Have $7,000 in credit card debt? This connection service may be able to help.
Struggling with credit card payments and no end in sight? California Debt Relief may be able to connect you with a debt relief company that can help — whether you’re looking for debt settlement or coaching to do it yourself.
Only California residents can take advantage, though. And you need to have at least in credit card debt to be considered.
As a debt relief connection service, California Debt Relief charges no fees to connect you with a company that may be able to help. Your ultimate costs depend on the debt relief provider you're matched with and the program you sign up for.
However, in the fine print on California Debt Relief's website, it mentions that some debt consolidation companies may charge a one-time enrollment fee between $25 and $75. You may also be on the hook for a monthly program administration fee that can vary from $5 to $75 depending on the number of creditors you owe.
How much could I save with California Debt Relief?
There's no maximum dollar amount. How much you can save depends on the company you use and your specific financial situation, including how much debt you owe. However, you can use California Debt Relief's savings calculator to get an idea of your potential savings.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of California Debt Relief?
Benefits
Variety of services covered. This connection service can help you find several types of debt relief programs, not just debt settlement.
Quality-screened partners. California Debt Relief only connects you with BBB-accredited debt relief companies.
Calculates your best options. The website's savings calculator helps you find the right type of debt relief program to maximize your savings.
Drawbacks
Limited to credit card debt. California Debt Relief is restricted if your drowning in medical bills or debt from unsecured personal loans.
High minimum debt amount. You won’t be able to get connected with a debt relief company if you have less than $7,000 in debt.
Limited to California. As the name suggests, the site will only connect you with debt relief companies in California.
Not a direct debt relief provider. While California Debt Relief can help match you with a debt relief company, it doesn’t offer these services itself.
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Before you sign up with a debt relief company
Debt relief companies typically charge a percentage of a customer’s debt or a monthly program fee for their services. And not all companies are transparent about these costs or drawbacks that can negatively affect your credit score. Depending on the company you work with, you might pay other fees for third-party settlement services or setting up new accounts, which can leave you in a worse situation than when you signed up.
Consider alternatives before signing up with a debt relief company:
Payment extensions. Companies you owe may be willing to extend your payment due date or put you on a longer payment plan if you ask.
Nonprofit credit counseling. Look for free debt-management help from nonprofit organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Debt settlement. If you can manage to pay a portion of the bill, offer the collection agency a one-time payment as a settlement. Collection agencies are often willing to accept a lower payment on your debt to close the account.
What is California Debt Relief?
Founded in 2005, California Debt Relief is a connection service for California debt relief companies accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It helps match customers with local services, including debt consolidation, debt settlement and DIY debt counseling.
What do users say about California Debt Relief?
Though California Debt Relief lacks customer reviews or testimonials, it's accredited with the BBB and earns an A+ rating as of March 2019. What's more, the service exclusively connects users with BBB-accredited debt relief companies.
Still, we recommend looking up online reviews of the debt relief company you're connected with to see what former clients have to say about their experience.
Is it safe to use California Debt Relief?
In general, yes — though no website can ensure your information stays 100% safe. California Debt Relief does its part by using McAfee security systems to protect any personal details you enter online. Its privacy policy clearly states how it uses and shares your information, and it also explains how to opt out if you wish.
How do I get started?
Follow these steps to get connected with a debt relief company through California Debt Relief:
Go to the California Debt Relief website.
Select how much credit card debt you have and click GetSavings Estimate.
Select how much lower your monthly payments need to be to afford your credit card payments. Click Continue.
Select whether you have any other debts. Click Continue.
Enter your contact details and click Get Savings Estimate.
From there, California Debt Relief will outline your estimated monthly and total savings, as well as how quickly you can get out of debt. You'll then receive a phone call from a debt relief specialist to review your estimate and discuss debt relief companies in your area that can help.
I've signed up. What happens next?
What happens next depends on the debt relief company you're connected with and what type of program you sign up for.
A debt settlement program usually involves making monthly payments into a settlement account over three to five years. Once you have enough saved up, the company will negotiate with your creditors to get the amount you owe reduced. If successful, the debt relief company will then repay your creditors with money from your settlement account — and likely withdraw fees for the service.
How do I get in touch with California Debt Relief customer service?
You have three ways to get in touch with a California Debt Relief customer service member:
Phone: 818-708-7814
Email: support@envoymediagroup.com
Mail: Envoy Media Group, Inc. 19350 Business Center Drive Suite 101 Northridge, CA 91324
Bottom line
If you have more than $7,000 in credit card debt, California Debt Relief may be able to connect you with a debt relief company that can help. You need to live in California to qualify, though.
Steven Dashiell is Senior Writer, Personal Finance at Finder specializing in all things credit cards. With more than 300 articles under his belt, he aims to help readers embrace credit cards and maximize their rewards. Steve is studying to become a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, and is a frequent face on Finder’s YouTube channel, offering the latest in credit card hacks and advice. His expertise has been featured on numerous outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, NASDAQ, Time, CBS, Fox Business, Lifehacker, Martha Stewart Living and more.
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