Do it Yourself
UpdatedFeb 20, 2025
- If you can afford to pay your credit cards down faster, you may be able to solve your debt problems yourself.
- You'll pay the entire balance owed with no concessions from creditors.
- Your credit rating should improve as you lower your balances.
It’s true: making your minimum payments keeps you looking decent on paper. You avoid late fees, aren’t reported to the credit bureaus as delinquent, and therefore don’t have to worry about hurting your credit score. So what’s the catch? Interest. You pay a very, very heavy price for making only your minimum payments.
Minimum payments are how credit card companies make money from you. When you make only the minimum payment, a significant portion of your payment goes towards your interest or finance charges.
If you are struggling to make ends meet and only paying the minimum on your accounts, it may feel like your balances never come down. Fees and interest accumulate quickly and you may even end up paying way more than you originally owed. Not to mention, it could literally take you decades to pay off. If you’re struggling with debt, it may be time to seek help.
There are online tools and resources that can help you calculate how much you’d need to pay each month to save on interest and pay off the debt by a certain date. You can find out different strategies for how to get out of debt by yourself. But if you are already struggling to pay the minimum on your accounts, these strategies may not be successful for you.
Instead, debt resolution may be a better option. The way the Freedom Debt Relief program is structured, your monthly program deposits could be lower than your current minimum payments. That means you could be working to resolve your debt while actually saving money each month.
To see if you qualify, call a Certified Debt Consultant at Freedom Debt Relief now at 800-910-0065.
Insights into debt relief demographics
We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during November 2024. The data provides insights about key characteristics of debt relief seekers.
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.
Credit card debt - average debt by selected states.
According to the 2023 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) the average credit card debt for those with a balance was $6,021. The percentage of families with credit card debt was 45%. (Note: It used 2022 data).
Unsurprisingly, the level of credit card debt among those seeking debt relief was much higher. According to November 2024 data, 88% of the debt relief seekers had a credit card balance. The average credit card balance was $15,618.
Here's a quick look at the top five states based on average credit card balance.
| State | Average credit card balance | Average # of open credit card tradelines | Average credit limit | Average Credit Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $16,967 | 7 | $24,102 | 121% |
| Arkansas | $12,989 | 9 | $28,791 | 83% |
| Tennessee | $13,822 | 9 | $27,261 | 82% |
| New Mexico | $11,860 | 8 | $25,731 | 82% |
| Kentucky | $12,834 | 8 | $26,156 | 81% |
The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a credit card balance over $0.
Are you starting to navigate your finances? Or planning for your retirement? These insights can help you make informed choices. They can help you work toward financial stability and security.
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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