Louisiana residents face their fair share of financial challenges, with debt being a significant concern for many. In 2023, the average credit card debt Louisianans carry was approximately $24,500, which includes credit card balances, auto loans, and personal loans.
Credit card debt averages around $5,800 per person, while student loan debt weighs heavily on many, with the typical Louisiana graduate owing about $33,500. Given the state's median household income of $51,073, it's clear that many Louisiana families are struggling with the pressures of financial obligations.
If you're finding yourself overwhelmed by debt in the Pelican State, there are several debt relief options available to you. Let's explore these card debt relief avenues so you can choose the one that best fits your needs, level of debt, and income.
The journey to financial recovery often begins with financial and expert advice.
Financial counseling services assess your financial situation and show you how much you earn, spend, and owe. The goal is to find enough space to repay your debts while still maintaining a fulfilling way of life.
Part of debt counseling is budgeting and the availability of strategies to manage debt. That might mean eating less out, cooking at home, shopping less, or even earning more income by applying for a new position.
Throughout the state of Louisiana, many non-profit organizations offer free or affordable counseling. These organizations provide financial knowledge about personal finance management, helping you understand the various debt relief programs available and fit debt repayment into your existing financial planning.
A structured debt management plan (DMP) is usually created with the help of a credit counseling agency. The goal of a debt management program is to devise a repayment strategy.
Debt management agencies negotiate with debt collectors to lower interest rates or waive fees so that your debt burden is lighter. Part of the DMP is creating a plan for the next 3 to 5 years whereby you repay your existing debts in affordable monthly payments.
DMPs can be an ideal solution for people in Louisiana looking for guidance and support in managing their finances while honoring their debts in full.
Debt consolidation streamlines your existing financial obligations by merging multiple debts into a single loan, often at a reduced interest rate. If you have multiple credit card debts, personal loans, and other unsecured loans, you can secure a debt consolidation loan that will be used to repay all your existing debts. You then have to make one monthly payment toward the consolidation loan until you are debt-free. Debt consolidation loans simplify life and often lower high interest rates compared to credit cards.
Debt consolidation can help Louisiana residents with above-average credit scores who may be eligible for advantageous loan terms. By condensing multiple payments into one, you can keep track of your financial obligations and potentially realize interest savings over time.
Many Louisiana residents have substantial debt that cannot be repaid in full. Debt settlement can be a game-changing solution for them.
Debt settlement is based on the premise you can negotiate with your creditors to settle your debts for less than the full amount owed. A debt settlement firm like ClearOne can act on your behalf to reach agreements with each of your creditors and reduce your overall financial burden.
People who choose debt settlement as their debt relief solution put money aside in a dedicated program savings account. During this time, your debt settlement company negotiates with your creditors and presents your case, whereby they show that with your current income, it’s impossible for you to fulfill all your financial obligations.
Once your creditors have agreed to settle your debt, the money that you have been putting toward the dedicated account is used to make settlement payments to your creditors. Once your settlement payments are complete, you are debt-free.
Debt settlement may lower your debt by 25 to 50%, depending on your income, level of debt, and your creditors’ willingness to settle. However, it will stay on your credit report for up to 7 years and will impact your credit score. Of course, if you were already struggling to pay your debt, your credit score is probably already below average, and debt settlement can help you face a better financial future.
For many Louisianans facing severe financial strain, the advantage of reducing their total debt amount often outweighs the drawbacks. Debt settlement can be particularly effective for those struggling with substantial unsecured debt, such as high credit card balances.
When other debt relief options prove insufficient, bankruptcy can be the debt relief choice of last resort. Personal bankruptcy in Louisiana primarily comes in two forms: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer a fresh start by discharging certain debts, although you might be asked to liquidate personal assets. Chapter 13 involves restructuring debts into a manageable repayment plan.
Louisiana residents often find bankruptcy as the only debt relief solution that can liberate them from severe financial stress. Given the long-lasting implications on your credit and financial future, always consult with a qualified attorney before pursuing this option.
As you consider debt relief in Louisiana, know that you have several options, such as debt counseling, debt management, debt consolidation, and debt settlement.
Find the best Debt Specialists at ClearOne, and let us present all your options so you can make the right choice for your financial situation. Each debt relief option has its own advantages and drawbacks; our specialists are always available to help you overcome overwhelming debt.
We can help you settle your debt so that you can restart your life and face a safer and happier financial future. Call a ClearOne Certified Debt Specialist at 866-481-1597 today to discuss your situation, explore your debt relief options, and get a free savings estimate!
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ClearOne Advantage, LLC is a debt settlement company, not a lender, loan broker, creditor, credit services organization, or debt collector. ClearOne Advantage, LLC does not assume or pay any debts; receive, hold or control funds belonging to consumers; or provide bankruptcy, legal, accounting or tax advice. You should review full program terms and conditions before enrolling. To the extent that any aspect of the debt settlement services relies on or results in the consumer’s failure to make timely payments to the consumer’s creditors or debt collectors, the use of the debt settlement services: (1) Will likely adversely affect the consumer’s creditworthiness; (2) May result in the consumer being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money the consumer owes due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Not available in all states. Some third-party fees may apply. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 12-03822.
ClearOne Advantage is not a credit services organization and we do not make any claims regarding improvement of a consumer’s credit scores. Entering into a debt settlement program could adversely affect your credit score.
**Disclaimer - We do not charge upfront fees and you do NOT pay our fee until a settlement has been arranged, you approve the settlement, and at least one payment is made towards the settlement. As each situation is unique, fees and costs vary. Please contact us at 888-340-4697 for a free debt analysis and for complete program details.