Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Tuesday, January 21st
TurboDebt is one of the newest options on our list of debt consolidation options. Opening its doors in 2020, they're the fastest-growing debt relief company we found, with over $15 billion in settled debt and over 500,000 enrolled clients nationwide.
Partner with major players
The first thing you need to understand about TurboDebt is that they're not a debt consolidation company in the traditional sense. Instead of offering you a debt relief program that they've developed in house, they partner with major debt consolidation companies who specialize in those programs. With a variety of companies and programs in their arsenal, they can refer you to the right company and program that makes the most sense for your particular financial needs.
Getting started is easy
Getting started with TurboDebt is easy. Simply use the slider on the page to show how much debt you currently have, and press Continue. The next page will ask whether you're currently paying on your debt. Depending on these answers, you also may be asked whether you have any unpaid taxes or unfiled tax returns. At this point TurboDebt determines whether you might quality for debt relief. If so, enter your contact information and they'll reach out for your free initial consultation.
Free consultation
When TurboDebt contacts you, they'll want to know your unique financial situation. Their credit counselors are friendly, and they walk you through a number of simple questions. How much debt do you have? What types of debt does it include? Are you current on your payments? What is your income? All of these factors help them identify the right partner and program that can best meet your needs.
Types of debt
There are essentially 2 kinds of debt people can have: secured debt vs unsecured debt.
Thinking bankruptcy? Think again.
Sometimes, desperate people think bankruptcy could be a solution to their financial situation. TurboDebt does not provide bankruptcy services, although they may be able to recommend a local bankruptcy attorney in your area. But that should really be your last resort. For example, in bankruptcy you may be required to sell many of your assets to pay off your creditors. You'll take a big hit on your credit score, and your bankruptcy can follow you for up to 10 years - making it hard to get a house, a car, or even a job. You also may be required to meet with the people you owe money to, and live under a court-ordered budget for up to 5 years. And that's just for starters. Compared to this, a program where you could be debt-free at the end is absolutely worth pursuing.
Approximate savings
How much can you save with TurboDebt? That's a great question, and is different for every person. If you're able to stay with the program and get all of your debt settled, TurboDebt claims a savings of 46% before fees (or a net savings of 25% once their fees are factored in). Many of their clients become debt-free in 24-48 months. Of course, your specific savings and timeframe will vary based on your financial situation; the TurboDebt credit counselor you talk to should be able to help with an accurate assessment.
Positive customer reviews
One of the best things we like about TurboDebt is their customer satisfaction. First off, in a relatively short time they've earned an impressive A- rating from the BBB. Secondly, they have a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot with over 7,500 5-star reviews, and a 4.8 rating with over 2,000 reviews on their Google business page. That may be why they're the fastest growing debt relief service today. Finally, the customer comments we've seen about their service are very positive. From fee transparency and friendly credit counselors, to positive experiences - such as one customer who went from being $84,000 in credit card debt to being debt free in just 8 months - people have a lot of good things to say about TurboDebt.
High rating
Although they're a relative new player in this space, TurboDebt has a lot of good things going for it. Their website is intuitive and easy to use. In less than a minute you can step through their questions to determine whether you're eligible for debt relief. Their initial call is free, and their credit counselors are knowledgeable and friendly while they get to know you and your financial needs. They have a strong reputation with the BBB, and thousands of customers who praise their service. If you're looking for help with your debt situation, TurboDebt stands ready to help and they receive one of our highest ratings.
It's safe to say that, in today's economy, Americans are drowning in debt. From credit cards (a $6,000 balance per household, on average) to mortgages, from student loans to car payments, even unpaid income taxes and beyond, we're all feeling the pinch of inflation, the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic, and a myriad of other stresses on our wallets.
Fortunately, there's a solution. Debt relief programs can be a valuable resource for individuals struggling with overwhelming debt, providing a structured pathway to regain financial stability. Whether you're dealing with job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or simply overspending (we've all been there!), debt relief is out there.
Let's consider some of the ways that debt relief programs can be structured, so that you'll have an idea of which one might be best suited for your particular situation. First up is debt consolidation. This involves combining multiple debts into a single, more manageable loan with lower interest rates. It simplifies payments and may reduce the overall interest paid. Consolidation is usually accomplished through a personal loan: interest rates may be on the higher side compared with other types of borrowing, but still lower than what you're likely paying on a typical credit card balance. This type of debt relief doesn't necessarily come with any hands-on help: you apply for the loan and use it to pay down your high-interest debt, but that's about it. It might not be the best fit if you need help restructuring your finances or want advice on how to not get in over your head again in the future.
Next, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a debt management plan, or DMP. Offered by credit counseling agencies, DMPs involve negotiating with creditors to lower interest rates or waive fees. Participants make consolidated payments to the agency, which then distributes them to creditors.
A similar debt relief strategy is debt settlement, which involves negotiating with creditors to settle debts for less than the full amount owed. While this can significantly reduce debt, it may negatively impact credit scores and involve tax implications. You can attempt to do this on your own, or you can work with a service that works on your behalf.
But, there are a few things to be aware of with debt relief. Unfortunately, the industry has its share of scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Be wary of companies promising quick fixes or asking for hefty upfront fees. Always research companies thoroughly and verify their credentials. Also, enrolling in certain debt relief programs may negatively affect your credit score initially, and debt settlement in particular can have both legal implications and tax consequences. You may need to get the input of a financial advisor or attorney to make sure you understand all of the possible ramifications before you commit.
But, don't let that scare you away from debt relief as a whole. The right program can get you on the road to financial recovery, and there are plenty of trustworthy ones out there too. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Debt relief programs can provide a lifeline if you're drowning in debt, offering strategies to regain control of your finances. However, it's crucial to approach them with caution, thoroughly researching options, watching out for red flags, and selecting reputable providers. The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of the most well-known options out there today, to help you embark on the journey towards a debt-free future.
Select any 2 Debt Relief Companies to compare them head to head