1. DEBT RELIEF

Study: Freedom Debt Relief Helps Clients Reduce Stress

Study: Freedom Debt Relief Helps Clients Reduce Stress
BY John Russo
Apr 12, 2019
 - Updated 
Dec 18, 2024
Key Takeaways:
  • Researchers at Arizona State University found that Freedom Debt Relief program graduates had less financial stress than consumers who qualified to enroll but chose not to.
  • Graduates were more likely to report better sleep, healthier relationships and improved quality of life.

The Freedom Debt Relief program may reduce stress

When you’re dealing with debt, you may feel stressed and out of control—both financially and emotionally. But what if there was a way to curb that stress and start feeling better about your situation? A recent study from the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University suggests that Freedom Debt Relief may have the answer for your debt stress.

Wish you could feel less stressed?

As you may know, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to get you out of debt faster and for less than you . But it turns out that folks who sign up and complete our debt settlement program feel less stressed than people who are struggling with debt and could have signed up, but didn’t.

In fact, the study found that compared to those who never enrolled in Freedom Debt Relief, clients who graduated from the program:

  • Believe they are more in control of important things in their lives

  • Think things are going their way

  • Feel less overall stress than people who never signed up

Using an assessment called Perceived Stress Scale, the research institute concluded that Freedom Debt Relief graduates reported feeling 21% less stressed than those who never enrolled.

Looking for a sense of empowerment and well-being?

If you have ever shouldered the weight of overwhelming debt, you know that debt stress carries over into other aspects of your life. It affects your personal relationships, worsens your emotional state, and makes it harder to sleep at night.

However, Freedom Debt Relief graduates say that once this weight is lifted off of them, they see an improvement to their overall emotional and physical wellbeing. In fact, compared to folks who didn’t sign up:

  • 6% more Freedom Debt Relief graduates feel more empowered to make changes to their lives

  • 7% more Freedom Debt Relief graduates said they had strong and healthy personal relationships

  • 11% more Freedom Debt Relief graduates feel they can take steps to improve their quality of life

  • 6% more Freedom Debt Relief graduates stated that they sleep well at night

Being in debt can feel like a hopeless situation, like you’re trapped and there’s no way out. But our program could help guide you out of debt and back on the path to a brighter financial future. Not only could it help reduce your stress, it could lead to a better outlook on life in general.

Take the first steps toward reducing your debt stress

If your debts are adding to your stress or you’re worried about falling behind on payments, it might be time to take action. Freedom Debt Relief is here to help you understand your options for dealing with your debt, including our debt settlement program. Our Certified Debt Consultants can help you find a solution that will lead you to less stress and a better financial future. Find out if you qualify right now.

We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during November 2024. The data uncovers various trends and statistics about people seeking debt help.

FICO scores and enrolled debt

Curious about the credit scores of those in debt relief? In November 2024, the average FICO score for people enrolling in a debt settlement program was 586, with an average enrolled debt of $25,411. For different age groups, the FICO scores varied. For instance, those aged 51-65 had an average FICO score of 587 and an enrolled debt of $26,912. The 18-25 age group had an average FICO score of 550 and an enrolled debt of $14,146. No matter your age or debt level, it's reassuring to know you're not alone. Taking the step to seek help can lead you towards a brighter financial future.

Student loan debt  – average debt by selected states.

According to the 2023 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) the average student debt for those with a balance was $46,980. The percentage of families with student debt was 22%. (Note: It used 2022 data).

Student loan debt among those seeking debt relief is prevalent. In November 2024, 27% of the debt relief seekers had student debt. The average student debt balance (for those with student debt) was $48,703.

Here is a quick look at the top five states by average student debt balance.

StatePercent with student loansAverage Balance for those with student loansAverage monthly payment
District of Columbia34$71,987$203
Georgia29$59,907$183
Mississippi28$55,347$145
Alaska22$54,555$104
Maryland31$54,495$142

The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a student loan balance over $0.

Student debt is an important part of many households' financial picture. When you examine your finances, consider your total debt and your monthly payments.

Support for a Brighter Future

No matter your age, FICO score, or debt level, seeking debt relief can provide the support you need. Take control of your financial future by taking the first step today.

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