triggering contractual enforcement risks.
Read the guide →debt questionTax Relief Companies: How to Choose
Choose tax help by credentials, scope, written fees and realistic advice; no company can guarantee an IRS settlement based only on the amount you owe.
Read the guide →debt questionTimeshare Exit Companies: Red Flags
A timeshare exit company deserves careful scrutiny if it guarantees a release, demands a large advance payment or tells you to stop communicating with the resort.
Read the guide →debt questionTitle Loan Repossession: Your Rights
Title-loan repossession rights vary by state and contract; ask immediately about notices, redemption, sale accounting and whether a surplus or deficiency is allowed.
Read the guide →debt questionUnderwater on a Car Loan: What Are My Options?
When a car is worth less than its payoff, selling or trading requires a plan for the negative equity; rolling that difference into another loan increases the new debt.
Read the guide →debt questionUnemployment Overpayment: Appeal, Waiver or Payment Plan
Unemployment overpayment relief depends on the state, benefit program and reason for overpayment; an appeal, waiver and payment plan solve different problems.
Read the guide →debt questionUtility Bill Assistance Programs
Energy-bill assistance may be available through LIHEAP, local programs or the utility, but funding, eligibility and application timing vary.
Read the guide →debt questionVA Debt: Waivers and Repayment Options
VA benefit debt may be reviewed through a dispute, waiver, compromise or repayment plan; use the debt notice and the correct VA office to choose the process.
Read the guide →debt questionVoluntary Surrender vs. Repossession
Voluntary surrender may reduce some recovery costs, but it can still result in credit damage and a deficiency; it is not the same as handing back the loan obligation.
Read the guide →debt questionWhat Happens If I Default on an SBA Loan?
Default on an SBA-backed or direct SBA loan can lead to collateral enforcement, guarantee claims and federal collection; consequences depend on the program and stage.
Read the guide →debt questionWhich Bank Owns My Store Card?
The issuing bank named on your statement or card agreement usually controls your store-card account; the retailer's brand is not enough to identify the creditor.
Read the guide →debt questionWill My School Hold My Transcript for Unpaid Tuition?
A school cannot always withhold every transcript for unpaid tuition; federal rules protect certain credits at participating schools, while state laws may provide broader rights.
Read the guide →