Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief is the largest debt resolution company in the U.S. Based in San Mateo, California, Freedom Debt Relief helps debtors negotiate down debt and avoid bankruptcy. Customers commonly seek out these services when they can't afford monthly payments and home refinancing or debt consolidation are not options.

In December of 2010, after just eight years in business, Freedom Debt Relief became the first debt resolution company in the country to resolve a total of $1 billion in consumer debt. As of 2020,  it has resolved over $10 billion, and more than 650,000 clients have been served by the program.

How does Freedom Debt Relief work?

The process of achieving debt relief through this company starts with a free evaluation. A Certified Debt Consultant will speak with each potential client, explaining a variety of strategies that are available. Together, the client and consultant can determine if Freedom Debt Relief would be a good solution.

If a client is interested in taking the next step, the consultant will work to customize a program to the client's needs. The main goals include saving the client money, resolving debt in a shorter amount of time than it can take with other options, and setting a monthly deposit amount that works within the client's budget.

Here's how the program works:

1. You deposit money into an FDIC-insured Dedicated Account each month that you control.
2. Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) analyzes your debt and creates a negotiation strategy.
3. When you have enough funds and the strategy is set, FDR will begin negotiations on your behalf by contacting the creditors you owe.
4. The creditors and FDR will come to a settlement that will offer you savings.
5. You will be presented with this settlement, which you can authorize or reject.
6. If you authorize the settlement and it is paid in full, the creditor will report the new status to the credit bureaus.

FDR works toward settling your debts so you can move on and start rebuilding your credit. As a client, you’re able to track your progress, monitor debt negotiation activity, and much more via your online Client Dashboard.

How does Freedom Debt Relief charge customers for its services?

You may be wondering, "What's in it for Freedom Debt Relief?" When the company negotiates a settlement on one of your debts, and you authorize it, they will charge a fee. However, there are no up-front fees. So you only have to pay when your debt settlement is resolved.

How does Freedom Debt Relief affect your credit?

Any debt settlement or debt negotiation program, including Freedom Debt Relief, can negatively impact your credit. Here is why. Typically, you will stop paying your creditors, and instead, will invest money into a dedicated account with the company. This will result in missed payments on your existing debt, which appear on your credit report and will hurt your score. When a debt is settled for less than the original amount and marked resolved on your credit report, your score will also drop.

However, the damage done to your credit by a debt settlement is significantly less than the damage from filing bankruptcy. Further, it shows that you did your best to fulfill your obligations rather than giving up, and unlike bankruptcy, it will not show up on public records.

Eligibility

To enroll in FDR's services, you need to have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt, and you must be experiencing legitimate financial hardship. Note that this company can not help with secured debt, which involves loans backed by collateral such as auto loans and mortgages. Federal student loans are also not eligible for the program, though some private student loans will be allowed.

How to get a free evaluation

To get a free evaluation, you simply visit the website and click "Get Your Free Evaluation."

Here's how it works:

• Enter the amount of debt you have.
• Answer whether you are behind on your payments.
• Select the state in which you live.
• Provide your contact information.
• Then, wait for Freedom Debt Relief to get in touch with you to share the next steps.

Freedom Debt Relief pros and cons

Before you decide whether to move forward with this option, it is always important to do your research. The benefit here is that Freedom Debt Relief is a leader in the industry. With over $10 billion in resolved debt under its belt, it has experience in negotiating with creditors and getting settlements. When a creditor is speaking to a knowledgeable FDR representative who knows the ins and outs, they aren't going to be able to play games. Too often, when an individual borrower calls a creditor, the creditor might try several tactics to get the customer to pay more than they need. So having an expert on your side can be a big benefit.

The main drawback is that debt settlement will hurt your credit initially. To take this route, you will have to accept taking a hit to your credit score now to resolve your debt and start rebuilding.

Another thing to consider is that forgiven debts are taxable income, so you will have to pay taxes on the amounts forgiven at the end of the year. Exceptions do exist. Find out more about debt settlements and taxable income here.

The verdict

So, should you enlist the help of Freedom Debt Relief to help you handle your debt? If your debt is unsecured and over $10,000, you could qualify. But this decision is not one to make lightly.

On the one hand, you can reduce your debt owed, avoid bankruptcy, have knowledgeable consultants on your side, and speed up the time it takes to resolve your debt. On the other hand, your credit score is going to take a hit. There are no guarantees. You will have to pay fees for the services and will have to pay taxes on the debt that is forgiven.