What is the difference between a settlement and a Debt Management program?
A settlement is when you arrange to pay less than the full balance of your debt that is due. When this occurs, the creditor will report that you settled on the debt and this will be reflected on your credit report for seven to ten years. Also, when you settle debt, there may be possible tax ramifications. With a Debt Management Program, the overall balance is not reduced (just the minimum payment due and interest rate), there are no tax implications and the creditors will not report that the debt was settled.